Development of the Formulation and Assessment of Colon Targeted Drug Delivery or Oral Administered Prednisolone

Background: Oral drug formulations often face challenges such as low bioavailability and inconsistent drug release, particularly for medications like Prednisolone, which require targeted delivery to the colon for effective treatment of inflammatory conditions. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to develop a stable and quality-improved formulation of enteric-coated Prednisolone that ensures colon-specific drug delivery. Approach: Various formulations were created using polymers such as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Ethyl Cellulose (EC) through a direct compression method. The physical characteristics, including density, hardness, and friability, were assessed alongside in vitro drug release profiles to optimize the formulation for a 12-hour release. Results: The study identified formulation F7, which incorporated sodium starch glycolate, as the optimal formulation. This formulation demonstrated a tailored delayed release pattern, effectively enhancing the drug's release at the targeted site in the colon. Conclusion: The findings indicate that colon-targeted drug delivery systems utilizing specific polymers can significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy of Prednisolone, providing a promising approach for treating conditions requiring localized drug action in the colon.