Taste-masked microcapsule compositions and methods of manufacture using a phase seperation-coacervation technique

摘要

A taste-masked microcapsule composition for administration of a drug is disclosed. The composition comprises microcapsules of drug and a substantially water-insoluble polymeric material, consisting essentially of one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polymethacrylates, hydroxypropxl methyl cellulose phthalate; carboxymethyl ethylcellulose; polylactic acid and combinations thereof, the polymeric material constituting approximately 30 wt. % to 65 wt. % of the composition. The microcapsule composition may be incorporated into any number of pharmaceutical formulations, including chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, powders, liquid dispersions, and the like. A method for masking the taste of drugs is also provided, involving a phase separation coacervation technique in which drug is coated with relatively high levels of a polymeric material. These high coating levels give rise to effective taste masking, while nevertheless allowing targeted release of drug, so that the drug is released shortly after passage through the mouth.