Influence of the atomization time on the properties of ethylcellulose microcapsules of isoniazid prepared by a fluidized bed.

Microcapsules containing isoniazid were produced by the fluidized bed method with ethylcellulose by varying the total atomization time. The kinetics of capsules growth during the preparation was discussed on the basis of the distribution of particle size. The quality of the capsules was evaluated using the particle size characteristics, the total content of ethylcellulose, the particle and wall density, and the time needed for the 50 per cent release of the drug. An increase in the atomization time of the ethylcellulose solution gave rise to an increase in the mean diameter of particles and the ethylcellulose content of capsules; it also produced a more dense product with a prolonged release of the drug. The release of the drug from tabletted microcapsules was further prolonged.