Preparation and Preliminary Evaluation of Eudragit RL and RS Pseudolatices for Controlled Drug Release

Abstract

Eudragit RL and RS pseudolatices were prepared by the solvent change technique, which consisted of dissolving the polymer in a water miscible organic solvent or in a mixed water miscible organic solvent system, followed by dispersian in deionized water under mild agitation. The organic solvent (s) was removed from the aqueous organic solution to leave a stable Eudragit latex. Eudragit pseudolatex coated theophylline pellets were prepared in a fluidized-bed coating machine. The effects of polymer type and coating level, plasticizer concentration, and PH of the dissolution medium on drug release were investigated. The higher content of quaternary ammonium groups attached to the polymer backbone make the coatings produced from Eudragit RL too water sensitive; and hence unsuitable for controlling theophylline release. On the other hand, Eudragit RS films retarded theophylline release. On the other hand, Eudragit RS films retarded theophylline release over a wide pH range. Release of the drug was found to be a function of the polymer coating level, plasticizer concentration and dependent on pH of the dissolution medium.