Novel Controlled Release Solid Dispersion for the Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium

This study presents development and evaluation of novel sustained release system of diclofenac sodium (DS) prepared by solid dispersion (SD) technique using Eudragit E 100 (EE 100) and/or Eudragit S 100 (ES 100) as carriers. Compatibility of the drug and its crystalline nature in the SD were examined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The drug was relatively stable, amorphous in the SD. The greater amount of EE100 or ES 100 in the SD slowed down the release rates with smaller dissolution efficiency and hence the mean dissolution time was enhanced. Moreover, combined carriers of EE 100-ES 100 exhibited more dissolution retarding effect than any of the carriers. The release of drug followed anomalous transport in artificial intestinal juice (pH 6.8).