Controlled release coprecipitates of ibuprofen and a carbomer: preparation, characterization and in vitro release studies.

Extended release coprecipitates of ibuprofen (IBF) and carbopol 934P-NF, in the form of micro-matrices, were prepared using two different methods. The drug-carbomer interactions in the solid state were investigated employing Infra Red (IR) Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Dissolution experiments were performed using simulated gastric fluid (SGF- pH 1.2), distilled water, and pH 7.2 phosphate buffer solution as dissolution media. No well- defined chemical interaction between the ingredients was found. The methods of preparation of the coprecipitates are simple, practical, minimize the use of toxic organic solvents, and can be used in the production of controlled release tablets.