The present invention relates to a fast-release as well as a
prolonged release type of
nifedipine pellets and the process for the preparation thereof. The fast-release type of
nifedipine pellets comprises a particulate core which is covered by a
nifedipine coating layer. The particulate core comprises water-soluble or water-insoluble
excipient(s) and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier. The nifedipine
coating layer comprises an effective amount of nifedipine dissolved in
organic solvent(s). This nifedipine
coating layer can further be mixed with a suspension which comprises an
adhesive, an emulsifier, and a dispersant. The preferred composition of the fast-release type of nifedipine includes 20-70% of the particulate core, 3-15% of nifedipine, 1-20% of emulsifier, 1-20% of
adhesive, and 1-30% of dispersant. The prolonged-release type of nifedipine
pellets comprises, in addition to the particulate core and the nifedipine coating layer, a
surface coating layer which is made of at lease one consisting of hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and ethylcellulose. This
surface coating layer further comprises a
plasticizer which is selected from the group consisting of triethylcitrate,
triacetin, and
diethyl phthalate.