The aim of this paper is theophylline (THP)
inclusion into xanthan–chitosan polyionic complex
(Xa–CS) and the study of its in vitro and in vivo kinetic
release. Xa–CS hydrogel was obtained by ionic complexation
between two oppositely charged polysaccharides.
THP was loaded into the Xa–CS matrix by diffusion of the
drug solution. The obtained samples were characterized by
FTIR spectroscopy, SEM microscopy and study of the
swelling behavior. THP in vitro release experiments were
carried out in conditions mimicking the gastrointestinal
environment. The chosen drug dose for in vivo study was
15 mg THP/Kg body weight of THP powder or an equivalent
dose in complex form. THP serum concentrations
were determined by an HPLC assay. The THP peak serum
concentration (Cmax) was 7.18 lg/ml for free THP and
AUC0–48 was 25.76 lg h/ml, while in the case of Xa–CS–
THP, Cmax was of 5.72 lg/ml and AUC0–48 = 45.72 lg h/ml.
The in vivo study regarding the behaviour of the obtained
formulation, showed an increase bioavailability of THP
compared to the raw drug, suggesting the possible application
of the complex Xa–CS as an oral controlled drug
delivery system in the management of chronic pulmonary
obstructive disease.