Preparation and Characterization of Controlled Release Lipid Microspheres of Verapamil Hydrochloride by a Congealable Disperse Phase Encapsulation Method

Author(s): Vikrant Nikam*, Sanjay Jain and Guru Prasad Mohanta

Abstract: Melt dispersion or solidification technique was investigated for lipid microsphere production. Microspheres with spherical shape and narrow size distribution were produced. The aim of the present investigation was to prepare and evaluate lipid microspheres of Verapamil hydrochloride that would retain the drug in stomach and continuously release the drug in controlled manner up to a predetermined time. Lipid microspheres were prepared by using a congealable disperse phase encapsulation method. In the present investigation two lipids were used in various concentrations: Ceresine wax & Bees Wax. In vitro performance was evaluated by the usual pharmacopeial and other tests such as particle size analysis, drug entrapment efficiency, compatibility study, Preformulation study, flow properties, in vitro drug release studies, stability studies etc. Results showed that the solid, discrete, reproducible free flowing microspheres were obtained. The drug in microspheres was found to be stable and compatible with waxes as confirmed by DSC and FTIR methods. The mixing ratio of lipids with drug affected the size, size distribution, yield, drug content and drug release of microspheres. In most cases good in vitro microspheres behavior was observed, and a broad variety of drug release pattern could be achieved by variation of the drug-lipid ratio. Surface morphology of microspheres was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The release of drug was controlled for more than 12h. The release kinetics followed different transport mechanisms.

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