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: 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.