Evaluation of lanolin alcohol films and kinetics of triamcinolone acetonide release

The film-forming potential of lanolin alcohol was evaluated. Inclusion of ethylcellulose in lanolin alcohol improved film integrity. The hardness and modulus of elasticity of these lanolin alcohol-ethylcellulose films were improved by incorporating propylene glycol or cetyl alcohol. Triamcinolone acetonide release from selected film compositions was investigated. The data were analyzed from the viewpoint of the first-order kinetic theory and the release from a planar system having a homogeneous or granular matrix. The results suggest that the drug release follows a diffusion-controlled matrix model and a square root of time release profile. The release rate constants were proportional to drug concentration. Drug release was maximal from a system containing the drug in a near-saturated solution.