FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FUROSEMIDE DRUG IN LOADED MICROSPHERES BY USING POLYMERS

Dr. Pidugu Jyothi*, K. Reddy Bhargavi, K. Sadha, K. Kumari, M. Swarna Latha, M. Aparna

Furosemide is a widely used loop diuretic for the management of edema and hypertension. However, its short biological half-life and poor bioavailability require frequent dosing, which may reduce patient compliance. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate furosemide-loaded microspheres using suitable polymers to improve drug release characteristics and therapeutic efficiency. Microspheres were prepared using the ionic gelation technique with sodium alginate as the polymer. The prepared formulations were evaluated for compatibility, micromeritic properties, particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, swelling index, and in-vitro drug release. Compatibility studies confirmed no significant interaction between drug and polymer. The prepared microspheres exhibited good flow properties and acceptable particle size distribution. Drug entrapment efficiency ranged between suitable percentages among different formulations. In-vitro release studies showed sustained drug release over an extended period compared with pure drug. The results indicate that polymer-based microspheres are an effective drug delivery system for furosemide and may enhance its therapeutic efficacy.