Controlled-release naproxen using micronized ethyl cellulose by wet-granulation and solid-dispersion method

This study has been undertaken to develop a controlled-release tablet dosage form of naproxen using ethocel (ethyl cellulose) as the rate-controlling polymer. The formulations were made by employing the conventional wet-granulation method and the solid-dispersion method. Tablets made by both methods were compared for their controlled-release dissolution profiles. Both methods were useful in developing the controlled-release formulations of naproxen with desirable properties. However, the amount of polymer required to make a formulation with the desired release profile was 33% less via solid dispersion than via wet granulation. A cumulative 88% of naproxen was released from the solid-dispersion formulation, compared with 84% from the wet-granulation formulation.