Purpose: Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with improved effects compared with earlier agents. Since the biological half-life of FB is quite short, sustained-release pellets were prepared to reduce the administration frequency. Methods: This study investigated sustained release pellets of flurbiprofen (FB) using RL30D as a coating material. The absorption properties of flurbiprofen sustained-release capsules were compared with those of common tablets. Results: The results showed that the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was reduced and the time to reach this (tmax) was prolonged when compared with the reference formulation, however, the bioavailability of both formulations was similar. Conclusion: Flurbiprofen sustained-release pellets reduced gastric irritation, decreased adverse effects due to the reduction in Cmax and increased the tmax.

Keywords: Flurbiprofen sustained-release capsules Dissolution Pharmacokinetics Bioavailability