European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FELODIPINE HOLLOW MICROSPHERES

*B. Premkumar, Makam Sirisha, K. P. Chandralekha, K. Bindhumadhavi, P. Rajeshkumar, A. Srinivasa Rao

ABSTRACT

Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker which is used for the treatment of high blood pressure to prevent heart stroke. In the current research work hollow microspheres of Felodipine with better absorption in gastric pH was formulated by using various polymers. Drug polymer compatibility was characterized by FT-IR. Microspheres were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion technique by using different polymers such as ethyl cellulose, carbopol 934, eudragit and sodium alginate at varying concentrations. The formulations were evaluated for micromeritic properties, buoyancy, percentage yield, entrapment efficiency, in vitro studies and stability stuides. SEM photographs showed outer surface of microspheres was smooth and dense where as internal surface was porous which helped to prolong floating. Optimized F2 formulation exhibited higher release rate 95.55%. In vitro drug release studies showed controlled release of Felodipine for over 8h. Stability studies indicated the F2 formulation was stable with respect to its drug release.

Keywords: Felodipine hollow microspheres, polymers, emulsion solvent diffusion technique, FTIR Studies, floating time, in vitro drug release studies.