Abstract

Pellets as a drug delivery system: Formulation and evaluation aspects

Author(s): Mohamed A.Ibrahim, Fars K.Al-Anazi

The interest in pellets as dosage forms (filled into hard gelatin capsules or compressed into disintegrating tablets) has been increasing continuously. The advantages offered by pellets as a drug delivery system are discussed in this work. Methods of manufacturing pellets (as spray drying, spray congealing, fluidized bed and extrusion/spheronization techniques) are presented. Moreover, evaluation of pellets shapes, sizes, surfaces, friability, porosity, disintegration, and dissolution is reviewed. Several formulation variables which might impact the pellet attributes will be also briefly discussed.