Development and in-vitro evaluation of sustained-release meclofenamic acid microspheres

Meclofenamic acid (MFA) sustained-release microspheres were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using cellulose propionate (CP) polymer and acetone as the polymer solvent. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as a channelling agent to improve the release properties of MFA at 1:2:1 drug to polymer to PEG ratio. The microspheres prepared at three different speeds (600, 800 and 1000 rpm) were characterized with regard to their surface morphology, average drug content, particle size distribution and release profiles in phosphate buffer, pH 8.0 at 37 degrees C. The microspheres were stored under accelerated conditions for 3 months and the effect of storage on the different characteristics was studied. Spherical particles with essentially smooth surface and few residual drug crystals on the surface were formed. Smaller particles were formed at higher agitation speeds. The release rate of MFA from these microspheres was not affected by the molecular weight of CP polymer. PEG 2000 was found to have a more enhancing effect on the rate of the release than PEG 4000. The physical properties of the microspheres and their release characteristics were not altered by storing the product at 40 degrees C/80% relative humidity (R.H.) for 3 months.