Compaction, compression and drug release properties of diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen pellets comprising xanthan gum as a sustained release agent.

Compaction and compression of xanthan gum pellets were evaluated and drug release from tablets made of pellets was characterised. Two types of pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronisation. Formulations included xanthan gum, at 16% (w/w), diclofenac sodium or ibuprofen, at 10% (w/w), among other excipients.

Compaction, compression and drug release characteristics of xanthan gum pellets of different compositions.

Compaction and compression of xanthan gum (XG) pellets were evaluated and drug release from tablets made of pellets was characterised. Three formulations were prepared by extrusion-spheronisation and included, among other excipients, diclofenac sodium (Dic Na), at 10% (w/w); xanthan gum, at 16% (w/w); and one of three different fillers (lactose monohydrated (LAC), tribasic calcium phosphate (TCP) and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD)), at 16% (w/w). Five hundred milligrams of pellets (fraction 1000-1400microm) were compacted in a single punch press at maximum punch pressure of 125MPa using flat-faced punches (diameter of 1.