Preparation and Evaluation of Theophylline Sustained Release Microcapsules Using Coacervation

Preparation of sustained release dosage forms is one of the main objectives in drug formulation. Theophylline that has a narrow therapeutic index, making it a good choice to prepare a sustained release dosage form. Theophylline sustained release microcapsules were prepared by applying the coacervation method. The effect of the type and ratio of polymers, as well as the type of washing solvents, was studied on particle size, drug loading efficiency, and in vitro drug release profile. Results showed that Eudragit RS and RL could be more suitable polymers for preparation of sustained release microcapsules of theophylline when used in ratio of 1:1 and when the washing solvent was hexane.