Design and in vitro evaluation of formulations with pH and transit time controlled sigmoidal release profile for colon-specific delivery

The primary objective of the study was to develop a pH and transit time controlled sigmoidal release polymeric matrix for colon-specific delivery of indomethacin. Tablet matrices were prepared using a combination of hydrophilic polymers (polycarbophil or carbopol) having pH-sensitive swelling properties with hydrophobic polymer ethyl cellulose. The prepared matrices were characterized for physical properties and in vitro release kinetics. The presence of ethyl cellulose in a hydrophilic polymer matrix resulted in a sigmoidal in vitro drug release pattern with negligible-to-very low drug release in the initial phase (0–6?h) followed by controlled release for 14–16?h. The retardation in initial release can be attributed to the presence of ethyl cellulose that reduced swelling of hydrophilic polymer(s), while in the later portion, polymer relaxation at alkaline pH due to the ionization of acrylic acid units on carbopol and polycarbophil resulted in enhanced drug release. Thus, a sigmoidal release pattern was obtained that could be ideal for colonic delivery of indomethacin in the potential treatment of colon cancer.     

Design and evaluation of pH modulated controlled release matrix systems for colon specific delivery of indomethacin

Indomethacin, a potent non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is indicated for the local treatment of colorectal carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to design and investigate various matrix systems for controlled and site specific delivery of indomethacin to the colon. Various pH sensitive and hydrophobic polymers were investigated for their effect on drug release and site specificity. Effect of proportion of Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 in matrix either alone or in combination was evaluated. Effect of hydrophobic non-swellable polymer ethyl cellulose on the release pattern of drug from the Eudragit bases was also investigated. Matrix tablets prepared with Eudragit showed pH dependent release profile with the formulations of Eudragit L100 showing faster rate of drug release than Eudragit S100 in alkaline pH. The release profile from matrix tablets containing Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 in combination or with ethyl cellulose correlated well with the relative proportion of the two polymer types in the matrix base. Selected formulations when evaluated in simulated gastric fluid pH without enzymes showed negligible to low drug release (less than 10%) in the first 4-6 h followed with controlled release for 14-16 h. It was concluded that pH sensitive matrix bases in combination with a hydrophobic polymer like ethyl cellulose canbe ideal for site specific delivery of drugs to colon with controlled release profile.     

Encapsulated hydrophilic polymer beads containing indomethacin as controlled release drug delivery systems

Encapsulated hydrophilic polymer beads containing indomethacin were prepared by a combined technique of bead polymerization and phase separation. The drug delivery system consisted of the copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and acrylamide as the core matrix and ethyl cellulose as the barrier membrane. The drug was incorporated into the polymer matrix during the formation of the beads. The system was found to be useful as a sustained release dosage form. Release of drug from the coated beads followed a zero-order rate up to 40% of the drug released. A linear relationship exists between the rate of release and the reciprocal amount of ethyl cellulose used for coating, indicating that the drug release was controlled by the coating thickness. Addition of polyvinyl pyrrolidone in the formulation significantly increased the amount of drug released. Blood level studies showed that drug absorption from the encapsulated beads was lower than that of indomethacin powder. It appeared that indomethacin was completely absorbed from the encapsulated beads.     

海藻酸钠骨架材料中药物释放的影响因素

目的以海藻酸钠为亲水骨架材料，考察药物从海藻酸钠骨架片中释放的体外影响因素。方法以茶碱为模型药物，采用直接压片法制备了茶碱海藻酸钠亲水骨架片，通过对骨架片膨胀性、吸水性以及溶蚀性的考察，研究了影响药物从海藻酸钠骨架材料中释放的体外因素。结果茶碱海藻酸钠骨架片的释药速率和释药机理与骨架片中海藻酸钠粘度、释放介质pH值、离子强度以及转速均有关。结论海藻酸钠能有效地控制骨架片中药物的释放，是一种优良的亲水骨架材料。     

Ionic gelation controlled drug delivery systems for gastric-mucoadhesive microcapsules of captopril

A new oral drug delivery system was developed utilizing both the concepts of controlled release and mucoadhesiveness, in order to obtain a unique drug delivery system which could remain in stomach and control the drug release for longer period of time. Captopril microcapsules were prepared with a coat consisting of alginate and a mucoadhesive polymer such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, carbopol 934p, chitosan and cellulose acetate phthalate using emulsification ionic gelation process. The resulting microcapsules were discrete, large, spherical and free flowing. Microencapsulation efficiency was 41.7-89.7% and high percentage efficiency was observed with (9:1) alginate-chitosan microcapsules. All alginate-carbopol 934p microcapsules exhibited good mucoadhesive property in the in vitro wash off test. Drug release pattern for all formulation in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) was diffusion controlled, gradually over 8 h and followed zero order kinetics.     

Microspheres with pH modulated release: design and characterization of formulation variables for colonic delivery

The aim of this study was to design and develop microspheres of indomethacin with pH and transit time dependent release properties for achieving targeted delivery to the colon. Microspheres containing varying proportions of ethyl cellulose and Eudragit (L100 or S100) either alone or in combination were prepared using an oil-in-oil emulsion-based solvent evaporation technique. System comprising of acetone (internal phase) and liquid paraffin (external phase) in the ratio of 1 : 1 and 1 : 9 yielded microspheres with good physical properties (spherical and discrete), high drug loading (70-80%) and entrapment efficiency (70-85%). The lag time in the initial release depended on the proportion of pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit, while the duration of indomethacin release from microspheres was found to be directly proportional to proportion of the total polymer. Thus, a pH- and time-modulated sigmoidal release pattern could be observed in optimized formulations with less than 10% drug release in 4-6 h followed by controlled release extending up to 14-16 h.     

Swellable matrices for controlled drug delivery: gel-layer behaviour, mechanisms and optimal performance

The majority of oral drug delivery systems (DDS) are matrix-based. Swellable matrices are monolithic systems prepared by compression of a powdered mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a drug. Their success is linked to the established tabletting technology of manufacturing. Swellable matrix DDS must be differentiated from true swelling-controlled delivery systems. This review focuses on hydrophilic swellable matrix tablets as controlled DDS. Gel-layer behaviour, front movement and release are described to show the dependence of the release kinetics on the swelling behaviour of the system. In vivo behaviour of matrix systems is also considered.     

Porous cellulose matrices containing lipophilic release modifiers—a potential oral extended-release system

A multiple-unit extended-release matrix preparation was prepared by the incorporation of a hydrophilic drug (paracetamol) and lipophilic release modifiers (cetyl alcohol and paraffin) into porous cellulose matrices. The incorporation was performed using a one-step melt method. The in vitro drug release could be extended up to at least 16 h. The release rate could be controlled by varying the ratio of cetyl alcohol to paraffin. The porosity of the matrix during release increased to a larger extent than explainable by dissolution of the drug substance. This increase in porosity appears to be caused by swelling of the cellulose in combination with some erosion of the matrix material.     

Comparative evaluation of rate of hydration and matrix erosion of HEC and HPC and study of drug release from their matrices.

Hydrophilic polymers, in contact with the dissolution medium, may swell and make a continuous gel layer, erode or undergo combination of the two. The swelling action of these polymers is controlled by the rate of their hydration in the dissolution medium. The extent of polymer swelling, relative mobilities of dissolution medium and drug, and matrix erosion dictate the kinetics as well as mechanism of drug release from the polymeric matrices. The objective of the present investigations was to study the rate of hydration and the rate of matrix erosion of two hydrophilic, non-ionic cellulose ethers, i.e., hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), and to compare the kinetics and mechanism of drug release from their matrices. Chlorpheniramine maleate was used as the model drug. Matrix tablets containing chlorpheniramine maleate, HEC or HPC and dicalcium phosphate were compressed at 156 MPa pressure. The rate of hydration of the polymer, rate of erosion of the matrices and in vitro drug release studies were carried out in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The hydration studies of the two polymers demonstrated that due to relatively larger water uptake, the degree of swelling of HEC matrices was considerably higher as compared to the HPC matrices. Also, HEC matrices exhibited relatively higher erosion as compared to HPC matrices. The drug release from HEC matrices occurred by non-Fickian transport, i.e., combination of drug diffusion and polymer swelling, while drug release from HPC matrices was controlled primarily by diffusion through pores and channels in the structure. The t(50%), time to reach 50% drug release, for HEC matrices was 4.8 h and that for HPC matrices was 6.5 h which indicates that a higher polymer level was needed in the case of HEC matrices to sustain the drug release for up to 12 h of dissolution as compared to HPC matrices due to relatively higher hydrophilicity of HEC.     

Influence of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin complexation on piroxicam release from buccoadhesive tablets.

Interaction of piroxicam (PX) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) was investigated in solution and in the solid state. Solubility studies demonstrated the formation of the PX-HPbetaCD inclusion complex with 1:1 stoichiometry. Equimolecular PX-HPbetaCD solid systems were prepared and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. Modification of the release of a sparingly water-soluble drug, PX, from hydrophilic matrices using cyclodextrin complexation was evaluated. The buccoadhesive controlled release tablets for the delivery of PX were prepared by direct compression of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and Carbopol 940 (C940), which showed superior bioadhesion properties compared to HPMC. The tablets were evaluated for their dissolution, swelling and mucoadhesive properties. The in vitro release results demonstrated that matrix tablets containing the PX-HPbetaCD solid complex displayed faster PX release compared to those containing a physical mixture or "free" drug. Differences in release rates of PX from the tablets could be attributed to the presence of the polymers and to cyclodextrin complexation. The effect of the polymers on PX release can affect the drug solubility (complexation) and polymer water uptake (swelling). Higher polymer water uptake may result in higher drug solubility and diffusivity in a hydrated polymeric environment. Drug complexation affected also its diffusivity through the semipermeable membrane.     

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.     

Design and evaluation of aceclofenac ocular inserts with special reference to cataracts and conjunctivitis

The eyes present unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to the delivery of pharmaceuticals.While absorption by this route is bungling,there are a few side effects with conventional dosage forms.Ocular inserts were prepared with prolonged release of drug and minimum swelling within cul-de-sac using aceclofenac.The work focused on treatment of conjunctivitis and cataracts by formulating ocular inserts of different polymeric combination of aceclofenac using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose(HPMC,3% to 5%),chitosan(3% to 5%),poly vinyle alcohol(PVA,3% to 5%),methyl cellulose(MC,3% to 5%) as drug reservoir and ethyl cellulose(EC) polymer as rate controlling membrane by solvent casting technique with the objective of increasing contact time,achieving controlled release and greater therapeutic efficiency.The prepared ocular insert were then evaluated for physical appearances tensile strength,elongation at break(%),weight variation,uniformity of thickness,moisture absorption(%),pH,folding endurance,Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy,differential scanning calorimetry.Physicochemical characterization and in vitro transcorneal permeation studies reveals that,the prepared ocular insert formulations F2 and F8 containing HPMC and PVA had released their drug content,98.54% and 96.24%,respectively,over an extended period of 24 h.Hence these formulations were selected as best optimized formulations.It can be concluded that hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose is a good film forming hydrophilic polymer which shows potential agent for ocular drug delivery system.Incorporation of polyethylene glycol enhances the permeability of aceclofenac ocular insert and has perfect zero order release,proving a promising controlled release delivery system.     

Design and evaluation of gastroretentive mucoadhesive cephalexin tablets

The aim of this investigation was to develop gastroretentive mucoadhesive tablets of cephalexin, which will retain in the stomach for 10?h. Cephalexin, a first-generation cephalosporin, becomes ionized in intestinal pH because pKa is 4.5 and thus reducing its bioavailability. The various batches were prepared by wet granulation method using variety of mucoadhesive polymers such as hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose K4M, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, chitosan, carbopol 934P and sodium carboxymethylcellulose and subjected to various evaluation parameters such as mucoadhesive strength, in vitro drug release profile, swelling characteristics and physical properties. It was evident from the study that the formulation containing HPMC K4M and carbopol 934P in combination exhibited maximum mucoadhesive strength of 144.42?gms, in vitro residence time was 8.73?h and in vitro drug release was found to be 75.03% in 10?h with non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. So, the optimized formulation F₂ was further subjected to in vivo retention time in rabbit by X-ray technique, SEM and Accelerated stability studies. Regarding all the properties evaluated, the formulation containing HPMC K4M and carbopol 934P in combination was found to be the best to achieve the aim of this study.     

Formulation and comparative evaluation of controlled release diclofenac tablets prepared by matrix‐embedding technique,membrane barrier technique,and combination of the two

The need for controlled release formulations of diclofenac sodium (DFS) tablets is well recognized. In this study, controlled release tablets of DFS were formulated using ethyl cellulose as retardant by matrix‐embedding technique, the membrane barrier technique, and a combination of the two. Tablets of all the formulations were found to be of good physical quality with respect to appearance, drug content uniformity, hardness, weight variation, friability, and coat thickness uniformity. In vitro release rate studies showed that increasing the proportion of ethyl cellulose extended the release of DFS. In the case of polymer‐coated tablets, an increase in the thickness of the coat (by increasing the concentration of the coating solution or by increasing the number of coats applied) controlled and extended the release. The release pattern was found to follow Higuchi’s square root kinetics in matrix‐embedded tablets and zero‐order kinetics in polymer‐coated tablets. However, for an ideal controlled release formulation of water‐soluble drugs like DFS, a combination of both matrix‐embedding and the membrane barrier technique was found to be a better proposition for extended release beyond 12 h. Such formulations exhibited dual control: matrix‐embedding controlled the release rate in the initial 3–4 h of release and membrane coat‐controlled the release profile after that. At pH 6.8, the release rate was higher, probably due to increased solubility of DFS and/or increased swelling of ethyl cellulose at higher pH. However, reduction in the granule size in matrix‐embedded tablets provided a more controlled and extended release due to more tortuosity and compaction. All the formulations were found to be highly stable and possessed reproducible release kinetics across the batches. Drug Dev. Res. 53:1–8, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Development and characterization of transdermal drug delivery systems for diltiazem hydrochloride

Transdermal drug delivery system of diltiazem hydrochloride was developed to obtain a prolonged controlled drug delivery. Both the matrix diffusion controlled (MDC) and membrane permeation controlled (MPC) systems were developed. The matrix diffusion controlled systems used various combinations of hydrophilic and lipophillic polymers, whereas membrane permeation controlled systems were developed using the natural polymer chitosan. The MDC systems were prepared using the cast film method and the MPC systems by an adhesive sealing technique. Both the systems were characterized for in vitro and in vivo performance. The MDC systems were characterized for physicochemical properties such as tensile strength, moisture content, and water vapor transmission. The in vitro release studies showed that the release from the matrix diffusion controlled transdermal drug delivery systems follows a nonfickian pattern and that from the membrane permeation controlled transdermal drug delivery systems follow zero-order kinetics. The release from the matrix systems increased on increasing the hydrophilic polymer concentration, but the release from the membrane systems decrease on cross-linking of the rate controlling membrane and also on addition of citric acid to the chitosan drug reservoir gel. The in vivo studies of the selected systems showed that both systems are capable of achieving the effective plasma concentration for a prolonged period of time. The MPC system achieved effective plasma concentration a little more slowly than the MDC system, but it exhibited a more steady state plasma level for 24 hr.     

Preparation of mucoadhesive oral patches containing tetracycline hydrochloride and carvacrol for treatment of local mouth bacterial infections and candidiasis

The specific aim of this work was to prepare mucoadhesive patches containing tetracycline hydrochloride and carvacrol in an attempt to develop a novel oral drug delivery system for the treatment of mouth infections. The bilayered patches were prepared using ethyl cellulose as a backing layer and carbopol 934 as a matrix mucoadhesive layer. Patches were prepared with different loading amounts of tetracycline hydrochloride and carvacrol. The antimicrobial activity was assessed for the prepared patches using the disc-diffusion method against the yeast Candida albicans and five bacterial strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus bronchispti. In this work, we highlighted the possibility of occurrence of a synergistic action between carvacrol and tetracycline. The best formulation was selected based on microbiological tests, drug release, ex-vivo mucoadhesive performance, and swelling index. Physical characteristics of the selected formulations were determined. These included pH, patch thickness, weight uniformity, content uniformity, folding endurance, and patch stability.     

阳离子聚合物Eudragit RL对电解质的敏感性及其对不同药物释放的影响

研究聚合物Eudragit RL在电解质溶液中的膨胀行为,以及介质组成及聚合物膨胀度对硝苯地平、氯苯那敏(扑尔敏)和吲哚美辛从聚合物骨架中释放的影响。用转篮法及浆板法测定微球和药膜的释放度。结果表明Eudragit RL的膨胀度随电解质浓度增加而下降,且受电解质种类的影响显著。硝苯地平和氯苯那敏从聚合物骨架中的释放速率与聚合物膨胀行为间呈良好正相关,但吲哚美辛从聚合物中的释放速率受聚合物膨胀和离子对药物的置换两种因素同时控制。提示Eudragit RL骨架中药物的释放方式受介质组成和药物种类的影响。     

In vitro evaluation of micronized low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose as an insoluble swellable matrix for sustained-release tablets.

Micronized low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC) was evaluated in vitro as an insoluble swellable matrix carrier for sustained-release tablets, using procainamide hydrochloride, theophylline and indomethacin. The amount of water-soluble fraction and the degree of aggregation of L-HPC particles in water increased with decreases in the particle size. The mechanisms of formation of non-disintegrating matrix tablets by micronized L-HPC are discussed on the basis of fast hydration and gel formation due to loss of the fibrous structural integrity of the cellulose polymer. Simple power law analysis suggests that the drug release from directly compressed L-HPC matrices is affected not only by polymer swelling but also by the drug solubility and the amount of soluble fraction in the matrices.     

The use of hypromellose in oral drug delivery

Hypromellose, formerly known as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), is by far the most commonly employed cellulose ether used in the fabrication of hydrophilic matrices. Hypromellose provides the release of a drug in a controlled manner, effectively increasing the duration of release of a drug to prolong its therapeutic effect. This review provides a current insight into hypromellose and its applicability to hydrophilic matrices in order to highlight the basic parameters that affect its performance. Topics covered include the chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of hypromellose, hydration of the polymer matrices, the mechanism of drug release and the influence of tablet geometry on drug-release rate. The inclusion of drug-release modifiers within hypromellose matrices, the effects of dissolution media and the influence of both the external environment and microenvironment pH within the gel matrix on the properties of the polymer are also discussed.     

An Investigation into Formulation and Processing Strategies to Drive Gastroretention of Gabapentin Tablets

Purpose

The aim of the present work was to develop gastroretentive drug delivery system of gabapentin from different matrices prepared by hot melt or conventional wet granulation, which may enhance drug bioavailability. The influence of core type, granulation process, and coating level on the drug release rates was investigated.

Methods

Tablet cores were prepared from hydrophilic system of hypermellose, carboxy melthyl celloulse, and Avicel or hydrophobic system of ethyl cellulose, alginic acid, and stearic acid. The tablets were coated by Eudragit RL with triethyl citrate and compressed directly. These tablets were evaluated according to their in vitro dissolution profiles and release mechanisms.

Results

Hydrophobic matrices allowed the control of drug release. Hot melt granulation was an effective tool over wet granulation or coating for slowing release rates from hydrophobic tablets. Both hydrophobic polymer ratio and coating level influenced the drug release mechanism. The drug release of samples with minor proportion of ethyl cellulose and stearic acid or low Eudragit RL level was driven by anomalous transport and the increase of their proportions contributed to the erosion of the matrix.

Conclusions

Hydrophobic core tablet prepared from hot melt granulation and coated by Eudragit RL has shown to be a promising formulation intended to gastroretentive gabapentin delivery system.