FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF FLOATING MICROSPHERES OF MEBENDAZOLE AS A GASTRO RETENTIVE DOSAGE FORM

Abstract

The present study involves preparation and evaluation of floating microspheres using Mebendazole (MBZ) as a model drug for improving the drug bioavailability by prolongation of gastric retention time. Ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose microspheres loaded with mebendazole were prepared by solvent diffusion evaporation method. The microspheres had smooth surfaces, with free-flowing and good-packing properties. The yield of the microspheres was up to 85.65±0.14% and ethyl cellulose microspheres entrapped the maximum amount of the drug. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed their hollow structures with sizes in the range 215.1 to 251.80 nm. The prepared microspheres exhibited prolonged drug release and Percentage buoyancy was found to70.25±0.15. The formulated batches were evaluated for percentage yield, particle size measurement, flow properties, percent entrapment efficiency, swelling studies. The formulations were subjected to Stability studies and In-vitro release and Release kinetics data was subjected to different dissolution models.
 Keywords: solvent diffusion evaporation method, Mebendazole, Ethyl cellulose, Hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose