FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CONTROLLED RELEASE BEHAVIOUR OF DILTIAZEM HYDROCHLORIDE FROM THE PELLETS OF CHITOSAN AND MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE BLENDS

The aim of the present study was to minimize the unwanted toxic effects of Diltiazem Hydrochloride (DTZ) by kinetic control of drug release. DTZ was incorporated into the biocompatible and biopolymer blends of chitosan (CH) and micro crystalline cellulose (MCC) matrix pellets using pelletization technique. Solid, free flowing matrix pellets and yields up to 97.5 %. More than 98 % of the isolated pellets were of particle size range 1037 to 1146 m. The obtained matrix pellets having smooth surfaces, with free flowing and good packing properties. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed their spherical structures. Drug loaded CH/MCC pellets were stable and compatible as confirmed by DSC and FTIR studies. The release of drug from the blends was controlled up to 24 h. Intestinal drug release from pellets was studied and compared with the release behaviour of commercially available oral formulation Adalat CR  20 capsule. The drug