A Formulation, Optimization and Evaluation of Controlled Released Alginate Beads Loaded-Flurbiprofen

While flurbiprofen (FLB) may cause local gastrointestinal problems such as sensation of warming or burning in mouth and stomach, it is recommended to be limited its therapeutic uses or use it as a modified-release preparation for only once daily-use using Calcium-alginate (Ca-alginate) beads. Ca-alginate beads were prepared by dropping sodiumalginate solution containing FLB into calcium chloride solution. The prepared Ca-alginate beads loaded-FLB were characterized by optical-microscope at different positions. The weight and swelling percent of the beads were measured for freshly and dried prepared beads. The release of the formed beads was studied in different releasing medias. Finally, after optimizing all conditions the formed beads were used to reduce the paw edema as an anti-inflammatory dosage form. The release of FLB from the formed beads in a phosphate buffer (0.2 M, pH 7.4) was slow and complete due to the FLB solubility at this pH. Kinetic analysis of the release-profile of FLB from the formed beads was obeyed the diffusion mechanism. The post carrageenan injection showed reduction of swelling in groups treated with Ca-alginate beads loaded-FLB with longer duration compared with the free FLB. The results showed that a simple and evaluated method for preparation of a modified-release Ca-alginate beads loaded-FLB for release for controlling of FLB with therapeutic purposes.