Application of extremely low viscosity methylcellulose (MC) for pellet film coating

Pellet film coating has very limited applicability compared with tablet film coating, because of the problem of sticking during fluidized bed operation. We have prepared an extremely low viscosity methylcellulose (MC) (4 mPa.s), and examined its solution and film properties and its suitability for pellet film coating. MC lost its adhesiveness at a relatively high moisture content and pellet film coating could be achieved without agglomeration of the pellets within a reasonable operating time. The coated pellets were covered with a continuous film of MC, and drug release from the coated pellets was as rapid as that from the core. These findings suggest that MC (4 mPa.s) is applicable for pellet film coating in an aqueous system.