Design and Evaluation of Enteric Coated Formulations for an Anti- Inflammatory Drug Based on Modified Release Polymers

Ketorolac is a potent non-steroidal drug with potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Its oral administration is associated with a high risk of adverse effects such as irritation, ulceration and bleeding of gastrointestinal tract. The present study focuses on the development of controlled release drug delivery system of ketorolac microcapsules as one of the multi-particulate formulations and are prepared to obtain prolonged drug delivery in order to decrease ulcerogenicity, improve bioavailability or stability and target a drug at specific sites. Microcapsules were prepared using Eudragit RS100, Eudragit RL100 and ethyl cellulose in ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 drug to polymer. IR, DTA and X-ray investigations revealed that there was no interaction between the drug and the polymers used. The in-vitro release studies showed that the release rate of the drug has been modified. This study presents a new approach based on microencapsulation technique for obtaining modified release drug delivery system.