A New Ternary Polymeric Matrix System for Controlled Drug Delivery of Highly Soluble Drugs: I. Diltiazem Hydrochloride

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop a new ternary polymeric matrix system that is easy to manufacture and that delivers a highly soluble drug over long periods of time. Methods. Pectin, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and diltiazem HC1 granulated with gelatin at optimized ratios were blended at different loading doses and directly compressed. Swelling behavior, dissolution profiles and the effect of hydrodynamic stress on release kinetics were evaluated. Results. Diltiazem release kinetics from the ternary polymeric system was dependent on the different swelling behavior of the polymers and varied with the drug loading dose and hydrodynamic conditions. Drug release followed either non-Fickian or Case II transport kinetics. The relative influence of diffusion and relaxational/dissolution effects on release profiles for different drug loadings was calculated by a nonlinear regression approach. Photographs taken during swelling show that the anisotropic nature of the gel structure, drug loading dose, swelling capacity of polymers used, and the design of delivery system all play important roles in controlling the drug release and dissolution/ erosion processes. Conclusions. Zero-order delivery of diltiazem HC1 from a simple tablet matrix was achieved. The ternary polymeric system developed in this study is suitable for controlled release of highly soluble drugs. It offers a number of advantages over existing systems, including ease of manufacturing and of release modulation, as well as reproducibility of release profiles under well defined hydrodynamic conditions. Our delivery system has the potential to fully release its drug content in a controlled manner over a long time period and to dissolve completely.     

Correlation between the viscoelastic properties of the gel layer of swollen HPMC matrix tablets and their in vitro drug release

Abstract

Drug release from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hydrophilic matrix tablets is controlled by drug diffusion through the gel layer of the matrix-forming polymer upon hydration, matrix erosion or combination of diffusion and erosion mechanisms. In this study, the relationship between viscoelastic properties of the gel layer of swollen intact matrix tablets and drug release was investigated. Two sets of quetiapine fumarate (QF) matrix tablets were prepared using the high viscosity grade HPMC K4M at low (70?mg/tablet) and high (170?mg/tablet) polymer concentrations. Viscoelastic studies using a controlled stress rheometer were performed on swollen matrices following hydration in the dissolution medium for predetermined time intervals. The gel layer of swollen tablets exhibited predominantly elastic behavior. Results from the in vitro release study showed that drug release was strongly influenced by the viscoelastic properties of the gel layer of K4M tablets, which was further corroborated by results from water uptake studies conducted on intact tablets. The results provide evidence that the viscoelastic properties of the gel layer can be exploited to guide the selection of an appropriate matrix-forming polymer, to better understand the rate of drug release from matrix tablets in vitro and to develop hydrophilic controlled-release formulations.     

二甲双胍亚硝胺杂质研究及亲水凝胶骨架材料的筛选

目的 探讨不同亲水凝胶骨架材料与盐酸二甲双胍(metformin hydrochloride,MET)降解生成N-二甲基亚硝胺(N-dimethylnitrosamine,NDMA)之间的相关性,筛选合适的骨架材料用于制备MET缓释片。方法 以高效液相色谱-三重四极杆串联质谱为NDMA监测手段,通过原辅料相容性考察确定产生NDMA风险较低的骨架材料,而后考察溶胀性能,确定溶胀作用与参比制剂相似的骨架材料,将筛选出的骨架材料制备缓释片后考察其体外溶出和剂量倾泻的行为。结果 原辅料相容性考察发现羟丙甲纤维素(hypromellose,HPMC)是引起MET降解产生NDMA的主要原因,并筛选出溶胀作用与HPMC相似的卡波姆,以其为骨架材料制备缓释片可获得与参比制剂相似的溶出曲线,且剂量倾泻风险较低,产品稳定性良好。结论 卡波姆可作为HPMC的替代材料,用于制备MET缓释片。     

Diffusion in HPMC Gels. II. Prediction of Drug Release Rates from Hydrophilic Matrix Extended-Release Dosage Forms

Purpose. A mathematical model is described for the prediction of the relative change in drug release rate as a function of formulation composition for HPMC-based extended-release (ER) tablets of adinazolam mesylate and alprazolam. Methods. The model is based on the equation derived by Higuchi for the diffusional release of soluble drugs from polymeric matrices and on our recent measurements of the concentration dependency of adinazolam diffusivity in dilute HPMC gels and solutions. The assumptions made in applying the model include (i) that diffusion is the sole mechanism of drug release (i.e. swelling kinetics are ignored), and (ii) that the surface area-to-volume ratio and concentrations of adinazolam, lactose and HPMC in the gel layer are proportional to that of the dry tablet. Results. Reasonable correlations were obtained between the experimental drug release rate ratios and the predicted drug release rate ratios for ER adinazolam mesylate (R² = 0.82) and low-dose (0.5 mg) ER alprazolam tablets (R² = 0.87). The predictive power for a 6-fold higher dose of ER alprazolam tablets was not as good (R² = 0.52). Conclusions. These results are consistent with previous knowledge of the release mechanisms of these formulations. ER adinazolam mesylate and ER alprazolam 0.5 mg exhibit primarily a diffusion controlled release mechanism, while ER alprazolam 3 mg deviates from pure diffusional release. The limitations of the model are discussed and point to the need for continued study of the swelling kinetics of matrix ER systems.     

Understanding and Predicting Drug Delivery from Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets Using the “Sequential Layer” Model

Purpose. The objectives of this work were (i) to study and understand the physicochemical phenomena which are involved in the swelling and drug release from hydrophilic matrix tablets using the sequential layer model; and (ii) to predict the effect of the initial radius, height and size of the tablets on the resulting drug release profiles. Methods. Tablets were prepared by direct compression, using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) grades with different average molecular weights as matrix-forming polymers. The in vitro release of chlorpheniramine maleate, propranolol HCl, acetaminophen, theophylline and diclofenac sodium was studied in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and 0.1 M HCl, respectively. The initial drug loading varied from 1 to 70%, while the radius and height of the tablets varied from 1 to 8 mm. Results. The sequential layer model considers water and drug diffusion with non-constant diffusivities and moving boundary conditions, non-homogeneous polymer swelling, drug dissolution, and polymer dissolution. We showed that this model was able to predict the resulting drug release kinetics accurately in all cases. Conclusions. The sequential layer model can be used to elucidate the swelling and drug release behavior from hydrophilic matrix tablets and to simulate the effect of the device geometry on the drug release patterns. Hence, it can facilitate the development of new pharmaceutical products.     

Study the effect of formulation variables on drug release from hydrophilic matrix tablets of milnacipran and prediction of in-vivo plasma profile

Abstract

The objective of this study was to design oral controlled release (CR) matrix tablets of Milnacipran using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the retardant polymer and to study the effect of various formulation factors such as polymer proportion, polymer viscosity, compression force and also the pH of dissolution medium on the in-vitro release of drug. Two viscosity grade of HPMC (15?K and 100?K) were used in the proportion of 50, 100, 150 and 200?mg per CR tablet. In-vitro release rate was characterized using various model dependent approaches and model independent dissolution parameters [T50% and T80% dissolution time, mean dissolution time (MDT), mean residence time (MRT), dissolution efficiency (DE)]. The statistical analysis was performed on all the model independent approaches using student t test and ANOVA. Results were found that as polymer concentration (50?mg to 200?mg) and viscosity (15?K to 100?K) increases, the MDT, MRT, T50% and T80% extended significantly. Drug release rate was found to be significantly different at different hardness. In-vivo human plasma concentration--time profile was predicted from in-vitro release data using convolution method. Predicted human pharmacokinetic parameters shows that the design CR formulation has capability to sustained the plasma drug level of milnacipran.     

氢溴酸高乌甲素亲水凝胶骨架片的制备及体外释放

目的为了减少给药次数,方便患者,并提高镇痛效果,制备氢溴酸高乌甲素亲水凝胶骨架片,优化制剂处方,并探讨释放机制。方法以羟丙甲纤维素(HPMC)为骨架材料,乳糖、微晶纤维素(MCC)、淀粉为填充剂,硬脂酸镁为润滑剂制备氢溴酸高乌甲素骨架片,考察各因素对药物释放度的影响,筛选优化处方,并拟合讨论其释放机制。结果 HPMC的用量及分子量,微晶纤维素和硬脂酸镁的用量对药物释放有显著影响。所制缓释片无突释现象,缓释周期12 h,根据拟合方程,药物释放符合一级释放模型,其释放既有扩散,又有骨架溶蚀。结论本方法制备的氢溴酸高乌甲素缓释片工艺简单,生产成本低,且具有良好的释放性能。     

In vitro characterization and release study of Ambroxol hydrochloride matrix tablets prepared by direct compression

A series of either hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymers were used to prepare controlled release Ambroxol hydrochloride (AMX) matrix tablets by direct compression. Both the compatibility and flow properties of AMX/polymer mixtures were investigated. The effect of the amount and type of polymer on the physical properties and in vitro drug release was studied and compared to commercially available Ambroxol^® SR capsules. A kinetic study of the release profile of AMX from the prepared matrix tablets was performed. All excipients used in the study were compatible with the model drug. AMX/drug mixtures containing sodium alginate (NA) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) showed better flow properties than other polymers used in the study. The in vitro drug release studies showed that matrix tablets formulae containing 10% HPMC (S7) or a combination of 30% NA and 5% HPMC (Ah) exhibited a higher ability to control the release of AMX. The kinetic study revealed that a diffusion controlled mechanism prevailed except when carbopol was used. Formula Ah followed a non-fickian diffusion mechanism similar to Ambroxol^® SR capsules. Both formulae S7 and Ah could be considered as potential candidates for formulation of AMX controlled release matrix tablets.     

The Release of 5-Fluorouracil from a Swellable Matrix of a Triblock Copolymer of ε-Caprolactone and Ethylene Oxide

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of hydration characteristics on the in vitro release of 5-fluorouracil from a swellable matrix prepared using a novel triblock copolymer of poly(-caprolactone) and poly(oxyethylene). Methods. Matrices were prepared by dry compression of mixtures of the drug and copolymer using low compressional forces. Release studies were performed using a custom made rotating basket dissolution apparatus. The positions of the eroding and swelling fronts within the matrices during hydration were monitored using freeze fracture scanning electron microscopy. Results. Analysis of the release data revealed a predominantly diffusion controlled mechanism. Observations of the swelling characteristics of the copolymer matrices on immersion in Sørensen's buffer at pH 7.4 revealed gel formation and preferential swelling in the radial direction with visible erosion of the matrix after 4h. During hydration, a gradual increase in gel layer thickness was noted prior to the erosion and eventual dissolution of the matrix. Conclusions. This study demonstrates a means of differentiating the relative importance of the swelling characteristics in determining the release mechanism and subsequent release rate from swellable matrices.     

Swelling,Erosion, and Release Behavior of PEO/Primaquine Matrix Tablets

Extended-release primaquine tablets were developed using polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a hydrophilic swellable polymer with different amounts and molecular weights (4 × 10⁶ and 8 × 10⁶). Investigations were carried out in order to verify the matrix performance. The evaluated parameters were weight, hardness, thickness, friability, and drug content. The swelling and erosion matrices as well as drug release profile were analyzed under dissolution conditions. The statistical model ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer HSD were considered. The results showed that all formulations provided adequate physical characteristics and a time release about eight hours following a non-Fickian diffusion model. The kinetics of drug delivery was directly related to the synchronization of swelling and erosion matrices. The formulations prepared with high PEO concentrations showed a lower rate of erosion, a slower drug release, and faster rate of swelling, as compared with matrices containing lower PEO concentration.     

A study of critical functionality-related characteristics of HPMC for sustained-release tablets

Abstract

The drug release profile from hydrophilic matrix tablets can be crucially affected by the variability of physicochemical properties of the controlled release agent. This study investigates and seeks to understand the functionality-related characteristics (FRCs) of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) type 2208, K4M grade, that influence the release rate of the model drug carvedilol from hydrophilic matrix tablets during the entire dissolution profile. The following FRCs were examined: particle size distribution, degree of substitution, and viscosity. Eight different HPMC samples were used to create a suitable design space. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) analyses were used to create models for each time point. The PLSR results show that the first part of the drug release profiles is mainly regulated by the HPMC particle size. Apparent viscosity and hydroxypropoxy content (%HP) become important in later stages of the drug release profile, when the influence of particle size distribution decreases. These findings make it possible to better understand the importance of FRCs. Larger HPMC particles increase drug release in the first part of the drug release profile, whereas decreased apparent viscosity and a higher degree of %HP increase the drug release rate in the later part of the drug release profile.     

Drug Release From Hydrocolloid Embeddings with High or Low Susceptibility to Hydrodynamic Stress

Purpose. The subject of the study was the influence of hydrodynamic stress on the drug release from direct compressed hydrocolloid embeddings. Additionally a correlation between the release kinetics and different polymer characterising parameters was attempted. Methods. The drug release was fitted to an expanded Korsmeyer equation to describe the release kinetics. The influence of the stirring rate of the paddle in the USP paddle apparatus on the Mean Dissolution Time (MDT) was expressed as quotient of the MDT's at the stirring rate of 200 and 100 min^–1. Results. If the drug release followed the square root of time kinetics, nearly no effect of the agitation speed on the release rate was observed. To achieve this diffusion controlled drug release the developing gel layer had to be hydrated very well and resistant against erosion (viscosity of at least 4000 mPa · s of the 2% polymer solution and a small expansion of the swelling gel especially at the beginning of the release). The erosion controlled zero order release was generally much affected by the hydrodynamic stress except for some hydrocolloids with incomplete swelling. Thus, it was possible to define a new release mechanism, the polymer particle erosion. The drug release was controlled by the attrition of partially swollen polymer particles and not by the polymer dissolution or drug diffusion. Conclusions. Polymer particle erosion or diffusion control should be the release controlling mechanisms for negligible influence of hydrodynamic stress.     

Extended release of flurbiprofen from tromethamine-buffered HPMC hydrophilic matrix tablets

Abstract

The pH-dependent solubility of a drug can lead to pH-dependent drug release from hydrophilic matrix tablets. Adding buffer salts to the formulation to attempt to mitigate this can impair matrix hydration and negatively impact drug release. An evaluation of the buffering of hydrophilic matrix tablets containing a pH-dependent solubility weak acid drug (flurbiprofen), identified as possessing a deleterious effect on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) solubility, swelling and gelation, with respect to drug dissolution and the characteristics of the hydrophilic matrix gel layer in the presence of tromethamine as a buffer was undertaken. The inclusion of tromethamine as an alkalizing agent afforded pH-independent flurbiprofen release from matrices based on both HPMC 2910 (E series) and 2208 (K series), while concomitantly decreasing the apparent critical effect on dissolution mediated by this drug with respect to the early pseudo-gel layer formation and functionality. Drug release profiles were unaffected by matrix pH-changes resulting from loss of tromethamine over time, suggesting that HPMC inhibited precipitation of drug from supersaturated solution in the hydrated matrix. We propose that facilitation of diffusion-based release of potentially deleterious drugs in hydrophilic matrices may be achieved through judicious selection of a buffering species.     

In vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Combination of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymers on Controlled Release Zidovudine Matrix Tablets

The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize controlled-release matrix tablets of zidovudine using hydrophilic HPMC K4 M or Carbopol 934 alone or in combination with hydrophobic ethyl cellulose. Release kinetics was evaluated by using USP XXIV dissolution apparatus No.2 (paddle) type. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the effect of dissolution medium on matrix tablet surface. The in vitro results of controlled – release zidovudine tablets were compared with conventional marketed tablet Zidovir. The in vitro drug release study revealed that HPMC K4 M or Carbopol 934 preparation was able to sustain the drug release near to 6 hours. Combining HPMC K4 M or Carbopol 934 with ethyl cellulose sustained the drug release for nearly 12 h. The in vitro evaluation showed that the drug release may be by diffusion along with erosion. Results suggest that the developed controlled-release tablets of zidovudine could perform therapeutically better than marketed dosage forms, leading to improve efficacy, controlling the release and better patient compliance.     

Transdermal atenolol releasing system: An approach towards its development

A polymer matrix system for transdermal delivery of atenolol was developed for its prolonged and controlled release using different ratios of ethylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. These polymeric matrix films were characterized for thickness, tensile strength, moisture content and drug content. They were also studied for in vitro drug release and in vitro drug skin permeation. The drug release from the films was found to be Fickian diffusion type and exhibiting linear relationship between drug release (Q) vs. square root of time (t^0.5). The in vitro skin permeation of drug from transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) was evaluated using dermatomed pig skin. The product which shows in vitro drug skin permeation near to 64 mcg/h/ml was selected for in vivo studies. The in vivo studies revealed that Ma EC HPMC 46 is most effective among the other polymeric matrix TDDS. The AUC_0–28 with Ma EC HPMC 46 was better than orally administered conventional doses at twelve hours interval (AUC_0–28 1587 ng h/ml) as well as no trough and peaks in drug plasma level was recorded with TDDS. Hence, it could be concluded that the designed polymeric matrix TDDS of atenolol could be used successfully for effective and prolonged delivery of atenolol. However, it further demands exploration in clinic, an insight vision towards the development of TDDS for commercial use.     

Development and Evaluation of HPMC Based Matrices for Transdermal Patches of Tramadol

A matrix dispersion type transdermal delivery system of tramadol was designed and developed using different concentrations and polymeric grades of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC K4M, K15M & K100M). Formulations were selected on the basis of their drug release content and release pattern. Films were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics, followed by in vitro and in vivo evaluation. The possible drug-polymer interaction was studied by FTIR, DSC and X-RD studies. These were evaluated for in vitro dissolution characteristic using Cygnus' sandwich patch holder. The drug release followed Higuchi kinetics (r?=?0.979–998; P < 0.001). In vivo evaluation was carried out on healthy rabbits of either sex, following balanced incomplete block design. The in vitro dissolution rate constant, dissolution half life and pharmacokinetic parameters generated from plasma (t_max, C_max, AUC_(s), t_1/2, K_el, and MRT) were evaluated statistically by two-way ANOVA. Statistically a good correlation was found between percent of drug absorbed from patches versus AUCs. Percent of drug dissolved at a given time versus plasma drug concentration correlated statistically. The results of this study indicate that the polymeric matrix type transdermal films of tramadol hold potential for transdermal delivery on the basis of their in vitro and pharmacokinetic results.     

Psyllium: a promising polymer for sustained release formulations in combination with HPMC polymers

Abstract

Psyllium has a mucilaginous property that makes it a good candidate to be utilized as an excipient in the preparation of controlled release systems. Various formulations were prepared using theophylline as a model drug and investigated with a view to achieve an ideal slow drug release profile. The addition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to psyllium significantly reduced the burst release; however, the percentage of drug release within a 12?h period was too slow and thereby inadequate. This was overcome by the addition of lactose as a hydrophilic filler that enabled a slow release with roughly 80% drug release in 12?h. The inclusion of HPMC within psyllium formulations changed the drug release kinetics from Fickian diffusion to anomalous transport. Granulated formulations demonstrated slower drug release than ungranulated or physical mixture and caused a change in the dissolution kinetics from Fickian diffusion to anomalous transport. Milled granules showed more efficient controlled drug release with no burst release. Milling of the granules also changed the drug release kinetics to anomalous transport. Although psyllium was proved to be a promising polymer to control the drug release, a combination of psyllium-HPMC and formulation processes should be considered in an attempt to achieve a zero-order release.     

Moulded cross-linked chitosan matrix systems for controlled drug release

Matrix-type drug delivery systems were prepared by moulding and drying cross-linked chitosan gels in 24-well plates and they were evaluated in terms of their physical properties, drug content, surface morphology and swelling. Furthermore, the in vitro drug release profiles were subjected to kinetic modelling at two different pH values. In general, the moulded matrix systems showed statistically significantly slower drug release compared to immediate release tablets as measured by the mean dissolution time. Drug release from the moulded matrix systems prepared from chitosan cross-linked with tripolyphosphate was pH-dependent as can be seen from the release exponent value (n) of 0.75 at pH 5.8 (anomalous transport, erosion), while the n value was only 0.40 at pH 7.4 (Fickian diffusion). The matrix systems obtained from chitosan cross-linked with sodium lauryl sulphate showed higher swelling but mostly Fickian diffusional release (n?=?0.25 at pH 7.4, n?=?0.41 at pH 5.8).     

鱼腥草素钠缓释片的制备及体外释放特性研究

目的制备鱼腥草素钠缓释片,并考察其体外释放特性。方法分别采用羟丙基甲基纤维素（HPMC）、联合应用HPMC与乙基纤维素（EC）作为骨架材料制备鱼腥草素钠缓释片,以累积释放度为指标,评价其体外释放特性。结果HPMC黏度及用量、EC用量对药物的释放有较大影响,填充剂对药物的释放几乎无影响。缓释片释药结果符合Higuchi方程。结论所制备的鱼腥草素钠缓释片缓释性能良好,其释放机制为非Fick’s扩散。     

Sustained Release of Acetaminophen from Heterogeneous Matrix Tablets: Influence of Polymer Ratio,Polymer Loading,and Co-active on Drug Release

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of pseudoephedrine (PE), polymer ratio, and polymer loading on the release of acetaminophen (APAP) from hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrices. Granules formulated with APAP or both APAP and PE, and various blends of HPMC and PVP were compressed into tablets at varying compression forces ranging from 2000 to 6000 lb. In vitro drug release from the matrix tablets was determined and the results correlated with those of tablet water uptake and erosion studies. Drug release from the formulations containing both APAP and PE was slower than those containing only APAP (P < 0.05, F = 3.10). Drug release from tablets formulated with APAP only showed an initial burst at pH 1.16 or 7.45, and at high total polymer loading (≥ 9.6%). Formulations containing both APAP and PE showed slower drug release at pH 1.16 than at pH 7.45. At pH 1.16, a decline in the percentage of APAP released occurred after 18 hours. This was due to the hydrolysis of APAP to p-aminophenol. The drug dissolution data showed good fit to the Korsmeyer and Peppas model, and the values of the release exponents ranged from 0.20 to 0.62, indicating a complex drug release pattern. Tablet erosion studies indicated that the amount of APAP released was linearly related to the percentage of tablet weight loss. The kinetics of tablet water uptake was consistent with a diffusion and stress relaxation controlled mechanism. Overall, the results of this study indicated that PE, as a co-active in the formulation, modified the matrix, and hence retarded APAP release.