Albumin microspheres as a drug delivery system for dexamethasone: pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic aspects.

Four types of albumin microspheres containing dexamethasone prepared by varying cross-linking time--30, 60, 120 and 180 min--were tested to examine the influence of heat cross-linking degree on the in-vitro drug release. Release rate of dexamethasone associated with the microspheres was slower for samples with a longer time of high temperature denaturation. Encapsulation in heat-stabilized albumin microspheres for 60 min at 100 degrees C significantly retards the in-vivo release of dexamethasone and hence retards absorption from the injection site.