RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To prepare sustained-release capsule of Zaltoprofen (ZP). METHODS: The pellets containing ZP were prepared in the fluid-bed by suspension layering and then coated with ethylcellulose (EC) and hydroxy-propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). The quality and micromeritics of the ZP pellets were evaluated. The release profile of the AP pellets and the effects of thermal treatment and artificial gastric juice on the release profile were tested. RESULTS: The surface of the coated pellets was smooth, glossy and round. No obvious effect of thermal treatment on the release profile was observed, indicating that thermal treatment on the ZP sustained release capsule is not necessary. The effect of artificial gastric juice on the release profile was significant, indicating that the ZP sustained release capsule should be put into enteric capsule. The release rate of ZP showed lot-in-lot and lot-to-lot uniformity. The dissolution profiles of ZP from the pellets fit into a first grade equation. CONCLUSION: The pellets exhibit ideal sustained-release characteristics in vitro.
