Preparation of Substained-Release Microspheres of Phenylpropanolamine HCI and Their Release Characteristics

Sustained release microspheres containing phenylpropanolamine HCI (PPA) were prepared with acrylic polymer (Eudragit RL/RS) sand hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) using a emulsion-solvent evaporation method. Magnesium strate was used a smoothing agent for preparation of microspheres. The microspheres obtained were very spherical and free-flowing particles. Scanning electron microscopy showed that microspheres have a smooth surface and a sponage-like internal structure. The dissolution rate of PPA from the microspheres was dependent on the pH of dissolution media. PPA showed faster relase in hP 1. 2 solution than in pH 7.4 solution due to the solubility of PPA. Therefore we prepared new microspheres containing 5% (w/v) HPMCP in order to control the release of PPA. The release rate of PPA from these new microspheres was similar in pH 1.2 and pH 7.4 solution.