Formulation and evaluation of glipizide pellets by using fluid bed coating method

Abstract

The present invention embodies formulation and evaluation of controlled release pellets of glipizide. The objective of the work was to decrease the dosage regimen and to maintain the necessary blood concentration for the treatment of non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). For this purpose, solution layering technique was utilized. Fluid bed coater with wurster insert (bottom spray) was used for the coating of Non pareils with drug solution. Then, drug loaded pellets were coated with dispersion of Eudragit NE 30 D: Eudragit L 30 D 55 (80:20) upto 30% weight gains. The shape and surface morphology of prepared pellet were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and it shows the uniformity in the coating process. The prepared pellets exhibited prolonged drug release (> 12h) by altering the theoretical weight gain of pellets. In vivo testing of the pellets to albino Wistar rats demonstrated significant hypoglycemic effect of glipizide.