FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AMIODARONE MICROBALLOONS USING XANTHAN GUM AS RELEASE RETARDANT

The current research was aimed to formulate, evaluate and optimize gastro retentive formulations (microballoons) of amiodarone using a combination of natural and synthetic polymers such as guar gum, Ethyl Cellulose, Xanthan Gum and HPMC. Floating microballoons containing Amiodarone with a central hollow cavity were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique using Amiodarone, HPMC, EC and Xanthan Gum. The prepared microballoons were evaluated for Percentage yield, Drug entrapment, Percentage buoyancies, floating lag time, Mean particle size, Zeta potential, In vitro drug release and Stability study. The results of the present study demonstrated that xanthan gum could be a successful hydrophilic polymer for the formulation of sustained release Floating microballoons. In vitro dissolution studies indicated a sustained release pattern throughout the 12 h study period, which was compatible with theoretical release profile. Hence xanthan gum based microballoons seem to have a desirable sustained pattern of drug release, in order to reduce the dosing frequency.

Key words: Micro balloons, Ethyl Cellulose, Xanthan Gum and HPMC, Floating