| abstract |
The present invention relates to a fast-release as well as a prolonged release type of nifedipine pellets and the process for the preparation thereof. The fast-release type of nifedipine pellets comprises a particulate core which is covered by a nifedipine coating layer. The particulate core comprises water-soluble or water-insoluble excipient(s) and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier. The nifedipine coating layer comprises an effective amount of nifedipine dissolved in organic solvent(s). This nifedipine coating layer can further be mixed with a suspension which comprises an adhesive, an emulsifier, and a dispersant. The preferred composition of the fast-release type of nifedipine includes 20-70% of the particulate core, 3-15% of nifedipine, 1-20% of emulsifier, 1-20% of adhesive, and 1-30% of dispersant. The prolonged-release type of nifedipine pellets comprises, in addition to the particulate core and the nifedipine coating layer, a surface coating layer which is made of at lease one consisting of hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and ethylcellulose. This surface coating layer further comprises a plasticizer which is selected from the group consisting of triethylcitrate, triacetin, and diethyl phthalate. |