Formulation and evaluation of gliclazide loaded controlled release microspheres

The aim of this study was to formulate gliclazide loaded controlled release microspheres. Microspheres were prepared by quasi emulsion solvent diffusion technique using eudragit RLPO, eudragit RSPO and with their various combinations. The effect of different formulation variables (drug-polymer ratio and polymer-polymer ratio) on percent yield, mean particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release of drug were evaluated. In vivo test of the optimized formulation was performed on streptozotocin induced type-2 diabetic rat model. The formulated microspheres showed higher encapsulation efficiencies within the range of 72-84 %. Mean particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release were found to be affected by changing in formulation variables. In vitro release study revealed the gliclazide release from the microspheres was extended for more than 12 h. In vivo hypoglycemic effect of microspheres was more than 25 h suggesting microspheres are a valuable system for sustained delivery of gliclazide. Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires