Open AccessPolymer film formulations for the preparation of enteric pharmaceutical capsules
Author(s) -
Smith Alan M.,
Ingham Andrew,
Grover Liam M.,
Perrie Yvonne
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 2042-7158
pISSN - 0022-3573
DOI - 10.1211/jpp.62.02.0003
Subject(s) - gellan gum , polyvinyl alcohol , polymer , dissolution , chromatography , dosage form , chemistry , polysaccharide , absorption (acoustics) , materials science , organic chemistry , food science , composite material
Objectives Standard pharmaceutical capsules are designed to dissolve in the acidic environment of the stomach releasing the encapsulated contents for absorption. When release is required further along the gastrointestinal tract capsules can be coated with acid insoluble polymers to enable passage through the stomach and dissolution in the intestine. This paper describes formulations that have the potential to be used to produce two‐piece hard capsules for post‐gastric delivery without the requirement of an exterior coat. Methods The formulation uses three polysaccharides: sodium alginate, hypromellose and gellan gum to provide acid insolubility and the ability to form capsules using standard industrial equipment. Key findings The rheological profile, on cooling, of the base material, water content and thickness of the films were shown to be comparable with those of commercial capsules. The capsules remained intact for 2 h in 100 m m HCl at pH 1.2, and within 5 min of being removed from the acid and submerged in phosphate‐buffered saline at pH 6.8 were ruptured. Conclusions Selected formulations from this study have potential for use as delayed release capsules.