Coating of multiparticulates for sustained release

Abstract

Multiparticulates are discrete particles that make up a multiple-unit system. They provide many advantages over single-unit systems because of their small size. Studies have shown that multiparticulates are less dependent on gastric emptying, resulting in less inter- and intra-subject variability in gastrointestinal transit time. They are also better distributed and less likely to cause local irritation. The drug dose in a multiple-unit system is divided over the multiparticulates that make up that system. As such, failure of a few units may not be as consequential as failure of a single-unit system. Multiparticulates may be prepared by several methods. Different methods require different processing conditions and produce multiparticulates of distinct qualities. Some of these methods may be broadly classified as pelletization, granulation, spray drying, and spray congealing. Drug particles may be entrapped within the multiparticulates or layered around them. Subsequently, these multiparticulates may be modified in many ways to achieve the desired drug-release profile. One approach to the modification of drug-release profiles in multiparticulates is to coat them. Reasons for the application of coating onto multiparticulates are to obtain functional coats, provide chemical stability, improve physical characteristics, and enhance patient acceptance. Coats are formed from various polymeric coating materials broadly classified as aqueous polymer dispersions, polymer solutions, molten polymers, and dry powders. Depending on the type of coating material used, functions such as sustained release (SR), targeted release, delayed release, and pulsatile release can be achieved. The focus of this review is on SR coating. The most common method used for the application of coating onto multiparticulates is air suspension coating. Other methods include compression coating, solvent evaporation, coacervation, and interfacial complexation. It is also possible to form coated microparticles by spray drying and spray congealing. A major part of this review is focused on factors affecting the coating of multiparticulates and drug-release characteristics from SR coated multiparticulates. Knowledge of these factors is important in the development of SR coated multiparticulates because control of these factors ensures consistency of drug release between batches of multiparticulates. These factors may be classified into four groups: characteristics of cores, characteristics of SR coats, coating equipment, and coating process conditions. © 2005 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.