E. R. Squibb Sons, Inc.

Joseph D Drost

Nemichand B Jain

George E Reier

A controlled release pharmaceutical formulation which undergoes substantially or approaches zero order release of active drug is provided, preferably in the form of a coated tablet, containing a core portion from which medicament, such as procainamide hydrochloride, is slowly released over a controlled length of time. The core also includes one or more primary hydrocolloid gelling agents which is a hydropropylmethyl cellulose having a viscosity of within the range of from about 1,000 to about 6,000 centipoises in 2% solution at 20.degree. C., and a methoxyl content of 28-30%, optionally a secondary hydrocarbon gelling agent, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and/or methyl cellulose, one or more non-swellable binders and/or wax binders (where the medicament and/or hydrocolloid gelling agents are non-compressible), one or more inert fillers or excipients, one or more lubricants, and optionally one or more anti-adherents such as silicon dioxide and water. The above-described core is coated with a pharmaceutical coating composition containing a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer.

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Monmouth Junction, NJ, United States of America

Joseph D Drost