Polymer-Coated Composite Granules of Clarithromycin: Design, Characterization, and Functional Evaluation for Taste Masking and Antibacterial Performance

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 02 | Page : 1042 1050
    By

    Mahesh Bhalsing,

  • Kratika Daniel,

  1. Research Scholar, Faculty of Pharmacy, Oriental University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
  2. Supervisor, Faculty of Pharmacy, Oriental University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Masking the unpleasant taste of clarithromycin is essential to improve patient adherence, especially among pediatric and elderly groups. However, enhancing palatability while maintaining its antibacterial effectiveness remains a significant formulation challenge. This study focused on developing polymer-coated clarithromycin granules (B1–B10) using novel non-sugar-based polymers and assessing their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus Methods: Clarithromycin granules were produced using a fluidized bed coating technique with non-saccharide polymers, specifically Eudragit E-100 and ethyl cellulose. The antibacterial activity of each formulation was assessed by the agar diffusion method, measuring zones of inhibition and comparing them with the uncoated drug and a streptomycin reference. Additionally, FESEM and dissolution studies were conducted to evaluate the granules’ morphology and functional performance Results: All granule batches exhibited antibacterial activity, confirming retention of therapeutic action after coating. Batch B9 showed the highest inhibition zone (0.55 cm diameter, 0.24 cm² area), suggesting optimized polymer selection and coating thickness. Streptomycin (2.2 cm diameter, 3.79 cm² area) validated assay sensitivity. FESEM analysis revealed a porous, uniform coating enhancing dissolution. Tablets prepared from B9 showed 98.1% drug release within 30 minutes, with excellent physical properties Conclusion: The optimized batch (B9) achieved effective taste masking without loss of antibacterial efficacy. The polymer coating improved drug diffusion and stability, representing a promising approach for developing patient-compliant clarithromycin formulations.

Keywords: Clarithromycin; polymer composites; drug–polymer interaction; functional coating; controlled permeability; taste masking; antibacterial activity

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Mahesh Bhalsing, Kratika Daniel. Polymer-Coated Composite Granules of Clarithromycin: Design, Characterization, and Functional Evaluation for Taste Masking and Antibacterial Performance. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):1042-1050.
How to cite this URL:
Mahesh Bhalsing, Kratika Daniel. Polymer-Coated Composite Granules of Clarithromycin: Design, Characterization, and Functional Evaluation for Taste Masking and Antibacterial Performance. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):1042-1050. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=240924


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 02
Received 09/04/2026
Accepted 21/04/2026
Published 10/05/2026
Publication Time 31 Days
120

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