Poly(lactic acid) microencapsulated oxytetracycline: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Poly(lactic acid) microcapsules of oxytetracycline hydrochloride were prepared by precipitation of the polymer from a solution when a non-solvent was added to a polymer solution in which the drug had been dispersed. Three types of microcapsules were prepared by varying the amount of drug encapsulated, as well as by using two samples of polymer with different molecular weights. The product obtained was of a matrix character consisting of agglomerated capsules. The drug release in vitro, for the best batch, was completed within 12 hours. Serum levels of the drug in rabbits treated by intramuscular injection were prolonged maximally up to 24 hours depending upon the type of microcapsules.