Investigation of synthetic spermaceti wax as a potential oral sustained release drug delivery system

The present study was aimed at investigating drug release from spermaceti wax matrices. Materials such as ethylcellulose and methylcellulose were incorporated into the spermaceti wax matrices and release was evaluated. Spermaceti wax can form matrices that release drug in a sustained release fashion. Higuchi or first order release kinetics were found to explain drug release from spermaceti wax, spermaceti wax-ethylcellulose and spermaceti wax-methylcellulose matrices. However, ethylcellulose and methylcellulose enhanced release rate from spermaceti wax matrices. Spermaceti wax matrices can be used to provide drug delivery systems with prolonged action. Release rate from such systems can be regulated by incorporation of materials such as ethylcellulose and methylcellulose. Keywords: carnauba wax, sustained release, particle size, and kinetics East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7 2004: 24-26