Effect of Electrolytes on Release of Diclofenac Sodium from Agarose Beads

ABSTRACT: Diclofenac sodium loaded agarose beads were prepared and release profile of Diclofenac Sodium was investigated. Beads were prepared by dropping a hot aqueous agar solution into a beaker of chilled Paraffin oil and water. Water was made acidic to the pH of 1.65 using concentrated hydrochloric acid to reduce the prior diffusion of Diclofenac sodium into preparatory vehicle. Upon drying, the beads shrank and their dimensions were changed. In-vitro drug dissolution studies were carried out in distilled water. The release profile was found to be a function of polymer load and electrolytes incorporation into the beads. Increasing the polymer load decreased the rate and extent of drug release due to increased thickness and reduced the porosity of the system. Incorporation of mono & divalent metal salts by abating the amount of agarose in the formulations increased the release rate of the drug