Flurbiprofen is a slightly water soluble, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory active ingredient with analgesic and antipyretic activity. The purpose of this study was to develop an appropriate pellet production method for pH independent sustained release pellet formulation of flurbiprofen. Flurbiprofen pellets were produced by three different production methods; Suspension Layering, Extrusion Spherization, Rotagranulation. Although the simple and fast processing properties of Extrusion Spheronization and Rotagranulation methods, according to visual control and comparative dissolution profiles, Suspension Layering method was found more suitable for Flurbiprofen SR (Sustained Release) having high drug load for each single dose. Beginning with the spherical core has brought great advantage to Suspension Layering method, since ideal sphericity could not be reached at Extrusion Spheronization and Rotagranulation methods due to limited microcrystalline cellulose amount.

Keywords: Controlled release, Flurbiprofen SR pellet, Spheronization, Rotagranulation, Cellets