Characterization and physical stability of fast-dissolving microparticles containing nifedipine

The suitability of a poly(sodium methacrylate, methyl methacrylate) (NaPMM), a novel mucoadhesive material, to prepare fast-dissolving microparticles containing nifedipine (NIF) in the range of 25–75% w/w was verified. Microparticles made of a low-viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), were also prepared to compare the NIF release profile and bioadhesive properties. The release test was carried out in oversaturation conditions. The physical state of microparticles was also investigated. The formulation stability was evaluated over a 3-month period in long-term and accelerated conditions. The presence of amorphous NIF within freshly prepared microparticles was attributed to interactions between the drug and both polymers. NaPMM conferred to microparticles suitable mucoadhesive properties and significantly increased NIF dissolution rate in comparison to HPMC. Nevertheless, NIF apparent solubilities obtained by NaPMM microparticles were lower than those obtained by the HPMC set. After 3-month storage in the case of HPMC microparticles, NIF dissolution rate and supersaturation degree significantly decreased due to drug crystallization. As far as NaPMM microparticles are concerned, neither NIF dissolution rate nor apparent solubility significantly changed.