Compression of pellets coated with various aqueous polymer dispersions

Pellets coated with a new aqueous polyvinyl acetate dispersion, Kollicoat SR 30 D, could be compressed into tablets without rupture of the coating providing unchanged release profiles. In contrast, the compression of pellets coated with the ethylcellulose dispersion, Aquacoat ECD 30, resulted in rupture of the coating and an increase in drug release. Plasticizer-free Kollicoat SR coatings were too brittle and ruptured during compression. The addition of only 10% w/w triethyl citrate as plasticizer improved the flexibility of the films significantly and allowed compaction of the pellets. The drug release was almost independent of the compression force and the pellet content of the tablets. The inclusion of various tabletting excipients slightly affected the drug release, primarily because of a different disintegration rate of the tablets. The core size of the starting pellets had no influence on the drug release. Pellets coated with the enteric polymer dispersion Kollicoat 30 D MAE 30 DP [poly(methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate) 1:1] lost their enteric properties after compression because of the brittle properties of this enteric polymer. Coating of pellets with a mixture of Kollicoat MAE 30 DP and Kollicoat EMM 30 D [poly(ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate) 2:1] at a ratio of 70/30 and compaction of the pellets resulted in sufficient enteric properties.     

pH-independent release of a basic drug from pellets coated with the extended release polymer dispersion Kollicoat SR 30 D and the enteric polymer dispersion Kollicoat MAE 30 DP.

The objective of this study was to obtain pH-independent release profiles from coated pellets containing drugs with pH-dependent solubility. pH-independent release of the basic model drug verapamil HCl was achieved by coating with a combination of the neutral polymer dispersions Kollicoat SR 30 D (aqueous dispersion of polyvinyl acetate) and the enteric polymer dispersion Kollicoat MAE 30 DP (aqueous dispersion of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer; methacrylic acid copolymer type C). The two polymers where applied either as separate layers (enteric polymer + extended release polymer or vice versa) or as a polymer blend. A careful balance of the ratios of the polymers allowed the achievement of a pH-independent release. Higher amounts of the enteric polymer in the polymer blend resulted in a reversal of the pH-dependency, e.g. a faster release at pH 6.8 than in 0.1 N HCl.     

Development of sustained release fast-disintegrating tablets using various polymer-coated ion-exchange resin complexes

Complex formation between drugs and ion-exchange resins was investigated and the effects of coating by various aqueous polymeric dispersions on the complexes were evaluated for developing new sustained-release fast-disintegrating tablets (FDTs). Complexes of ion-exchange resin and dextromethorphan, a model drug, were prepared using different particle sizes of the resins. Aqueous colloidal dispersions of ethylcellulose (EC) and poly(vinyl acetate) (Kollicoat SR30D) were used for fluid-bed coating. Based on drug loading, release profiles, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, the coated particles were granulated with suitable tablet excipients and then compressed into the tablets. Drug release profiles and SEM pictures were compared before and after the manufacturing processes. As the particle size of resins increased, the drug loading and release rate decreased due to the reduced effective diffusion coefficient and surface area. Higher coating level decreased the release rate further. In contrast to EC, Kollicoat SR30D coated particles could be compressed into tablets without any rupture or cracks on the coating since the mechanical properties of the polymer was more resistant to the manufacturing processes. This resulted in no significant changes in release rates. SEM showed the mechanical strength of the polymers affected the morphological change after compression. When the drug release profiles were applied into Boyd model and Higuchi equation, the linear relationship was observed, indicating that the diffusion within the resin matrix is the rate-controlling step.     

New insights on poly(vinyl acetate)-based coated floating tablets: Characterisation of hydration and CO2 generation by benchtop MRI and its relation to drug release and floating strength

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of floating and drug release behaviour of poly(vinyl acetate)-based floating tablets with membrane controlled drug delivery. Propranolol HCl containing tablets with Kollidon SR as an excipient for direct compression and different Kollicoat SR 30 D/Kollicoat IR coats varying from 10 to 20mg polymer/cm2 were investigated regarding drug release in 0.1N HCl. Furthermore, the onset of floating, the floating duration and the floating strength of the device were determined. In addition, benchtop MRI studies of selected samples were performed. Coated tablets with 10mg polymer/cm2 SR/IR, 8.5:1.5 coat exhibited the shortest lag times prior to drug release and floating onset, the fastest increase in and highest maximum values of floating strength. The drug release was delayed efficiently within a time interval of 24 h by showing linear drug release characteristics. Poly(vinyl acetate) proved to be an appropriate excipient to ensure safe and reliable drug release. Floating strength measurements offered the possibility to quantify the floating ability of the developed systems and thus to compare different formulations more efficiently. Benchtop MRI studies allowed a deeper insight into drug release and floating mechanisms noninvasively and continuously.     

Suitability of κ-carrageenan pellets for the formulation of multiparticulate tablets with modified release

κ-Carrageenan is a novel pelletisation aid with high formulation robustness and quick disintegration leading to fast drug release unlike the matrix-like release from non-disintegrating microcrystalline cellulose pellets. Compression of pellets into tablets is cost effective. The feasibility of formulating multiparticulate tablets with coated κ-carrageenan pellets was investigated. Pellets containing a highly soluble drug in acid, namely bisacodyl and κ-carrageenan or MCC as pelletisation aid were prepared, enteric coated with a mixture of Kollicoat(?) MAE 30 DP and Eudragit(?) NE 30 D and compressed using silicified microcrystalline cellulose as embedding powder. The effect of coating level, type of pellet core, compression force and punch configurations on drug release were studied. A sufficient coating thickness for κ-carrageenan pellets was necessary to obtain multiparticulate tablets with adequate resistance in the acid stage regardless of the compression pressure used. While κ-carrageenan pellets and their tablets released over 80% of the drug during the neutral stage only about 20-24% was released from MCC pellets and their tablets. The type of punches used (oblong or round) did not significantly influence the drug release from the prepared tablets. Moreover, sufficient prolonged release properties were obtained with κ-carrageenan pellets containing theophylline as a model drug and coated with Kollicoat(?) SR 30 D using Kollicoat(?) IR as pore former. A lower coating level and higher amount of pore former were needed in case of theophylline pellets formulated with MCC as pelletisation aid. The sustained release properties of both coated pellet formulations were maintained after compression at different compression pressures.     

Hot melt coating technology: influence of Compritol 888 Ato and granule size on chloroquine release

The tangential spray technique was used to coat chloroquine granules with Compritol 888 Ato in a fluidized bed (Glatt GPCG-1,1). After validation of the assay method for chloroquine, dissolution tests were carried out on four size fractions obtained from the same batch of granules. The dissolution profiles obtained showed differences in the rate of release between one fraction and another, despite the fact that each of these fractions had been coated with the same quantity of wax. This suggests that the rate of release of the chloroquine may be adjusted by controlling the size of the granules. Furthermore these dissolution profiles were characterized by a rapid release phase followed by a slow release phase. Examination of the surfaces of the granules from the various size fractions under a scanning electron microscope revealed that Compritol did not form a continuous film but existed rather as a lipid environment around the granule. This lipid environment was made up of solidified droplets of the wax which had become piled up on the surface of the granule. Compression of the granules produced tablets which remained intact until chloroquine dissolution was complete. This undicated that the active substance diffused across the Compritol matrix generated during compression. Determination of the dissolution kinetics using the Higuchi model demonstrated the diffusion release mechanism.     

Liquisolid technique to enhance and to sustain griseofulvin dissolution: effect of choice of non-volatile liquid vehicles

Liquisolid systems were originally designed to enhance dissolution of hydrophobic drugs. Recently, the same technique was explored to control drug release via hydrophobic carriers. This work aimed to study the effects of different liquid vehicles on release characteristics of griseofulvin as a model hydrophobic drug. Fast dissolution tablets were prepared using three different non-ionic surfactants namely Cremophor(?)EL, Synperonic(?)PE/L61 and Capryol? 90, on the contrary Kollicoat(?)SR 30D was used for production of grieseofulvin sustained release formulations. Avicel(?) PH102 and Cab-O-Sil(?) M5 were used as carrier and coat materials, respectively. The effect of formulation parameters, such as drug concentration and carrier to coat ratio, on enhancing drug dissolution was explored. Drug concentrations of 20% and 40% (w/w), and R-values (carrier to coat ratio) of 10 and 20 were used. The mathematical model was utilized to formulate liquisolid powder systems. All fast release liquisolid formulations showed higher percentage drug dissolution efficiency (%DE) than conventional directly compacted tablets. Cremophor(?)EL showed the best dissolution enhancement with %DE of about 90%, compared to only 23% for conventional tablets; DSC data suggested loss of griseofulvin crystallinity and thermal behavior. Kollicoat(?) SR 30D retarded the drug release even in the presence of hydrophilic carrier; DSC data suggested that only small fraction of the drug was present in the molecular state within the system. The used liquisolid vehicles showed promise to enhance and to control (depend on the choice of the liquid vehicle) the release of griseofulvin from liquisolid compacts.     

Influence of the components of Kollicoat SR film on mechanical properties of floating pellets from the point of view of tableting

The influence of pellet core ingredients on pellet behaviour, e.g. during compression, is well known. In this study the influence of components of a Kollicoat SR polymer film on mechanical properties was investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of polymer film components on the mechanical properties of the pellet as a whole, from the point of view of tableting. Tablets should disintegrate into undeformed pellets floating in this environment for 5-6 h, releasing the model drug--verapamil hydrochloride--if possible in a controlled way. The usefulness of texture analysis and work of compression measurement was also evaluated. Kollicoat SR in the form of a 30D aqueous dispersion was chosen as the main component of the polymer film. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone K-30 as a pore former, and propylene glycol, triethyl citrate and dibutyl sebacate plasticisers were selected as typical additives. The influence of different thickness of polymer film on behaviour during stress was also evaluated. After coating the cores with a 20 microm Kollicoat SR dispersion film, an increase in mechanical strength, in comparison to the pellet core, was observed (2.74 to 3.34 mJ). Addition of porophor increased the work of compression by 50% to 5.1 mJ. The investigation of the influence of plasticiser on film properties proved that the kind of plasticiser used in the polymer film had no effect on the mechanical properties of the film or pellets. Only in the case of the film with triethyl citrate was no distinct of the pellet core found. Pellets coated both with films with triethyl citrate and with dibutyl sebacate, in contrast to pellets with a film coating with propylene glycol, showed a significant decrease of the dissolution rate of verapamil hydrochloride (20, 10 and 40% at 6 hours, respectively). It is possible to compress pellets with a 50 microm polymer film without affecting the dissolution rate, as was confirmed during release studies. When using Kollicoat SR the most appropriate plasticizer seems to be triethyl citrate, and in this case a change of behavior during compression analysis by texture analyzer was observed. But so relationship was found between the type of plasticizer and the work needed to obtain a given deformation.     

Fast dispersible/slow releasing ibuprofen tablets

Eight formulations were developed containing ibuprofen in the form of orally disintegrating tablets. To prevent bitter taste and side effects of the drug, the drug was associated with Phospholipon 80H, a saturated lecithin, by wet granulation. The granules were then coated using different film forming agents (Kollicoat SR 30, Amprac 01, Kollidon 90F, Eudragit RD 100) obtaining four lots 1–4. Coated granules were then formulated with a sweetener (Aspartame), a mannitol-based diluent (Pearlitol SD 200) and Kollidon CL (1-4K) or Explotab (1-4E) were added as superdisintegrants and compacted under low compression force. The eight lots of tablets, 1-4K and 1-4E, were assessed if suitable as oral disintegrating tablets by determination of a range of technological parameters. Wetting and disintegregation time matched with the requirements of EP IV Ed., for almost all these formulations. Dissolution profiles suggested that the combined action of the hydrophobic lecithin and the coating delay the release of the drug from tablets with respect to when it is free or in the form of simple granules. By an appropriate combination of excipients it was thus possible to obtain orally disintegrating tablets and a delayed release of ibuprofen using simple and conventional techniques.     

Technology evaluation: Kollicoat IR

INTRODUCTION: Developments in industrial pharmacy are often linked to the discovery of pharmaceutical excipients. Although recently introduced as a material for immediate release coatings, Kollicoat IR already has other applications. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the different properties and pharmaceutical applications of Kollicoat IR as an excipient are discussed. In the first part, the chemical structure and the physicochemical characteristics are examined. The second part is a presentation of the available Kollicoat IR products followed by a brief overview of the preclinical studies completed for its use as an instant release coating material. EXPERT OPINION: Although the polymer was intended as an immediate release coating material for tablets, grafting PEG with polyvinyl alcohol to form this polymer provides physicochemical properties that lead to ever-broadening applications. Understanding its properties can lead to the development of a new use for Kollicoat IR. The addition of Kollicoat IR to an ethylcellulose or polyvinyl acetate tablet coat was successful at modifying the drug release rate. Designing a successful controlled release coat simply requires acknowledgment of the drug release mechanism from the mixture of polymers that includes Kollicoat IR. Moreover, the interaction between Kollicoat IR and poorly soluble drugs produces fast-dissolving solid dispersions prepared using hot stage extrusion, spray drying, or freeze drying.     

Factors affecting drug release from drug-coated granules prepared by fluidized-bed coating

The preparation of drug-coated core formulations where the drug is located on the surface of a lactose granule core, using a methylcellulose (MC) or a hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) polymeric system with diphenhydramine hydrochloride as a model drug, was studied. The drug and the polymer were applied onto lactose granules using the fluidized-bed coating method. The intermittent spray conditions adopted were able to minimize aggregation of the granules and the spray drying of the coating liquid. A high coating efficiency of over 97% was obtained and the granules were evenly coated. In vitro drug release from the coated granules was shown to be dependent on the drug loading, hydrophilicity, adhesive properties, viscosity and total amount of the polymer in the drug-polymer coat. The effect of the air entrapped in the coated lactose granules on their release profiles is also discussed. These results have important implications for the design of drug-coated granules as a modified-release dosage form employing a water-soluble polymeric system.     

The use of a new hydrophilic polymer, Kollicoat IR, in the formulation of solid dispersions of Itraconazole.

Kollicoat IR, a new pharmaceutical excipient developed as a coating polymer for instant release tablets, was evaluated as a carrier in solid dispersions of Itraconazole. The solid dispersions were prepared by hot stage extrusion. Modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction were used to evaluate the miscibility of the drug and the carrier. The pharmaceutical performance was evaluated by dissolution experiments, performed in simulated gastric fluid without pepsin (SGF(sp)). In the X-ray diffractograms no Itraconazole peaks were visible; the polymer on the other hand appeared to be semi-crystalline. Moreover, its crystallinity increased during the extrusion process due to exposure to heat and shear forces. Modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the drug and the polymer formed a two phase system. Separate clusters of glassy Itraconazole were present for drug loads of 40% or higher, indicating further phase separation. Dissolution measurements demonstrated a significantly increased dissolution rate for the solid dispersions compared to physical mixtures. Interestingly the physical mixture made up of glassy Itraconazole and Kollicoat IR (20/80, w/w) showed a dissolution rate and maximum that was much higher than that of the physical mixture made up of crystalline Itraconazole and that of pure glassy Itraconazole. The results of this study show that Kollicoat IR is a promising excipient for the formulation of solid dispersions of Itraconazole prepared by hot stage extrusion.     

盐酸文拉法辛缓释片的制备及其家犬体内药动学初步研究

 　目的：研制盐酸文拉法辛(venlafaxine hydrochloride,VH)缓释片,并评价其家犬药动学特性及生物利用度。方法：以Kollidon SR为基本骨架材料制备缓释片芯,用Kollicoat SR 30D包衣混悬液包衣,采用单因素考察法优化VH缓释片。以RP-HPLC测定VH血药浓度,对6只家犬进行药动学和生物利用度初步研究。结果：VH缓释片优化处方中片芯骨架材料为Kollidon SR 80%,以Kollicoat SR 30D包衣混悬液包衣增重为1%时,具有良好的缓释特征;单剂量口服自制VH缓释片与市售VH缓释胶囊的AUC0~36 h分别为(1 107.25±202.85)和(1 172.54±276.05) ng?h?mL-1;Tmax为(7.2±0.8)和(6.7±0.8) h;Cmax为(106.57±19.40)和(102.00±34.00) ng?mL-1;缓释片的相对生物利用度为(96.04±13.20)%。结论：盐酸文拉法辛缓释片具有缓释特征,同市售缓释胶囊生物等效。     

Development of controlled release captopril granules coated with ethylcellulose and methylcellulose by fluid bed dryer

Captopril granules of controlled release with different polymers as ethylcellulose, ethyl/methylcellulose, and immediate release with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were developed by fluid bed dryer technique. The formulations were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and dissolution profiles. To compare the formulations an in vivo setting rat blood pressure assay was performed, using angiotensin I as a vasoconstrictor agent. The scanning electron microscopy of granules showed differences in morphology, and X-ray powder diffraction technique presented some modification in crystalline structure of captopril in granules coated with PVP and ethyl/methylcellulose. The dissolution profile of granules coated with ethylcellulose showed a median time release of 4 hr whereas for granules coated with ethyl/methylcellulose, this time was 3.5 hr. The blockage of angiotensin I-induced hypertensive effect lasted 8 hr in granules coated with PVP and of more than 12 hr in the granules coated with ethylcellulose and ethyl/methylcellulose.     

Sustained-release of buspirone HCl by co spray-drying with aqueous polymeric dispersions

Sustained-release of buspirone HCl (BUH) was attempted by spray drying after dissolving in two commercially available aqueous polymeric dispersions (Eudragit RS 30 D or Kollicoat SR 30 D) at five different drug:polymer ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:6 and 1:9). The produced spray-dried agglomerates were evaluated in terms of their particle size and morphology, production yield, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release of BUH. Possible drug-polymer interactions were checked by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and FT-IR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for the qualitative characterization of particle size and morphology. Encapsulation efficiency was generally high (around 100%) and independent of the polymeric dispersion type, while production yield was generally low (7.2-31.0%) and significantly lower for the case of Kollicoat SR 30 D (KSR) than for Eudragit RS 30 D (ERS). Scanning electron micrographs showed remarkable changes in size and shape of agglomerates due to the type of aqueous polymeric dispersion and drug:polymer ratio. In-vitro release of BUH from compacted co spray-dried agglomerates was remarkably slower and incomplete for the case of Kollicoat at drug:polymer ratio below 1, presumably due to increased plastic deformation of the developed coating instead of fragmentation in the case of Eudragit coating during compaction.     

Technology evaluation: Kollicoat IR

Introduction: Developments in industrial pharmacy are often linked to the discovery of pharmaceutical excipients. Although recently introduced as a material for immediate release coatings, Kollicoat IR already has other applications.

Areas covered: In this review, the different properties and pharmaceutical applications of Kollicoat IR as an excipient are discussed. In the first part, the chemical structure and the physicochemical characteristics are examined. The second part is a presentation of the available Kollicoat IR products followed by a brief overview of the preclinical studies completed for its use as an instant release coating material.

Expert opinion: Although the polymer was intended as an immediate release coating material for tablets, grafting PEG with polyvinyl alcohol to form this polymer provides physicochemical properties that lead to ever-broadening applications. Understanding its properties can lead to the development of a new use for Kollicoat IR. The addition of Kollicoat IR to an ethylcellulose or polyvinyl acetate tablet coat was successful at modifying the drug release rate. Designing a successful controlled release coat simply requires acknowledgment of the drug release mechanism from the mixture of polymers that includes Kollicoat IR. Moreover, the interaction between Kollicoat IR and poorly soluble drugs produces fast-dissolving solid dispersions prepared using hot stage extrusion, spray drying, or freeze drying.     

Evaluation of the drug release patterns and long term stability of aqueous and organic coated pellets by using blends of enteric and gastrointestinal insoluble polymers

The major aim of this study was to identify an efficient tool to adjust drug release patterns from aqueous and organic ethylcellulose (a gastrointestinal insoluble polymer) coated pellets and to evaluate the long term stability of the film coatings. Drug release was monitored during open and closed storage at 25 °C/60% RH (ambient conditions) and 40 °C/75% RH (stress conditions) for up to 24 months. Release of vatalanib succinate, a poorly soluble drug that demonstrates pH-dependent solubility, from pure ethylcellulose coated pellets was slow irrespectively of the type of coating and release medium. By addition of the enteric polymer methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer (applied as aqueous Kollicoat MAE 30 DP dispersion or organic solution of Kollicoat MAE 100 P) to ethylcellulose broad ranges of drug release patterns could be achieved. For aqueous film coatings the addition of Kollicoat MAE 30 DP to ethylcellulose dispersions resulted in unaltered drug release kinetics during closed storage at ambient and stress conditions. The storage stabilizing effect of the added enteric polymer might be explained by the more hydrophilic nature of Kollicoat MAE 30 DP compared to ethylcellulose trapping water during film formation and improving polymer particle coalescence. However, during open storage of aqueous coated ethylcellulose:Kollicoat MAE 30 DP pellets at stress conditions drug release decreased due to further gradual polymer particle coalescence. In contrast, drug release rates from organic coated ethylcellulose:Kollicoat MAE 100 P pellets stored at ambient and stress conditions did not change which could be explained by differences in the film formation process. This clearly indicates that the presented concept of the addition of methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer to ethylcellulose film coatings in combination with an organic coating process is able to achieve broad ranges of drug release patterns and to overcome storage instability.     

Acetazolamide: future perspective in topical glaucoma therapeutics

A 2(4-1) fractional factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of various process variables in fluid bed granulation, on the physico-chemical properties of granule and tablet containing a high dose, poorly water soluble, low density, and micronized drug. The process variables studied were inlet air temperature, inlet air flow, spray rate of the binder solution, and atomization air pressure. Tablets with identical composition, weight, size and hardness were also manufactured in a high shear granulator and their physical properties were determined and compared with those produced by the fluidized bed granulation method. Except for the granule size distribution, other physical properties of granulations and tablets produced in a fluid bed granulator are independent of the selected process variables within the study range. Both atomization air pressure and spray rate of the binder solution had strong impact on granule size distribution. Irrespective of the process conditions used in the fluid bed granulation, granules from this process were more porous, less dense and more compressible than the granules from the high shear granulation process. Comparable tablet dissolution rates to those prepared by the optimized high shear granulation method can be achieved by selecting the appropriate process conditions in fluid bed granulation. These results suggest that wet granulation tablets of a high dose, poorly water soluble, low density, micronized drug can be manufactured using a fluidized bed granulation method, with comparable tablet dissolution rates to those produced with an optimized high shear granulation method.     

A comparative in vitro assessment of the drug release performance of pH-responsive polymers for ileo-colonic delivery

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro dissolution characteristics of pH-responsive polymers in a variety of simulated fluids. Prednisolone tablets were fabricated and coated with the following polymer systems: Eudragit S (organic solution), Eudragit S (aqueous dispersion), Eudragit FS (aqueous dispersion) and Eudragit P4135 (organic solution). Dissolution tests were conducted using a pH change method whereby tablets were transferred from acid to buffer. Three different buffer media were investigated: two compendial phosphate buffers (pH range 6.8-7.4) and a physiological buffer solution (Hanks buffer) with very similar ionic composition to intestinal fluid (pH 7.4). There was considerable drug release from tablets coated with Eudragit P4135 in acid, prompting discontinuation of further investigations of this polymer. Eudragit S (organic solution), Eudragit S (aqueous dispersion) and Eudragit FS on the other hand prevented drug release in acid, though subsequent drug release in the buffer media was found to be influenced by the duration of tablet exposure to acid. At pH 7.4 drug release rate from the polymer coated tablets was similar in the two compendial media, however in the physiological buffer, they were found to differ in the following order: Eudragit S (aqueous dispersion)>Eudragit FS>Eudragit S (organic solution). The results indicate that the tablets coated with the newer Eudragit FS polymer would be more appropriate for drug delivery to the ileo-colonic region in comparison to the more established Eudragit S. More importantly, however, dissolution in the physiological buffer was found to be markedly slower for all the coated tablets than in the two compendial buffers, a result akin to reported slower dissolution of enteric coated tablets in vivo. There is therefore the need to adequately simulate the ionic composition of the intestinal fluid in the dissolution media.     

Solid-state plasticization of an acrylic polymer with chlorpheniramine maleate and triethyl citrate

The influence of in situ plasticization of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) on Eudragit RS PO from hot-melt extruded matrix tablets, and from compressed granules prepared by thermal processing was investigated. CPM was studied as both a model drug substance and as a solid-state plasticizer for the acrylic polymer. Triethyl citrate (TEC) was incorporated into the polymer blend as a liquid plasticizer for the polymer. The influence of TEC and CPM concentration on the dissolution properties of CPM tablets was investigated. The glass transition temperature (T(g)) of the samples was determined by modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). The morphologies of the granules formed by hot-melt extrusion and hot-melt granulation processes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The addition of 12% TEC to the polymer reduced the T(g) by 32.5 degrees C, while the reduction in the T(g) for the same level of CPM was 16.4 degrees C. The effect of TEC levels on drug release was dependent on the tablet preparation method. At high TEC levels, the release rate of CPM decreased in tablets prepared by direct compression and tablets made from compressed granules that had been prepared by high shear hot-melt granulation. However, the CPM release rate increased from hot-melt extruded tablets with increasing blends of plasticizer in the extruded tablets. An increase in the CPM content in the tablets resulted in an increase in the drug release rate. During high shear hot-melt granulation, the model drug adhered to the polymer to form a porous discontinuous structure. Following hot-melt extrusion, the drug was distributed at a molecular level in the continuous polymeric structure. The influence of both CPM and TEC levels on the drug release rate from these polymeric drug delivery systems was shown to be a function of whether the granules or tablets were formed by either hot-melt granulation or hot-melt extrusion, as well as the plasticization effects of both TEC and CPM on the acrylic polymer.