Formulation development of smart gel periodontal drug delivery system for local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents with application of experimental design

Smart gel periodontal drug delivery systems (SGPDDS) containing gellan gum (0.1–0.8% w/v), lutrol F127 (14, 16, and 18% w/v), and ornidazole (1% w/v) were designed for the treatment of periodontal diseases. Each formulation was characterized in terms of in vitro gelling capacity, viscosity, rheology, content uniformity, in vitro drug release, and syringeability. In vitro gelation time and the nature of the gel formed in simulated saliva for prepared formulations showed polymeric concentration dependency. Drug release data from all formulations was fitted to different kinetic models and the Korsemeyer-Peppas model was the best fit model. Drug release was significantly decreased as the concentration of each polymer component was increased. Increasing the concentration of each polymeric component significantly increased viscosity, syringeability, and time for 50%, 70%, and 90% drug release. In conclusion, the formulations described offer a wide range of physical and drug release characteristics. The formulation containing 0.8% w/v of gellan gum and 16% w/v of lutrol F127 exhibited superior physical characteristics.     

Formulation and evaluation of new long acting metoprolol tartrate ophthalmic gels

The rationale of the present work is to formulate and evaluate metoprolol tartrate (MT), which is a beta-1 selective adrenergic blocking agent in a new ocular gel delivery system; this is our way and method to increase its contact to the cornea, giving a longer time of drug contact to the eye and slow possible release from the preparation. Metoprolol tartrate is chosen as a candidate for gel formulation because although it has been available for a few years as ophthalmic solutions, it has not been marketed as an ocular gel yet. Two polymers; Carbopol 934 and Pluronic F127 (PF127) were used in two different concentrations in this study. Metoprolol tartrate was used in two concentrations, 0.5% and 1% (w/w). All formulations were exposed to visual examinations, pH measurement, in vitro release, rheological study and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that all formulations were clear, showed pH within the acceptable range suitable to be administered in the eye, and exhibited pseudoplastic flow behavior. DSC results concluded that, MT was compatible with different polymers used. In vitro release results showed that the release rate of metoprolol tartrate from gel preparations decreased as an inverse function of polymer concentration, and the release rate of the drug increased as the initial concentration increased. Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) measurements of rabbit’s eye treated with 1% (w/w) metoprolol tartrate in gel formulations with different concentrations of the polymer were determined. Carbopol 934 gel formulations showed that this polymer extended the duration of pressure reducing effect of MT to more than 5hr when compared with Pluronic F127 gel formulations. The area above the curve (AAC), maximum response, time of maximum response (t_max), and the duration of the drug action were also calculated.     

Thermoreversible mucoadhesive ophthalmic in situ hydrogel: Design and optimization using a combination of polymers

The purpose of the study was to develop an optimized thermoreversible in situ gelling ophthalmic drug delivery system based on Pluronic F 127, containing moxifloxacin hydrochloride as a model drug. A 3(2) full factorial design was employed with two polymers: Pluronic F 68 and Gelrite as independent variables used in combination with Pluronic F 127. Gelation temperature, gel strength, bioadhesion force, viscosity and in vitro drug release after 1 and 10 h were selected as dependent variables. Pluronic F 68 loading with Pluronic F 127 was found to have a significant effect on gelation temperature of the formulation and to be of importance for gel formation at temperatures 33-36 °C. Gelrite loading showed a positive effect on bioadhesion force and gel strength and was also found helpful in controling the release rate of the drug. The quadratic mathematical model developed is applicable to predicting formulations with desired gelation temperature, gel strength, bioadhesion force and drug release properties.     

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Pluronic F127-based ocular delivery system for timolol maleate

The purpose of this study was to develop Pluronic F127 (PF127) based formulations of timolol maleate (TM) aimed at enhancing its ocular bioavailability. The effect of isotonicity agents and PF127 concentrations on the rheological properties of the prepared formulations was examined. In an attempt to reduce the concentration of PF127 without compromising the in situ gelling capabilities, various viscosity enhancing agents were added to PF127 solution containing 0.5% TM. The viscosity and the ability of PF127 gels to deliver TM, in vitro, in absence and presence of various viscosity enhancing agents were also evaluated. At the used concentration, some of the examined isotonicity agents had effect on the viscosity of TM gel. However, the viscosity of gel increased as the PF127 concentrations increased. The viscosity of formulations containing thickening agents was in the order of PF-MC 3%>PF-HPMC 2%>PF-CMC 2.5%>PF127 15%. The slowest drug release was obtained from 15% PF127 formulations containing 3% methylcellulose. In vivo study showed that the ocular bioavailability of TM, measured in albino rabbits, increased by 2.5 and 2.4 fold for 25% PF127 gel formulation and 15% PF127 containing 3% methylcellulose, respectively, compared with 0.5% TM aqueous solution.     

Ion-activated in situ gelling systems for sustained ophthalmic delivery of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride

The poor bioavailability and therapeutic response exhibited by the conventional ophthalmic solutions due to precorneal elimination of the drug may be overcome by the use of in situ gel forming systems that are instilled as drops into the eye and undergo a sol-gel transition in the cul-de-sac. Our present work describes the formulation and evaluation of an ophthalmic delivery system of an antibacterial agent, CPH, based on the concept of ion-activated in situ gelation. Gelrite gellan gum, a novel ophthalmic vehicle that gels in the presence of mono or divalent cations, present in the lacrimal fluid was used alone and in combinations with sodium alginate as the gelling agent. The developed formulations were therapeutically efficacious and provided sustained release of the drug over an 8-hr period in vitro.     

Phase transition water-in-oil microemulsions as ocular drug delivery systems: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Microemuslion (ME)-based phase transition systems were evaluated for ocular delivery of pilocarpine hydrochloride (model hydrophilic drug). These used two non-ionic surfactants, sorbitan mono laurate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate with ethyl oleate (oil component) and water. These systems undergo phase change from ME to liquid crystalline (LC) and to coarse emulsion (EM) with a change in viscosity depending on water content. This study selected five formulations containing aqueous phase at 5% (w/w) (ME 5%), 10% (w/w) (ME 10%), 26% (w/w) (LC), 85% (w/w) (O/W EM) and 100% (solution) with the model drug at 1% (w/w). Incorporation of pilocarpine hydrochloride did not affect the phase behaviour. The viscosity was increased initially with dilution from ME 5% to ME 10% then LC, indicating structuring of the system, before being reduced in the EM formulation. Drug release depended on the viscosity with lower release rates obtained from formulations with high viscosity. The miotic response and duration of action were greatest in case of ME and LC formulations indicating high ocular bioavailability. Thus, phase transition ME is promising for ocular drug delivery as it provides the fluidity with its viscosity being increased after application increasing ocular retention while retaining the therapeutic efficiency.     

Formulation and ex vivo evaluation of rofecoxib gel for topical application

The potential gastrointestinal disorders associated with oral administration of rofecoxib can be avoided by delivering the drug to the inflammation site at a sustained, concentrated level over an extended period of time. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), sodium alginate and Carbopol 940 were used in an attempt to develop topical gel formulations of rofecoxib. The effects of polymer composition on the rate of drug release from the gel formulations were examined through cellulose membrane mounting on a Keshary-Chien diffusion cell. The effects of initial drug concentration and viscosity on the permeation rate of rofecoxib from the gel formulations were evaluated using rat epidermis at 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C. The anti-inflammatory activity of the rofecoxib gel formulation was evaluated using the rat hind paw edema model. The gel formulation consisting of 4% w/w sodium alginate-Carbopol 940 at 3:1 ratio was found to be suitable for topical application based on in vitro evaluation and ex vivo permeation studies. The drug permeation rate increased with an increase of the initial drug concentration in gels up to 25% w/w. An inverse relationship was observed between the in vitro drug release rate/ex vivo permeation rate and viscosity of the gel formulations. The anti-inflammatory activity of 4% w/w sodium alginate-Carbopol 940 gel containing 25% w/w rofecoxib in the rat hind paw edema model reveals that the drug was delivered to the inflammation site at a controlled level over a period of 6 h. These results suggest the feasibility of the topical gel formulation of rofecoxib.     

Enhanced bioavailability of metoclopramide HCl by intranasal administration of a mucoadhesive in situ gel with modulated rheological and mucociliary transport properties

The prolonged residence of drug formulation in the nasal cavity is of utmost importance for intranasal drug delivery. The objective of the present investigation was to develop a mucoadhesive in situ gel with reduced nasal mucociliary clearance in order to improve the bioavailability of the antiemetic drug, metoclopramide hydrochloride (MCP HCl). The in situ gelation upon contact with nasal mucosa was conferred via the use of the thermogelling poloxamer 407 whereas mucoadhesion and drug release enhancement were modulated via the use of mucoadhesive and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers respectively. The results revealed that the different mucoadhesives augmented the gel viscosity but reduced its sol–gel transition temperatures (T_sol–gel) and the drug release. The inclusion of PEG counteracted the effect of the mucoadhesive polymers whereby it decreased the gel consistency and increased the T_sol–gel as well as the in vitro drug release. The formulations with favorable sol–gel transition temperatures (25–32 °C) and high in vitro drug release (100% release in 60 min) were also rheologically stable upon storage. The mucoadhesiveness test was performed in vivo in rats, results showed that the carbopol-containing in situ gel prolonged the mucociliary transport time from 10 min (control solution) to 52 min (mucoadhesive gel) and maintained nasal mucosal integrity after 14-days application. The bioavailability study in rabbits revealed that the absolute bioavailability of MCP HCl was significantly increased from 51.7% in case of the oral drug solution to 69.1% in case of the nasal in situ gel. The study point to the potential of mucoadhesive nasal in situ gel in terms of ease of administration, accuracy of dosing, prolonged nasal residence and improved drug bioavailability.     

Enhancing and sustaining the topical ocular delivery of fluconazole using chitosan solution and poloxamer/chitosan in situ forming gel

Fungal keratitis is a serious disease that can lead to loss of vision. Unfortunately, current therapeutic options often result in poor bioavailability of antifungal agents due to protective mechanisms of the eye. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of a chitosan solution as well as an in situ gel-forming system comprised of poloxamer/chitosan as vehicles for enhanced corneal permeation and sustained release of fluconazole (FLU). For this, in vitro release and ex vivo corneal permeation experiments were carried out as a function of chitosan concentration from formulation containing the chitosan alone and combined with the thermosensitive polymer, poloxamer. Microdialysis was employed in a rabbit model to evaluate the in vivo performance of the formulations. The in vitro release studies showed the sustained release of FLU from the poloxamer/chitosan formulation. Ex vivo permeation studies across porcine cornea demonstrated that the formulations studied have a permeation-enhancing effect that is independent of chitosan concentration in the range from 0.5 to 1.5% w/w. The chitosan solutions alone showed the greatest ex vivo drug permeation; however, the poloxamer/chitosan formulation presented similar in vivo performance than the chitosan solution at 1.0%; both formulations showed sustained release and about 3.5-fold greater total amount of FLU permeated when compared to simple aqueous solutions of the drug. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that both the in situ gelling formulation evaluated and the chitosan solution are viable alternatives to enhance ocular bioavailability in the treatment of fungal keratitis.     

喷昔洛韦眼用温度敏感原位凝胶的制备及评价（英文）

目的研制以普朗尼克F127为主要基质的喷昔洛韦制剂,以提高其眼部生物利用度。方法通过将HPMC K4M或卡波姆934P与普朗尼克F127复合使用,制备了喷昔洛韦的温度敏感原位凝胶。以胶凝温度、流变学、药物释放特性、药代动力学及眼部刺激性等为指标进行筛选,得到最优化处方。结果使用HPMC K4M或者卡波姆934P均能降低凝胶的胶凝温度,略微增加其粘度,延缓体系中药物的释放速率;药物释放为非Fick扩散;所有处方均未表现出眼部刺激或对角膜的损伤;含卡波姆934P和普朗尼克F127的凝胶体系的眼部生物利用度最高。结论含普朗尼克F127的喷昔洛韦制剂能够以滴眼液的形式给药,而达到眼部温度时可形成凝胶;体内外评价结果表明,含有HPMC K4M或卡波姆934P以及低浓度普朗尼克F127（12%）的喷昔洛韦制剂,提高了药物在眼部的生物利用度,是一种很有前景的眼部给药系统。     

Evaluation of Carbopol-Methyl Cellulose Based Sustained-Release Ocular Delivery System for Pefloxacin Mesylate Using Rabbit Eye Model

The major purpose of this study was to develop and characterize a series of carbopol- and methyl cellulose–based solutions as the in situ gelling vehicles for ophthalmic drug delivery. The rheological properties, in vitro release as well as in vivo pharmacological response of a combination of polymer solutions, including carbopol and methyl cellulose, were evaluated. It was found that the optimum concentration of carbopol solution for the in situ gel-forming delivery systems was 0.3% (w/w), and that for methyl cellulose solution was 1.5% (w/w). The mixture of 0.3% carbopol and 1.5% methyl cellulose solutions showed a significant enhancement in gel strength in the physiological condition; this gel mixture was also found to be free flowing at pH 4.0 and 25°C. The rheological behaviors of carbopol/methyl cellulose solution were not affected by the incorporation of the drug. Drug levels in the aqueous humor of the rabbits were well above the MIC-values of relevant bacteria after 12 hours, the results of an optimized formulation containing 0.18% of pefloxacin mesylate compared well with the 0.3% marketed eye drop formulation, indicating our formulation to be significantly better considering that a similar effect was obtained at half the concentration. Both the in vitro release and in vivo pharmacological studies indicated that the carbopol/methyl cellulose solution had better ability to retain drug than did the carbopol or methyl cellulose solutions alone. The results demonstrated that the carbopol/methyl cellulose mixture can be used as an in situ gelling vehicle to enhance the ocular bioavailability of pefloxacin mesylate.     

Evaluation of carbopol-methyl cellulose based sustained-release ocular delivery system for pefloxacin mesylate using rabbit eye model

The major purpose of this study was to develop and characterize a series of carbopol- and methyl cellulose-based solutions as the in situ gelling vehicles for ophthalmic drug delivery. The rheological properties, in vitro release as well as in vivo pharmacological response of a combination of polymer solutions, including carbopol and methyl cellulose, were evaluated. It was found that the optimum concentration of carbopol solution for the in situ gel-forming delivery systems was 0.3% (w/w), and that for methyl cellulose solution was 1.5% (w/w). The mixture of 0.3% carbopol and 1.5% methyl cellulose solutions showed a significant enhancement in gel strength in the physiological condition; this gel mixture was also found to be free flowing at pH 4.0 and 25 degrees C. The rheological behaviors of carbopol/methyl cellulose solution were not affected by the incorporation of the drug. Drug levels in the aqueous humor of the rabbits were well above the MIC-values of relevant bacteria after 12 hours, the results of an optimized formulation containing 0.18% of pefloxacin mesylate compared well with the 0.3% marketed eye drop formulation, indicating our formulation to be significantly better considering that a similar effect was obtained at half the concentration. Both the in vitro release and in vivo pharmacological studies indicated that the carbopol/methyl cellulose solution had better ability to retain drug than did the carbopol or methyl cellulose solutions alone. The results demonstrated that the carbopol/methyl cellulose mixture can be used as an in situ gelling vehicle to enhance the ocular bioavailability of pefloxacin mesylate.     

Alginate-chitosan film for ocular drug delivery: effect of surface cross-linking on film properties and characterization

The characteristics of alginate-chitosan films intended for ocular drug delivery of gatifloxacin sesquihydrate were compared with the ionically surface cross-linked films of similar compositions. The effect of polymer ratios and cross-linking was studied relatively to various parameters of formulations including physicochemical, mechanical strength, swelling and bioadhesion. The drug release profiles and drug release mechanisms were compared. The folding endurance, tensile strength, bioadhesive strength considerably increased whereas swelling index, elongation at break decreased with surface cross-linking of the films. Surface cross-linked formulation F3 (2% w/v sodium alginate and 1% w/v chitosan) showed most prolonged drug release of 24 h indicating the potential of surface cross linking of the film to sustain drug release. As per the kinetic models both type of films showed a constant drug release, however the drug release mechanism transformed from erosion to diffusion after cross linking. These results demonstrate that the surface treated alginate-chitosan film could be a potential vehicle to enhance ocular GS bioavailability and patient compliance.     

An Improvement of the Efficacy of Moxifloxacin HCl for the Treatment of Bacterial Keratitis by the Formulation of Ocular Mucoadhesive Microspheres

The aim of this study was to prepare novel ocular mucoadhesive microspheres of Moxifloxacin HCl to increase its residence time on the ocular surface and to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in ocular bacterial keratitis. Microspheres were fabricated with different grades of Methocel and Sodium CMC as polymers. Microspheres were evaluated for their particle size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, mucoadhesion, antimicrobial efficacy, and in vitro drug release studies. In vivo studies were carried out for the promising formulation on eyes of albino rabbits by inducing bacterial keratitis. A sterile microspheres suspension in light mineral oil was applied to infected eyes twice a day. A marketed conventional eye drop was used as a positive control. Eyes were examined daily for improvement of clinical signs of bacterial keratitis by an ophthalmologist. The average particle size of microspheres was found to be less than 80 μm. Methocel microspheres were found to have a smoother surface than Sodium CMC. Entrapment efficiency was enhanced with an increased polymer concentration and viscosity. The formulation containing Methocel K100M with a drug: polymer ratio of 1:2 exerted longer corneal and conjunctival mucoadhesion time of 8.45±0.15 h and 9.40±0.53 h respectively. In vitro release of Moxifloxacin HCl from microspheres was retarded with increased viscosity and concentration of polymers, and was controlled by diffusion as well as polymer relaxation. All formulations showed comparable antimicrobial activity in comparison with conventional marketed eye drops. The formulation containing Methocel K100M with a drug: polymer ratio of 1:2 was found to be a promising formulation and was used for the in vivo studies. The in vivo studies revealed that microspheres demonstrated significantly lower clinical scores and reduced the total duration of therapy than the marketed Moxifloxacin HCl eye drops. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that ocular mucoadhesive microspheres of Moxifloxacin HCl were found to have an improved efficacy in the treatment of ocular bacterial keratitis in comparison with the marketed formulation.     

In vitro–in vivo evaluation of tetrahydrozoline-loaded ocular in situ gels on rabbits for allergic conjunctivitis management

Ocular allergy is one of the most common disorders of the eye surface. The conventional eye drops lack of therapeutic efficacy due to low ocular bioavailability and decreased drug residence time on eye surface. Hence, the present research work aimed to formulate, optimize, and evaluate the in situ gel for ophthalmic drug delivery. The prepared in situ gel formulations were evaluated for clarity, pH, gelling capacity, viscosity, osmolality, in vitro release study, and kinetic evaluation. ex vivo corneal permeation/penetration study using goat and in vivo studies on rabbits were also performed. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy was also applied to study possible interactions between drug and polymers. The formulations found to be stable, nonirritant, and showed sustained release of the drug for a period of up to 24 hr with no ocular damage. The developed in situ gels loaded with tetrahydrozoline are alternative and promising ocular candidates for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.     

Sustained Ocular Drug Delivery from a Temperature and pH Triggered Novel In Situ Gel System

Various ocular diseases like glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and dry eye syndrome require frequent drug administration. Poor ocular bioavailability of drugs (< 1%) from conventional eye drops is due mainly to the precorneal loss factors that include rapid tear turnover, nonproductive absorption, transient residence time in the cul-de-sac, and the relative impermeability of the drugs to corneal epithelial membrane. These problems may be overcome by the use of in situ gel-forming systems that are instilled as drops into the eye and undergo a sol-gel transition in the cul-de-sac. Our present work describes the formulation and evaluation of an ocular delivery system of timolol maleate based on the concept of both temperature and pH-triggered in situ gelation. Pluronic F-127 (a thermosensitive polymer) in combination with chitosan (pH-sensitive polymer also acts as permeation enhancer) was used as gelling agent. The developed formulation was characterized for various in vitro parameters e.g., clarity, gelation temperature and pH, isotonicity, sterility, rheological behavior, drug release profile, transcorneal permeation profile, and ocular irritation. Developed formulation was clear, isotonic solution, that converted into gel at temperatures above 35°C and pH 6.9–7.0. A significant higher drug transport across corneal membrane and increased ocular retention time was observed using the developed formulation. The developed system is a viable alternative to conventional eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma and various other ocular diseases.     

Sustained ocular delivery of brimonidine tartrate using ion activated in situ gelling system

The poor bioavailability and therapeutic response exhibited by conventional eye drops due to rapid precorneal elimination of the drug may be overcome by the use of an in situ gelling systems that are instilled as drops into the eye and undergo a sol-to-gel transition in the cul-de-sac which improves patient compliance as the dosage regimen is one drop of the dosage form twice a day. The loss of drug overcomes due to the immediate gel formation between the eye membrane and the drug being entrapped simultaneously in sol-gel transition in the cul de sac. The present work describes the formulation and evaluation of an ophthalmic delivery system of an antiglaucomal agent, brimonidine tartrate based on the concept of ion-activated in situ gelation. Gelrite was used as the gelling agent, which gels in the presence of mono or divalent cations present in the lacrimal fluid. The formulations were evaluated for clarity, pH measurement, gelling capacity, drug content estimation, rheological study, in-vitro diffusion study, antibacterial activity, isotonicity testing, eye irritation testing. In the developed formulations Gelrite Brimonidine-3 (GB3) exhibited sustained release of drug from formulation over a period of 8 hrs thus increasing residence time of the drug, non-irritating with no ocular damage or abnormal clinical signs to the cornea, iris or conjunctiva, stable and sterile. These results demonstrate that the developed system is an alternative to conventional ophthalmic drops, with better patient compliance, and is industrially oriented and economical.     

Development and bioavailability assessment of ramipril nanoemulsion formulation.

The objective of our investigation was to design a thermodynamically stable and dilutable nanoemulsion formulation of Ramipril, with minimum surfactant concentration that could improve its solubility, stability and oral bioavailability. Formulations were taken from the o/w nanoemulsion region of phase diagrams, which were subjected to thermodynamic stability and dispersibility tests. The composition of optimized formulation was Sefsol 218 (20% w/w), Tween 80 (18% w/w), Carbitol (18% w/w) and standard buffer solution pH 5 (44% w/w) as oil, surfactant, cosurfactant and aqueous phase, respectively, containing 5 mg of ramipril showing drug release (95%), droplet size (80.9 nm), polydispersity (0.271), viscosity (10.68 cP), and infinite dilution capability. In vitro drug release of the nanoemulsion formulations was highly significant (p<0.01) as compared to marketed capsule formulation and drug suspension. The relative bioavailability of ramipril nanoemulsion to that of conventional capsule form was found to be 229.62% whereas to that of drug suspension was 539.49%. The present study revealed that ramipril nanoemulsion could be used as a liquid formulation for pediatric and geriatric patients and can be formulated as self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) as a unit dosage form.     

Effect of penetration enhancers on gel formulation of Zidovudine: in vivo and ex vivo studies

To overcome many challenges associated with antiretroviral drug therapy, novel drug delivery systems present an opportunity for formulation scientists to improve the management of patients with HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study was to prepare a transdermal delivery system for zidovudine using different penetration enhancers incorporated in carbopol 971P gel and to evaluate the same for rheology, percent drug content, drug deposition, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo permeation across rat skin. The rheology studies indicated that 1% w/w carbopol gel had a higher linear viscoelastic region, good creep recovery, and desirable viscosity. Among all gel formulations, gel containing cineole and menthol as penetration enhancers attained a steady-state flux of 5.9 mg/cm(2)/h and 5.4 mg/cm(2)/h of zidovudine, respectively, leading to plasma concentration in the therapeutic range. The drug deposition was also found to be highest in the case of gel containing cineole and menthol as penetration enhancers. The results indicated a linear relationship between in vitro flux and in vivo bioavailability of zidovudine transdermal gel.     

Eudraginated polymer blends: a potential oral controlled drug delivery system for theophylline

Sustained release (SR) dosage forms enable prolonged and continuous deposition of the drug in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and improve the bioavailability of medications characterized by a narrow absorption window. In this study, a new strategy is proposed for the development of SR dosage forms for theophylline (TPH). Design of the delivery system was based on a sustained release formulation, with a modified coating technique and swelling features aimed to extend the release time of the drug. Different polymers, such as Carbopol 71G (CP), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC), ethylcellulose (EC) and their combinations were tried. Prepared matrix tablets were coated with a 5 % (m/m) dispersion of Eudragit (EUD) in order to get the desired sustained release profile over a period of 24 h. Various formulations were evaluated for micromeritic properties, drug concentration and in vitro drug release. It was found that the in vitro drug release rate decreased with increasing the amount of polymer. Coating with EUD resulted in a significant lag phase in the first two hours of dissolution in the acidic pH of simulated gastric fluid (SGF) due to decreased water uptake, and hence decreased driving force for drug release. Release became faster in the alkaline pH of simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) owing to increased solubility of both the coating and matrixing agents. The optimized formulation was subjected to in vivo studies in rabbits and the pharmacokinetic parameters of developed formulations were compared with the commercial (Asmanyl(?)) formulation. Asmanyl(?) tablets showed faster absorption (t(max) 4.0 h) compared to the TPH formulation showing a t(max) value of 8.0 h. The C(max) and AUC values of TPH formulation were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those for Asmanyl(?), revealing relative bioavailability of about 136.93 %. Our study demonstrated the potential usefulness of eudraginated polymers for the oral delivery of the sparingly soluble drug theophylline.