Co-processed MCC-Eudragit® E excipients for extrusion–spheronization

This study investigates the extrusion-spheronization performance of some mixtures of co-processed microcrystalline cellulose and Eudragit® E (as excipients) and sorbitol (as soluble filler-disintegrant). Attention is focused on the dissolution rate of low water solubility drugs (hydrochlorothiazide is used as a model drug) from pellets prepared with these mixtures. All pellet formulations studied presented adequate morphological, flow and mechanical properties. The pellets prepared with co-processed MCC-Eudragit® E and sorbitol show a drug dissolution rate dependent on the content of Eudragit® E in the co-processed excipient and on the proportion of sorbitol incorporated. Furthermore, the pellets made with co-processed MCC-Eudragit® E incorporating the higher proportion of sorbitol (50%) show a very high dissolution rate of hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) and undergo rapid disintegration in the dissolution medium.