Fabrication and Characterization of Sustained-Release Eudragit RSPO Microsphere of Lornoxicam by Spray Drying Technique

Abstract

Lornoxicam is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with strong analgesic properties; however, its short half-life necessitates frequent administration for sustained efficacy. The objective of the present study was to identify critical formulation parameters affecting sustained release Eudragit RSPO microsphere of lornoxicam employing the concept of design of experiments The lornoxicam-loaded microspheres were prepared using a spray drying technique by optimizing the drug:polymer ratio(X1) and inlet air temperature (X2) using a 32 full factorial design. The percentage drug entrapment (Y1), percentage yield (Y2) and cumulative percentage of the drug dissolved at 18 hr (Y3) were selected as dependent variables. Microspheres were evaluated for percentage drug entrapment, mean particle size, percentage yield, in vitro drug release study and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimized batch showed 84.51% drug release after 18 h with significantly higher drug entrapment and percentage yield. The optimization was further verified using overlay and desirability plots. The sustained release behavior of the drug from microspheres in GIT was displayed. The predicted and observed responses for the optimized formulation were in close agreement with the release profile of the drug. The sustained release microspheres of lornoxicam may prove to be an effective analgesic with excellent anti-inflammatory potential.