Formulation and Evaluation of Extended Release Capecitabine Loaded Pellets

Capecitabine is a well known orally-administered anticancer agent utilized in the treatment of colorectal cancer and metastatic breast cancer. The present study reveals the development and evaluation of an extended release Capecitabine loaded pellets. The Capecitabine loaded pellets were prepared by using a layering process followed by Wurster Process and made it extended release using Ethylcellulose (EC), Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP-K30) and Kollicoat SR 30D coating. The prepared extended release pellets were characterized by FTIR, SEM, DSC and XRD studies. The extended-release pellets also evaluated for particle size and shape, yields, moisture content, drug content, mechanical crushing strength, and micrometric properties. The surface of the uncured beads was found to be uniform and smooth and no crystals were visible. The DSC and XRD study revealed the compatibility of the drug and the polymers. The prepared pellets were showed the good characteristics in term of various parameters and release the drug from the formulation for the prolonged period of time for up to 10.3 h.