Micromeritic studies on nicardipine hydrochloride microcapsules

In this study, nicardipine hydrochloride (N.HCl) microcapsules were prepared by means of coacervation phase separation technique using ethylcellulose (EC) as a coating material. Micromeritic investigations were carried out on nicardipine hydrochloride, ethylcellulose and nicardipine hydrochloride microcapsules in order to standardize the microcapsule product and to optimize the pilot production of dosage forms prepared with these microcapsules. Microcapsules we prepared had the ratio of 2:1 core:wall and then by sieving, were divided into two groups according to their particle sizes which were > 840 mu m and 476-840 mu m. The bulk volume and weight, tapping volume and weight, fluidity, angle of repose, weight deviation, particle size distribution, density and porosity of nicardipine hydrochloride, ethylcellulose and nicardipine hydrochloride microcapsules were studied. To determine flowability, Hausner ratio and Consolidation index were also calculated from the results obtained. The findings of the study suggested that the micromeritic properties of the crude materials were significantly changed by the microencapsulation process. In addition, it was shown by scanning electron microscopy, that the changes were due to changes in the physicochemical properties of drug particles.