Abstract: A granular sustained-release formulation of a pharmacologically active substance presented in the form of a tablet, said tablet comprising sufficient granules to provide a predetermined dose or number of doses of the pharmacologically active substance and effervescent or water-dispersible ingredients, each of said granules having a diameter of preferably between 0.5 and 2.5 mm and comprising:a) a core comprising one or more pharmacologically active substances and preferably one or more excipients; andb) a coating covering substantially the whole surface of the core and comprising 100 parts of a water insoluble but water swellable acrylic polymer and from 20 to 70 parts of a water soluble hydroxylated cellulose derivative, the weight of the coating being from 2 to 25% of the weight of the core.A method for preparing this effervescent of water-dispersible tablet formulation is also provided. Such formulations enable large dosages in sustained-release form to be more easily administered to patients.

Abstract: A controlled-release formulation of a pharmacologically active substance of poor aqueous solubility comprising sufficient granules to provide a predetermined dose or number of doses of the pharmacologically active substance, each of said granules comprising 100 parts of said pharmacologically active substance and usually from 20 to 400 parts of carbomer.The granules are optionally each provided with a coating covering substantially the whole surface thereof and comprising 100 parts of water insoluble but water swellable acrylic polymer and from 20 to 70 parts of a water soluble hydroxylated cellulose derivative, the weight of the underlying granule and the diameter of the coated granules being between 0.5 and 2.5 mm.A method for preparing the formulation is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sustained release .alpha.methyl-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene acetic acid (Ibuprofen) formulation comprising sufficient granules to provide a predetermined dose or number of doses of Ibuprofen, each granule having a diameter between 0.5 and 2.0 mm and comprising:(a) a core containing 100 parts of Ibuprofen and from 10 to 70 parts of a microcrystalline cellulose; and(b) a coating covering substantially the whole surface of the core and comprising 100 parts of a water insoluble but water swellable acrylic polymer and 20 to 70 parts of a water-soluble hydroxylated cellulose derivative, the weight of the coating being from 5 to 20% of the weight of the core.