Preparation and evaluation of ethylcellulose microcapsules of indomethacin

In domethacin was microencapsulated with ethylcellulose using a modified spherical agglomeration process, aiming at a sustained release proparation without side effects on the stomach. The surface morphology of the microcapsules was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The microcapsules were porous and spherical, and their porosity increased with increasing the viscosity of ethylcellulose. In vitro dissolution process followed Higuchi's diffusion model for first 3 hr. Release rate of the drug from microcapsules decreased as the viscosity of ethylcellulose was decreased. The release rate also decreased with increasing the microcapsule size. The microcapsules induced less gastric ulcer in rats than raw drug.