Design and evaluation of a novel chitosan-based system for colon-specific drug delivery.

Tritrichomonas foetus is a flagellated protozoan parasite that colonizes the feline colon causing colitis and chronic foul smelling diarrhoea. Despite the efficacy of Ronidazole in the treatment of T. foetus, Ronidazole has been reported to cause neurotoxicity in some cats due to rapid absorption in the small intestine. A novel amphoteric derivative of chitosan was synthesised and characterized. A combination of time, pH, and an enzyme controlled system was used in a study of a new compression coated tablet for delivery of Ronidazole to the colon. Axial, radial swelling and erosion of selected tablets were carried out in various media. The effect of weight ratio, enzyme and pH on in vitro drug release profile was investigated. The results show that less than 2% of the drug was released in the physiological environment of the stomach and small intestine.