Mechanisms controlling theophylline release from ethanol-resistant coated pellets

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Developing ethanol-resistant polymeric film coatings is crucial for controlled drug delivery.
• Understanding mass transport mechanisms is key to optimizing drug release profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mass transport mechanisms governing drug release from new ethanol-resistant polymeric film coatings.
• To evaluate the influence of ethanol on drug release kinetics from ethylcellulose: guar gum blends.

Main Methods:

• Theophylline matrix pellets were coated with ethylcellulose: guar gum blends.
• Drug release studies were conducted in various media, monitoring system morphology and mechanical properties.
• A mathematical model based on Fick's law was developed to predict drug release.

Main Results:

• Drug diffusion through intact polymeric films was identified as the primary release mechanism.
• Fick's law accurately predicted theophylline release across different coating formulations and levels.
• Experimental results validated the theoretical predictions, confirming the model's efficacy.

Conclusions:

• In silico simulations offer a cost-effective method for optimizing polymeric film coatings.
• Ethanol content in the release medium does not alter the fundamental drug release mechanisms.