The Use of (Meth)acrylic Copolymers in the Production of Matrix Tablets with Controlled Drug Release

Abstract

Eudragit^® polymers are widely used acrylic pharmaceutical excipients. Over recent years, they have often been applied in matrix tablets with controlled drug release to improve the therapeutic activity and patient compliance. Eudragit^® polymers can be used alone or combined with other poly(meth)acrylates or cellulose derivatives (hypromellose, ethylcellulose). Generally, Eudragit^® matrices contain a soluble (lactose) or an indifferent filler (microcrystalline cellulose). Eudragit/s^® is incorporated into matrix tablets to achieve a drug dissolution profile close to zero-order kinetics or the pH-independent release of a drug with pH-dependent solubility. Properties and dissolution behavior of Eudragit^® matrices can be influenced by their thermal treatment.