The application of interpolymer complexes (IPCs) for oral controlled drug delivery systems was tested between chitosan and various anionic polymers viz sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and pectin. The prepared IPCs were investigated using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Ketoprofen tablets were prepared using the polymers alone, physical mixtures of chitosan with sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose or pectin in different ratios; 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1, and the corresponding IPCs. In-vitro release studies were carried out in two dissolution media; 0.1 N HCl of pH 1.2 and phosphate buffer of pH 7.4. It was found that, chitosan - sod. carboxymethylcellulose IPC tablets showed more controlled drug release compared to that containing chitosan - sodium alginate and chitosan pectin IPCs. The dissolution rate from tablets prepared using physical mixtures of polymers were found to be dependant on the interaction between chitosan and each of the anionic polymers in the physical mixtures, their ratios and pH of the dissolution medium. Tablets prepared using chitosan - sod. carboxymethylcellulose physical mixture 1:1 and chitosan - sod. carboxymethylcellulose IPC were selected for the in-vivo study using albino rabbits. The results showed a lower peak plasma concentration and marked controlled release effect of drug in tablets containing the physical mixture compared to that of the IPC and the control tablets.