Dry polymer powder coating and comparison with conventional liquid-based coatings for Eudragit) RS, ethylcellulose and shellac.

Drug-layered pellets were coated with micronized polymer powders (Eudragit) RS, ethylcellulose, and shellac) by a dry powder coating technique as an alternative to organic- and aqueous-based coatings (Eudragit) RS 30D, Aquacoat) ECD) were investigated. High plasticizer concentrations (40%) and a thermal after-treatment (curing) were necessary for the coalescence of the polymer particles and good film formation. Ethylcellulose required a higher curing temperature and time than Eudragit) RS because of its higher glass transition temperature (133 versus 58 degrees C). A smaller polymer particle size also promoted film formation. In general, pellets coated with polymer powders required higher coating levels to obtain similar drug release patterns as pellets coated with organic polymer solutions and aqueous polymer dispersions.     

Influence of an enteric polymer on drug release rates of theophylline from pellets coated with Eudragit RS 30D

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the influence of an enteric polymer on the drug release properties of theophylline pellets coated with Eudragit RS 30D. Theophylline pellets were coated with aqueous colloidal dispersions of Eudragit RS 30D containing various amounts of Eudragit L 100-55. The effect of storage conditions on the release of drug from coated pellets was determined as a function of the pH of the dissolution medium. The results from the dissolution study showed significant changes in the dissolution rate of theophylline from pellets coated with Eudragit RS 30D when cured at 40 degrees C for 4 days. No change in the drug release rate was observed when Eudragit L100-55 was present in the Eudragit RS 30D dispersion. Increasing the ratio of Eudragit L100-55 to Eudragit RS 30D resulted in faster drug release rates from the coated pellets. An increase in the pH of the dissolution medium was found to enhance drug release from the pellets coated with Eudragit RS 30D containing Eudragit L 100-55. Theophylline pellets when coated with Eudragit RS 30D containing the enteric polymer Eudragit L100-55 demonstrated no aging effects when stored at elevated temperatures. The overcoating of the pellets with Eudragit RD 100 did not affect the drug release profiles and prevented the particles from agglomerating during curing and storage.     

Effect of curing conditions and plasticizer level on the release of highly lipophilic drug from coated multiparticulate drug delivery system

The study aimed to investigate the effect of triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer level (10, 15, and 20%), curing temperature (40, 50, and 60 degrees C) and time (0 to 168 h) on the release of a highly lipophilic drug bumetanide from pellets coated with methacrylate ester copolymer (Eudragit RS). Bumetanide was layered onto sugar pellets followed by coating with 6% Eudragit RS with and without hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) seal coat using Wurster Fluid Bed equipment. Coated pellets were stored for 3 months at room temperature and the release was tested in USP purified water. At 10% TEC level, increasing curing time and temperature lead to slower drug release. At 15 and 20% TEC levels, curing initially decreased drug release followed by increase in the release at longer curing time and higher temperature. Drug release from coated pellets plasticized with 15% TEC and completely cured followed zero order kinetic models. At plasticizer level of 20%, bumetanide release from the completely cured pellets was better modeled using the Higuchi's equation reflecting possible drug migration during curing. Storage led to an increase in drug release. The use of HPMC seal coat stabilized drug release after storage. It was concluded that bumetanide migration into Eudragit RS film coat was the main cause of the accelerated release after curing and storage. The drug migration during storage at room temperature was prevented by seal coating the pellets with HPMC.     

Quality by design, part II: application of NIR spectroscopy to monitor the coating process for a pharmaceutical sustained release product

Ammonio methacrylate copolymers are commercially available as Eudragit RL/RS; they differ in the degree of quaternary ammonium group substitution, which gives them different permeabilities. These closely related polymers can be combined in various ratios to control release rate; consequently, release rate is controlled by the polymer composition and coating thickness. Therefore, predicting drug release from methacrylate copolymers using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be technically difficult. Thus, the objective of this study is to use NIRS to develop multivariate calibration models to predict tablet coat thickness and release rate for tablets coated with varying polymer ratios. A series of sustained release orbifloxacin formulations were developed with varying polymer ratios. Partial least squares (PLS) models were developed to predict coat thickness; samples from these formulations were pooled and a combined calibration was generated. To assess dissolution, tablets were coated using Eudragit RL and RS with ratios of 0:5, 1:4, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1, and 5:0. The amount released at set time-points was used to build PLS models. For the first time, NIRS has been successfully used to monitor Eudragit polymer coat thickness and drug release from tablets coated with various RL:RS ratios, which demonstrates the potential of NIRS as tool for coating process.     

Effect of Curing Conditions and Plasticizer Level on the Release of Highly Lipophilic Drug from Coated Multiparticulate Drug Delivery System

The study aimed to investigate the effect of triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer level (10, 15, and 20%), curing temperature (40, 50, and 60°C) and time (0 to 168h) on the release of a highly lipophilic drug bumetanide from pellets coated with methacrylate ester copolymer (Eudragit RS). Bumetanide was layered onto sugar pellets followed by coating with 6% Eudragit RS with and without hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) seal coat using Wurster Fluid Bed equipment. Coated pellets were stored for 3 months at room temperature and the release was tested in USP purified water. At 10% TEC level, increasing curing time and temperature lead to slower drug release. At 15 and 20% TEC levels, curing initially decreased drug release followed by increase in the release at longer curing time and higher temperature. Drug release from coated pellets plasticized with 15% TEC and completely cured followed zero order kinetic models. At plasticizer level of 20%, bumetanide release from the completely cured pellets was better modeled using the Higuchi's equation reflecting possible drug migration during curing. Storage led to an increase in drug release. The use of HPMC seal coat stabilized drug release after storage. It was concluded that bumetanide migration into Eudragit RS film coat was the main cause of the accelerated release after curing and storage. The drug migration during storage at room temperature was prevented by seal coating the pellets with HPMC.     

Tackiness of acrylic and cellulosic polymer films used in the coating of solid dosage forms.

The objective was to determine the tackiness of acrylic and cellulosic polymer films in order to make predictions on the tackiness (agglomeration) of coated dosage forms during coating and curing. Force-displacement curves of the detachment process of two polymeric films were used as a measure of tackiness. Various polymers (cellulosic (Aquacoat and acrylics (Eudragit RS 30D, L 30D, NE 30D)), plasticizers (triacetin, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyltributyl citrate) and anti-tacking agents (talc and glyceryl monostearate) were investigated. The order of tackiness for films prepared from the different aqueous polymer dispersions was in order of Eudragit NE 30D > RS 30D > RL 30D > Aquacoat. The tackiness increased with increasing plasticizer concentration due to the softening of the polymer. A correlation between the minimum film formation temperature and the tackiness was observed, however, no correlation between the tackiness and the lipophilicity of the plasticizer was seen. Talc and glyceryl monostearate (GMS) reduced the tackiness of the films significantly, with GMS being effective at much lower concentrations. Curing of Eudragit RS 30D-coated theophylline beads at temperatures higher than 40 degrees C in an irreversible agglomeration of the beads and damage of the coating upon separation of the beads. This resulted in a faster release than with uncured beads. Blending the beads with talc just prior to the curing step eliminated the agglomeration and therefore film damage, even at a curing temperature of 60 degrees C.     

Quality by design, part III: study of curing process of sustained release coated products using NIR spectroscopy

This study investigated the potential of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to assess film coat curing for tablets coated with methacrylate copolymers. The ability of NIRS to monitor film coat curing was studied and compared to conventional methods like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and hot-stage microscopy (HSOM). This study showed that variation in the curing temperature and duration affected the NIR spectra for all formulations. These results and the DSC and HSOM results showed that the spectral changes are due to polymer curing. In addition, glass beads, theophylline and orbifloxacin tablets were coated using Eudragit RL, RS, and L 30-D with varying ratios. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the NIR spectra to investigate the effect of curing time and temperature on cast films, uncoated tablets, coated tablets and coated glass beads. Score plots showed that curing duration and temperature affected coated glass beads, uncoated and coated tablets significantly. The amount of drug released at 250 min, and the NIR spectra of cured tablets were used to develop and validate a 7-factor partial least square (PLS) regression calibration for theophylline tablets coated with Eudragit RL:RS 30-D (1:4). This study demonstrated the potential of NIRS in film coat curing and release monitoring.     

Influence of hydroxyethylcellulose on the drug release properties of theophylline pellets coated with Eudragit RS 30 D.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of a hydrophilic polymer, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), on the release properties of theophylline from pellets coated with Eudragit RS 30 D, and the physicochemical properties of Eudragit RS 30 D cast films. The release rate of theophylline from Eudragit RS 30 D coated pellets decreased during storage at 25 degrees C/60% RH due to the further coalescence of colloidal acrylic particles. In addition, water-vapor permeability and tensile strength of Eudragit RS 30 D cast film decreased after 1-month storage at 25 degrees C/60% RH. The presence of 10% hydroxyethylcellulose in the coating formulation was shown to stabilize the drug release rate from coated pellets, the water-vapor permeability and the tensile strength of free films. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy were used to demonstrate that the HEC was immiscible with Eudragit RS 30 D in the cast films. The stabilization effect of HEC was investigated and determined to be due to the formation of an incompatible phase between the latex particles which impaired further coalescence of the colloidal acrylic particles.     

磷酸川芎嗪丙烯酸树脂水分散体包衣小丸的体外释放研究

目的：研究磷酸川芎嗪丙烯酸树脂水分散体包衣缓释小丸的体外释药。方法：采用丙烯酸树脂RS30D和丙烯酸树脂RL30D混合液包衣制备磷酸川芎嗪缓释小丸，并考察包衣混合液中两种丙烯酸树脂水分散体比例、包衣增重、溶出介质pH对磷酸川芎嗪包衣制剂体外释药的影响。结果：随着包衣液中丙烯酸树脂RL30D/丙烯酸树脂RS30D比例增大、包衣增重降低、溶出介质pH增大，释药速率加快。结论：包衣液中丙烯酸树脂RL30D/丙烯酸树脂RS30D比例、包衣增重、溶出介质pH均显著影响制剂药物释放。     

酒石酸美托洛尔缓释微丸的制备及处方因素考察

目的：选用Eudragit RS 30 D与Eudragil RL30D两种包衣材料，制备日服2次的酒石酸美托洛尔缓释徽丸，并对其处方因素进行考察。方法：采用Glatt流化床底喷溶液上药法制备载药微丸，考察缓释聚合物Eudragit RS 30D与Eudragit RL 30D的不同质量配比（2：3，7：3和9：1）、聚合物包衣增重（10％，20％和30％）以及增塑利嗣量（10％，20％和40％）和放置时间对药物释放的影响。结果：当Eudragit RS 30D与Eudragit RL 30D的质量比为9：1，聚合物包衣增重为20％，增塑剂用量为20％时，药物的释放行为符合中国药典对缓释制剂释放度的相关规定。结论：通过调整Eudragit RS 30D与Eudragit RL 30D之间的比例，或提高聚合物包衣增重等手段，能使酒石酸美托洛尔载药徽丸具备较理想的缓释效果。     

Non-traditional plasticization of polymeric films

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of methylparaben, ibuprofen, chlorpheniramine maleate and theophylline on the thermal and mechanical properties of polymeric films of Eudragit RS 30 D. The effects of methylparaben and ibuprofen in the film coating on the rate of drug release from Eudragit RS 30 D coated beads were also studied. The physical and mechanical properties of the cast films and coated beads were investigated using thermal analysis, tensile testing, X-ray diffraction analysis and dissolution testing. The results demonstrated that the glass transition temperature of the Eudragit RS 30 D decreased with increasing levels of methylparaben, ibuprofen and chlorpheniramine maleate in the film. Theophylline exerted no influence on the thermal properties of the polymer. The higher levels of the ibuprofen and methylparaben incorporated into the film resulted in a decrease in the tensile strength of the film. The decrease in Young's modulus of Eudragit RS 30 D coated beads was attributed to an increase in the flexibility of the polymeric films when the level of methylparaben or ibuprofen in the polymeric dispersion was increased. The dissolution data demonstrated that the rate of release of the ibuprofen from coated beads was decreased by increasing the amount of ibuprofen and methylparaben in the polymeric film coating.     

盐酸伪麻黄碱脉冲小片包衣液处方优化

目的制备盐酸伪麻黄碱脉冲控释小片,并对其体外释药情况进行研究。方法制备盐酸伪麻黄碱含药片芯,采用丙烯酸树脂水分散体(Eudragit(RS 30D)制备盐酸伪麻黄碱脉冲控释小片。通过单因素实验考察药物释放的影响因素,确立处方组成,采用正交设计对包衣液处方进行优化。结果当隔离层增质量分数为2%、控释层增质量分数为5%、CMS-Na用量质量分数为25%,脉冲控释小片的时滞为6 h,体外具有脉冲释药特性。结论成功地制备了盐酸伪麻黄碱脉冲控释小片,体外释药符合脉冲释药的要求。     

Influence of processing parameters and formulation factors on the drug release from tablets powder-coated with Eudragit L 100-55.

The aim of this study was to develop a dry powder coating process for chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) tablets using Eudragit L 100-55 as the delayed release polymer. Powder coating, a water and organic solvent-free process, was investigated as a method to prevent the migration of an ionizable, highly water soluble model drug into the polymeric film during the coating process. Eudragit L 100-55 was pre-plasticized with triethyl citrate (TEC) using hot-melt extrusion at levels of 20%, 30%, and 40%, based on the polymer weight. The extrudate was subsequently cut into pellets and cryogenically ground into a fine powder. Talc was incorporated into the coating powder as an anti-tack agent. PEG 3350 was used as a primer for the powder coating of tablets with pre-plasticized Eudragit L 100-55. The addition of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) to the pre-plasticized Eudragit L 100-55 was necessary to enhance the adhesion of the coating powder to the tablet cores. PEG 3350 also improved film formation and coalescence of the polymeric particles due to its plasticization effects on the acrylic polymer. For comparison, theophylline tablets were also coated with pre-plasticized Eudragit L 100-55. Theophylline was selected as a less water soluble model drug. The powder coating process was performed in a modified laboratory scale spheronizer. The drug release rate was dependent both on TEC content and the coating level. The stability of the powder-coated CPM tablets was confirmed at 25 degrees C/60% RH over a storage time of 12 weeks.     

氯化钾缓释片的处方工艺研究

目的尝试用骨架与膜衣相结合的方法对水易溶性药物释放速度的控制 ,调整体外释药行为 ,应用EUDRAGIT系列辅料进行氯化钾控释片的研究。方法用RSPO和NE 30D与KCl压制成水不溶蚀性骨架片 ,再用RL10 0 ,RS10 0包衣制得。结果体外释放度研究表明其释药行为是 :第2 ,4 ,6h的溶出量分别为标示量的 2 0 %～ 4 0 % ,30 %～ 6 0 % ,75 %以上。结论水易溶性药物 ,通过骨架和膜衣双重控制 ,体外释药行为效果较好     

Influence of film additives on stabilizing drug release rates from pellets coated with acrylic polymers.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of talc and triethyl citrate (TEC) on stabilizing the drug release rates following curing and storage at elevated temperature of pellets coated with an aqueous acrylic polymeric dispersion. Core pellets containing anhydrous theophylline (20%), microcrystalline cellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone were prepared by extrusion-spheronization. The aqueous dispersions were prepared by adding up to 30% TEC as a plasticizer and talc up to 200% as an antiadherent to a mixture of Eudragit RS 30D/RL 30D (95:5). The theophylline pellets were coated in a fluidized-bed coating unit and then cured at elevated temperatures. Theophylline pellets were successfully coated with the Eudragit dispersions that contained up to 200% talc, based on the dry polymer weight, and the coating efficiency was greater than 93%. Our results demonstrated that the polymer, which was plasticized by TEC, was able to function as a film-forming agent for dispersions containing high levels of talc. No sticking of the coated pellets was observed during the coating process or during the curing or equilibrating phase, even with high levels of TEC in the film. The dissolution rate of theophylline from the coated pellets was delayed when the film coating dispersion contained high levels of talc. Additionally, the stability of the drug release profiles from the coated pellets after storage was significantly improved. Furthermore, a modified dissolution testing used to simulate mechanical stresses that may be encountered in vivo showed the film coated pellets would have sufficient strength. The results of this study demonstrated that high levels of film additives in the acrylic dispersion contributed to the stabilization of the drug release rates as well as the reproducibility of the coating process.     

Dry Powder Coating of Pellets with Micronized Eudragit® RS for Extended Drug Release

PURPOSE: To develop a novel powder coating technology for extended-release pellets based on the acrylic polymer, Eudragit RS. METHODS: A mixture of micronized Eudragit RS plus talc and a liquid feed (plasticizer plus binder solution) were sprayed separately onto propranolol hydrochloride-loaded pellets in a fluidized bed coater. The coated pellets were heat-cured under different conditions (40 degrees C to 60 degrees C, 2 h to 24 h). The coalescence (film formation) of the polymer particles was studied via the determination of the glass transition and the minimum polymer-softening temperatures (MST). The coated pellets were characterized with respect to their morphologic, release, and stability properties. RESULTS: The optimum plasticizer type and concentration and process temperatures could be identified by the determination of the MST. High concentrations of plasticizer (40% based on the polymer) and a thermal treatment were necessary to achieve complete film formation and extended drug release. Curing the pellets resulted in release profiles, which did not change during storage for 3 years. The coated pellets had a smooth, continuous surface and a dense film structure after curing. CONCLUSIONS: This novel coating technique avoids the use of organic polymer solutions or latex dispersions, has short processing times, and results in stable extended-release profiles.     

Use of ion-exchange resins to prepare 100 microm-sized microcapsules with prolonged drug-release by the Wurster process

Ion-exchange resin (IER)--drug complexes were used as core materials to explore their capability to prepare a 100 microm-sized, highly drug-incorporated microcapsule with a prolonged drug release by the Wurster process. Diclofenac sodium was loaded into Dowex 1-X2 fractionated into 200--400 mesh and subsequently microencapsulated with two types of aqueous colloidal polymer dispersion, Aquacoator Eudragit RS30D. The mass median diameter and drug content of the microcapsules thus obtained were 98 microm and 46% with Aquacoat, and 95 microm and 50% with Eudragit RS30D, respectively. Each microcapsule was obtained at a product yield of 94%. The rate of drug release from the microcapsules was highly dependent on the encapsulating materials. For the microcapsules coated with Aquacoat, diclofenac sodium was found to be rapidly released over 4 h, even at a 25 wt% coating level because of cracks on the microcapsule surfaces resulting from the swelling stress of the drug-loaded IER cores. In contrast, significantly prolonged drug-release was achieved in the microcapsules prepared with Eudragit RS30D: even such a very low coating level as 3 wt% provided an exceptionally prolonged drug-release over 24 h. The results indicated that the use of IER along with a flexible coating material would be a feasible way to prepare a prolonged release type of microcapsules with a diameter of 100 microm and a drug content of more than 50% by the Wurster process.     

Design and study of ibuprofen disintegrating sustained-release tablets comprising coated pellets.

One challenge in tableting of sustained-release multiparticulates is maintaining the desired drug release after compaction. The aim of this study was to design sustained-release ibuprofen tablets which upon oral ingestion rapidly disintegrate into sustained-release pellets in which the integrity of the pellet core and/or coat is preserved. First free films composed of Eudragit RS 30D and RL 30D in 4:1 ratio and containing different levels of triethyl citrate (TEC) were prepared and tested to optimize the plasticizer level. Cured Eudragit based pellets with 60% ibuprofen loading which in our previous study showed proper mechanical properties for compression were coated with Eudragit RS 30D/RL 30D (4:1) containing 20% triethyl citrate at different coating levels. The mechanical properties of the coated pellets were tested. Polymer coated pellets were compacted into tablets either alone or with a blend of excipients comprising Avicel, PEG 4000, cross-linked PVP. A 3(2) full factorial design was used to optimize the filler blend composition. Effects of pellet to filler ratio, compression force and granulation of filler on tablet characteristics were investigated. Results of mechanical test showed that the coating of cured pellets had no significant effect on yield point and elastic modulus of the pellets. In the case of 5% coating level sustained release of ibuprofen over a period of 24h was achieved. The results obtained from tableting procedure showed that by selecting suitable filler blend (60% Avicel, 10% cross-linked PVP and 30% PEG 4000), compression force, and granulation of filler it was possible to prepare sustained-release tablets containing high ratio of coated pellets (even 80%) with desirable strength, disintegration time, and drug release rate. It was observed that compression force, pellet to filler ratio, composition of filler blend and granulation of fillers had no effect on drug release rate from compacted pellets but had significant influence on tablet strength, friability, and disintegration time. SEM graphs and in vitro release profiles for compacted pellets showed no apparent damage to the coated pellets as a result of the compaction process.     

快速崩解茶碱包衣小丸骨架片的研制

用挤出／滚圆法以茶碱主模型药物研制快速崩解包衣小丸骨架片,以Ｅｕｄｒａｇｉｔ ＮＥ３０Ｄ或ＲＬ／ＲＳ３０Ｄ为包衣材料,用底喷式流化床包衣,再压制成骨架片,对包衣材料的种类、压片辅料的组成和用量,压片力等因素进行了考察优化,得到了符合美国药典释放度要求的包衣小丸骨架片。     

Thermal treating as a tool for sustained release of indomethacin from Eudragit RS and RL matrices

Eudragit RS and RL are biocompatible non-swelling polymers that widely used in the preparation of sustained release drug delivery systems. In this study, the effect of thermal treating on the tensile strength of tablets and release of indomethacin from Eudragit RS and RL matrices were investigated. The results showed that thermal treating at 40 degrees C has no effect on the release of the drug, whereas heat-treating at temperatures higher than 50 or 60 degrees C decreases the release rate of indomethacin from Eudragit RS or RL, respectively. It was shown that the duration of the heat treatment was also an important factor in controlling the release rate of indomethacin from Eudragit matrices. The results showed that an increase in the duration of the heat treatment from 2 to 24 h resulted in a reduction in the release rate of the drug. The heating of the matrices over 24 h had no significant effect on the release rate of indomethacin. It was shown that heat treatment of the matrices over the glass transition temperature of the polymer can prolong the drug release but had no significant effect on the tensile strength of tablets.