Preparation of mefenamic acid sustained release beads based on kappa-carrageenan

Mefenamic acid (MA) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used as analgesic and antipyretic drug. Available conventional pharmaceutical forms are capsules and film-coated tablets given three times a day (t.t.d.). Natural polymers such as sodium alginate, pectin, chitosan and carregeenan, used as barriers to effect the drug release, are those of the main interest of researchers. The aim of the present study was to formulate sustained release MA-beads based on kappa-carrageenan in order to reduce daily dose and to minimize gastrointestinal disturbances caused by the drug.