FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF MICROSPHERES OF ACECLOFENAC

Aceclofenac is a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) having anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The aim of this present research work was to microencapsulate the anti-inflammatory drug (aceclofenac) to provide controlled and continuous release and minimizing or eliminating local side effect by avoiding the drug release in the upper gastrointestinal track. Aceclofenac was microencapsulated with Eudragit (RS 100), using an emulsion-solvent diffusion technique. Aceclofenac microspheres were subjected to micromeritic properties including true density, tapped density, angle of repose, and particle size determination. Microspheres were subjected to drug loading, in vitro drug release as well as for scanning electron microscopy.