Coprecipitation of Class II NSAIDs with Polymers for Oral Delivery

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently administered orally with modified-release formulations. The attainment of modified-release drugs is commonly achieved through the coprecipitation of the active principle with a biodegradable polymeric carrier in the form of micro or nanoparticles. In this review, some coprecipitation studies of three highly prescribed NSAIDs (in particular, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac sodium) have been analyzed. The techniques employed to micronize the powder, the polymers used, and the main results have been classified according to the type of release required in different categories, such as delayed, immediate, prolonged, sustained, and targeted release formulations. Indeed, depending on the pathology to be treated, it is possible to achieve specific therapeutic objectives, ensuring that the drug is released at a higher or lower dissolution rate (if compared to conventional drugs) and/or at a different time and/or in a specific site of action.

Automated summary

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly administered orally in modified-release formulations, achieved through coprecipitation with a biodegradable polymeric carrier. This review analyzes coprecipitation studies of widely prescribed NSAIDs (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac sodium), categorizing the techniques and polymers used based on the desired release type. Specific therapeutic objectives can be achieved by controlling the dissolution rate, timing, and site of drug release based on the pathology being treated.