Preparation and Evaluation of Controlled Release Calcium Alginate Beads Containing Mefenamic Acid

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different variables on the release profile of mefenamic acid from calcium alginate beads formulated using modified emulsification method. Five formulations of beads (F1-F5) with different drug: polymer ratios were prepared in which

the amount of drug (1g) was kept constant and the amount of calcium alginate was increased from 1 up to 5g. All the formulated beads were evaluated for percentage yield, entrapped efficiency and in vitro release profile at pH 1.2 and 7.2 dissolution media. For further minimize the release of drug from calcium alginate beads, the selected formulation F3 beads were coated separately with 3% and 6% Eudragit S100 solution using dipping method. The coated beads (F6 and F7) minimized the release of drug both in pH 1.2 and 7.2. The study confirms significant effects of two variables, drug:polymer ratio and coating on the release of drug from beads which can be effectively utilized to control the release from prepared calcium alginate formulations.