Polyelectrolyte Complexes of Eudragit L30 D-55 and Gelatin: Antinociceptive Activity of Entrapped Piroxicam

The electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes leads to the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes, which are of considerable interest because of their potential applications as both drug carriers or surface modifying agents. In this study, in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out on polyelectolyte complexes formulated with Eudragit L30 D-55 and gelatin. The complexes of Eudragit L30 D-55 and gelatin were formulated by nonstoichiometric method. The polyelectrolyte complexes formulated were then granulated and evaluated by percentage yield, particle size, and swelling behavior. The pharmacodynamic effects of piroxicam entrapped in the complexes were determined using healthy rats. Results showed that gelatin and Eudragit L30 D-55 formed polyelectrolyte complexes that prolonged the antinociceptive effects of piroxicam in experimental rats. The performance of the polyelectrolyte complexes could be stated in the following descending rank order: 1:1 > 2:1 > 1:2 ratios of Eudragit L30 D-55 and gelatin. Nonstoichiometric interactions of gelatin and Eudragit L30 D-55 could yield matrices with adequate characteristics for the formulation of sustained release systems of drugs.