Design and in vitro evaluation of polyvinyl chloride microcapsules containing sulphamethoxazole

Polyvinyl chloride microcapsules containing sulphamethoxazole have been prepared by phase separation coacervation in non-aqueous solvents. Phase separation of the polyvinyl chloride in the solution of chloroform was achieved with n-hexane. Scanning electron micrographs revealed uniform encapsulation of the sulphamethoxazole particles. In vitro dissolution studies were conducted under changing pH conditions. The reproducibility of the in vitro drug release was highly significant. The mechanism of drug release was suggested as an integrated process of diffusion controlled dissolution. Controlled drug release was obtained over a prolonged period of 8 h.