Ethylcellulose as a carrier for controlled-release acetaminophen tablets.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic.
• Developing sustained-release formulations is crucial for improving drug efficacy and patient compliance.
• Ethylcellulose is a potential polymer for controlled drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ethylcellulose as a carrier for prolonged-release acetaminophen tablets.
• To investigate the effect of ethylcellulose concentration on acetaminophen release kinetics.
• To compare solid dispersion and physical mixture formulations.

Main Methods:

• Solid dispersions of acetaminophen and ethylcellulose (ratios 1:3, 1:1, 3:1) were prepared using the solvent method.
• Physical mixtures with the same component ratios were also prepared.
• Tablets were formulated with acetaminophen (50 mg equivalent), Emcompress (diluent), and magnesium stearate (1% lubricant).
• Dissolution testing was performed on all tablet formulations.

Main Results:

• Drug release rate decreased with increasing ethylcellulose levels in solid dispersion formulations.
• Tablets with solid dispersions exhibited diffusion-controlled release (inert porous matrix model).
• Tablets with physical mixtures showed first-order kinetic release.

Conclusions:

• Ethylcellulose is a suitable carrier for creating prolonged-release acetaminophen tablets via solid dispersion.
• The level of ethylcellulose in solid dispersions directly influences the drug release rate.
• Solid dispersion technology offers a different release mechanism compared to physical mixtures for acetaminophen tablets.