Effect of thermal gelation on dissolution from coated tablets

Tablets with a methylcellulose coating were found to exhibit lower dissolution profiles than those coated with a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose coating at 37 degrees, and the cause was investigated. The differences are attributed to thermal gelation of the methylcellulose at temperatures near 37 degrees, which creates a barrier to the dissolution process and essentially changes the dissolution mechanism. This mechanism is substantiated by the fact that at temperatures below the gel point and at increased agitation, the effect disappears. The retarded dissolution effect is not peculiar to the drug involved.