A synchronous colon-specific drug delivery system for orally administered mesalamine

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation is to develop a time and pH-dependent system for colon specific drug delivery of mesalamine. The colon specific drug delivery system (CDDS) is designed such that the innermost part consists of a core tablet of mesalamine which is then compression coated with a pH-independent hydrophilic polymer (Hydropropylmethyl cellulose). This is then coated with a pH-dependent methacrylic acid copolymer (Eudragit® S100). The concentration (coating level) of Eudragit® S100 was optimized to provide an enteric coat that allows the tablet to pass intact through the stomach and is targeted to the colon. The coating thickness and grades of HPMC were optimized to set a desired lag time in the intestine. From the in vitro evaluation it can revealed that the developed CDDS can exhibit site-specific drug targeting to the colon.