Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of a Ramipril Entrapped in a Microsponge-based Drug-delivery System.

Abstract

Microsponges are porous cross-linked polymers, which have the ability to load a wide range of pharmaceutical active ingredients. They are used topically for long-term treatment applications in addition to the oral route of administration. They are characterized by the efficient distribution of active ingredients, which are loaded at a low quantity to release the drug over longer periods of time by altering the release characteristics. The objective of this study was to develop a novel drug-delivery system that included ramipril microsponges. Ramipril is an antihypertensive drug used in the treatment of elevated blood pressure. It has about 28% oral bioavailability and is eliminated through the kidneys. When administered in an instant dosage form, this medicine produces several side effects, including postural hypotension, hyperkalemia, and angioedema. Included in this study were six distinct formulas of microsponges containing ramipril and Eudragit L 100 at varied ratios that were prepared by using the Quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique to avoid side effects. The particle size and physical characteristics of these formulations were investigated. The effects of the polymer/drug ratio on the physical features of a microsponge's physical and compatibility study was performed by using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, loading efficiency, surface morphology, and particle sizes. In addition, an in vitro drug-release profile was conducted. The physical characterization showed that the loading efficiency and production yield were both improved for microsponge formulation F1. In vitro dissolution studies were performed on all formulations, and the findings were analyzed kinetically, revealing that the ramipril release rate was altered in all formulations. This study offers a new medication delivery method based on microsponge technology.