Controlled release of prednisolone from ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer matrix.

Abstract

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer was evaluated as a carrier for controlled release of prednisolone. The vinyl acetate content of EVA copolymer varied from 8 to 33% w/w. Increase in vinyl acetate comonomer content of EVA copolymer matrix brought about an increase in the release rate. The release rate could be controlled by modifying the ethylene-vinyl acetate ratio in the polymer matrix. Fabrication parameters such as matrix coating and drug content also significantly affected the release kinetics. Matrices composed of EVA copolymer could be useful vehicles for the controlled release of the corticosteroid.