Evaluation of the film-coating properties of a hydroxyethyl cellulose/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose polymer system.

The effect of different grades of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and hydroxypropyl methllcellulose (HPMC) on the film-formation and taste-masking ability for ibuprofen granules was evaluated. Three batches of coated ibuprofen granules were prepared using a roto-granulator, each with a different coating composition. Two grades of HEC [MW300,000 (H) and MW90,000 (L)] were combined with three different grades of HPMC [MW 11,000 (L), MW 25,000 (M) and MW 35,000 (H)] to prepare the coating solutions. Mechanical strength and physical properties of the polymer films were evaluated. Films made from HPMC (L)/HEC (H), HPMC (M)/HEC (H), and HPMC (H)/HEC (H) were stronger and more flexible than the HPMC (L) HEC (L) films. The assay, dissolution, particle size distribution, and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) data of the three batches of the coated ibuprofen granules were similar.