Preparation and in-vitro characterization of methotrexate implants for the management of cervical cancer

Abstract

Intra-uterine local delivery devices of Methotrexate were prepared in the shape of rods and pellets, in combination with Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (low and high viscosity), Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose, 99-HF NF (Klucel®) and Carbopol 934 P. The prepared devices were evaluated for their various physico-chemical properties. The drug release pattern from the prepared pellets were compared using USP XXI dissolution (method M1) apparatus and agar gel (method M2) and from rods using a locally fabricated flow through cell (method MET1) and agar gel (method MET2). The physico-chemical properties of the devices were within accepted limits. The in-vitro release studies indicated that methotrexate release from the rods were more sustaining than the pellets. Drug release by M1 was comparatively higher than M2 in the case of pellets and in the case of rods there was not much difference between the two methods (MET1 and MET2) in the amount of drug released at comparative time intervals. It was observed that devices containing higher proportions of Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (high viscosity) and Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose showed a slower release than those containing Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (low viscosity) and an increase in the proportion of Carbopol in the device, further retarded the drug release.