Localized rifampicin albumin microspheres.

Rifampicin bearing albumin microspheres were prepared. The process variables which could affect the physical characteristics and in vitro release of the drug from the microspheres were optimized. Changes in the original size of the microspheres, namely swelling on exposure to buffer solution pH 7.2 and serum, were monitored. In vivo distribution studies on prepared microspheres revealed that 62 per cent of the drug could be localized in the lungs by controlling microsphere size. Hence, rifampicin bearing albumin microspheres can behave as a reservoir to build up higher local drug concentrations.