Development and Evaluation of Valsartan Floating Microspheres for Controlled Release

The objective of present study is to develop site-specific controlled release drug delivery system of valsartan for the treatment of hypertension. Floating microspheres of valsartan were prepared by solvent evaporation method. The drug was encapsulated with Ethyl cellulose and hydroxy methyl cellulose in various combinations of polymers ratios. The prepared microspheres are subjected to evaluate such as particle size, % buoyancy, in-vitro release and stability studies. From the results of studies shows that formulation F5 was found to be satisfactory in terms of excellent micrometric properties, yield of microsphere (88.12%), incorporation efficiency (91.01%), buoyancy (88.68%) and highest in-vitro drug release of 93.23% in a controlled manner with constant fashion over extended period of time for 12 hrs. Furthermore it was observed that concentration of ethyl cellulose affected all the evaluation parameter significantly. The present work is an attempt made to provide an alternative drug delivery system for better treatment of hypertension using Valsartan as a model drug in the form of microspheres using biocompatible polymers which will overcome the inherent drawback of existing dosage form.