Optimization of diclofenac sodium profile from halloysite nanotubules

Abstract

The main goal of this experiment was to optimize the dissolution profile of diclofenac sodium - a drug with problematic solubility - from halloysite tubules using various polymers. Loading of the drug together with povidone or Eudragit(R) RS did not lead to drug burst effect reduction and its slower dissolution.

Reduction of the burst effect and further prolongation of drug release was achieved by coating the drug-loaded halloysite with chitosan. This formulation exhibited a diffusion-controlled prolonged release following Higuchi kinetic model.

Keywords

• halloysite
• diclofenac sodium
• povidone
• Eudragit RS
• chitosan
• solid dispersion
• prolonged release