Waxes are available in various lyophilicity, and they can be used to regulate the release from multiunit-controlled release pellets. In this study, the application of saturated polyglycolysed glyceride (Gelucire(R) 50/02) and glycerol palmitostearate (Precirol(R) ATO5) as drug release regulators for propranolol pellets and the kinetics of release were investigated. Propranolol pellets containing 60% microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel(R) PH101) were prepared by using direct pelletization technique in a fluidized-bed rotary granulator (Glatt GPCG1). The pellets of 16:18 mesh size were collected and coated with the molten wax(es) at various ratios and thicknesses in a fluidized-bed top spray coater (Glatt GPCG1). The dissolution was determined using test method for Propranolol Extended Release Capsules USP 24 and was found to be very rapid with the uncoated pellets. The dissolution of coated pellet was decreased with the increases in Precirol ATO5 proportion and coating thickness. Plot of log % drug release vs. reciprocal of time showed a good linear relationship. The k value derived from the slope of the plot and designated as a "diffusive resistance constant" linearly increased with the coating level. The findings indicated that drug release could be adjusted by varying the ratio of Precirol(R) ATO5 to Gelucire(R) 50/02 as well as the thickness of the coat. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.