Formulation of fast release glibenclamide liquid and semi-solid matrix filled capsules

The ability of liquid and semi-solid matrix (SSM) filling capsule technology to improve the dissolution rate of glibenclamide (GBD) was investigated. Semiquantitative estimation of GBD solubility in various vehicles was carried out. Tetraglycol was found to be the most efficient solubilizer. GBD was formulated in different concentrations as solutions in tetraglycol or tetraglycol/ PEG 6000 blend and as suspensions in SSM composed of Gelucire 44/14 as a base. Dissolution rate studies revealed that the release profiles of GBD from capsule formulations containing the drug in concentrations up to 3.5% (m/m) were comparable.     

Lipid-based formulations for oral administration of poorly water-soluble drugs

Lipid-based drug delivery systems have shown great potentials in oral delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs, primarily for lipophilic drugs, with several successfully marketed products. Pre-dissolving drugs in lipids, surfactants, or mixtures of lipids and surfactants omits the dissolving/dissolution step, which is a potential rate limiting factor for oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. Lipids not only vary in structures and physiochemical properties, but also in their digestibility and absorption pathway; therefore selection of lipid excipients and dosage form has a pronounced effect on the biopharmaceutical aspects of drug absorption and distribution both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the different lipid-based dosage forms from a biopharmaceutical point of view and to describe effects of lipid dosage forms and lipid excipients on drug solubility, absorption and distribution.     

Approaches for the development of solid and semi-solid lipid-based formulations

Interest in Lipid Based Drug Delivery (LBDD) has developed over the past decade fuelled by a better understanding of the multiple roles lipids may play in enhancing oral bioavailability. Moreover, the emergence of novel excipients with acceptable regulatory and safety profiles coupled with advances in formulation technologies have greatly improved the potential for successful lipid based formulations. With the growing interest in this field, there is an increasing need for guidelines in excipient selection and characterization; material handling, formulation design, and processing techniques to obtain effective and patient-compliant dosage forms. The aim of this review is to present the recent approaches in selecting the most appropriate lipid system(s); methods for characterization of their behavior in vitro and in vivo; and the current formulation and processing techniques to obtain various solid dosage forms.     

Carvedilol stability in paediatric oral liquid formulations

ObjectiveTwo carvedilol aqueous solutions and one carvedilol aqueous suspension for paediatric oral use (1 mg/ml) were studied to determine their stability.MethodAll samples were stored at 4, 25 and 40° C. Carvedilol content of each of the three formulations was tested using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Each sample was analysed in triplicate at 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days.ResultsCarvedilol stayed stable in the acidic aqueous solution at the three different temperatures during the 56 days of the study. In the alkaline solution, carvedilol was stable during 56 days at 25° C, but only 28 days at 4 and 40° C. In the aqueous suspension, carvedilol was stable during 56 days at 4 and 25° C, but only 28 days at 40° C.ConclusionsAll the formulations that were tested can be stored at 25° C for at least 56 days.     

Bioequivalence of two oral formulations of triflusal capsules in healthy volunteers

Triflusal (CAS 322-79-2) is an antiplatelet agent related to salicylates used in several European and Latin American countries in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the bioequivalence of triflusal derived from two preparations using both parent drug and metabolite pharmacokinetic data. The bioavailabolity was measured in 24 healthy male Caucasian volunteers following a single oral dose (600 mg) of the test or reference products in the fasting state. Blood samples were collected for 120 h. Plasma concentrations of triflusal and its metabolite 3-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid (HTB) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and fluorescence detection, respectively. The non-compartmental method was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. Log-transformed Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-infinity were tested for bioequivalence using ANOVA and Schuirmann's two-one sided t-test. Tmax was analyzed by nonparametric pharmacokinetic parameters of triflusal and HTB derived from the two formulations were nearly consistent with previous observations. Triflusal parameters derived from the test and reference drug were as follows: Cmax (16.85 +/- 11.41 vs 14.48 +/- 7.22 mg/l), AUC0-t (18.43 +/- 10.91 vs 16.22 +/- 7.58 mg/l per hour), Tmax (1 range 0.25-2h vs 0.875 range 0.25-1.5 h), and t(1/2) (0.49 +/- 00.27 vs 0.76 +/- 0.64). HTB parameters after test and reference formulation administration were as follows: Cmax (68.13 +/- 23.05 vs 65.51 +/- 19.44 mg/l), AUC0-t (2748.18 +/- 971.91 vs 2877.97 +/- 881.2 h x mg/l), AUC0-infinity (3350.15 +/- 1182.62 vs 3372.49 +/- 1110.35 h x mg/l), Tmax (2 range 1-10 h vs 2 range 0.75-12 h), and t(1/2) (42.19 +/- 7.82 vs 43.13 +/- 6.56 h). 90% of confidence intervals for the test/reference ratio of Cmax AUC0-t and AUC0-infinity derived from both triflusal and HTB were found within the range of 80%-125% acceptable for bioequivalence. No significant difference was found between the Tmax values for triflusal and HTB. It was concluded that the two preparations are bioequivalent and may be prescribed interchangeably.     

An investigation into physical and chemical properties of semi-solid self-emulsifying systems for hard gelatin capsules

Semi-solid systems for hard gelatin capsules, based on polyethyleneglycol 400/non-ionic surfactants/corn oil mixtures, have been examined as an eventual alternative to the classical liquid self-emulsifying systems. A combination of 15% of polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether and 15% of polyoxyl (60) hydrogenated castor oil was used as surfactant. The PEG 400/corn oil ratio has been modified and the ability of both surfactants to promote the emulsification of corn oil, at 37°C and under conditions of gentle agitation, has been investigated by a conductimetric method. The water was added at constant flow rate and during emulsification the conductance of the dispersion was monitored continuously which enabled the processes of emulsification to be compared. Fine emulsions were obtained from quaternary systems containing 10–45% of corn oil added to the detriment of PEG 400. When a greater quantity of PEG 400 was substituted by corn oil the efficiency of the surfactants decreased considerably, and very coarse emulsions were obtained. The behaviour of the encapsulated formulations when placed in contact with water at 37°C was in agreement with these observations. The self-emulsifying deficiency observed for these most lipophilic systems has been attributed firstly to the unfavourable PEG 400/corn oil ratio and secondly to an initial restriction in the performance of the surfactants.     

Bioequivalence of two oral formulations of nizatidine capsules in healthy male volunteers

PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized, crossover study was to compare the bioavailability of a generic and an innovator formulation of nizatidine 300 mg capsules under fasting conditions. METHODS: Twenty blood samples per period were collected from 20 healthy, Arab male volunteers over 16 h, plasma nizatidine concentrations were determined by HPLC assay, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by the non-compartmental method. RESULTS: Mean+/-SD C(max), T(max), AUC(0-->t), AUC(0-->infinity), and t1/2 were 2.96+/-0.54 and 3.28+/-0.68 microg/ml, 1.31+/-0.70 and 0.93+/-0.38 h, 9.04+/-1.66 and 9.03+/-1.94 microg x h/ml, 9.17+/-1.64 and 9.12+/-1.94 microg x h/ml, and 1.64+/-0.21 and 1.58+/-0.22 h for the generic and innovator formulation, respectively. The parametric 90% confidence intervals on the mean of the difference between log-transformed values were 98.06% to 103.21%, 98.74% to 103.71%, and 83.37% to 101.34%, for AUC(0-->t), AUC(0-->infinity), and C(max), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that these two formulations are equivalent in the rate and extent of absorption.     

The filling of molten and thixotropic formulations into hard gelatin capsules

Problems in the formulation and manufacture of conventional solid dose form products include the variation of fill weight and drug content, dissolution control of poorly water soluble drugs and dust generated during manufacture giving rise to cross contamination. We have examined the application of a liquid filling technique for the manufacture of hard gelatin capsules as a means of overcoming some of these. Filling materials are based on water-soluble hot melt polymers such as polyethylene glycol or water-dispersible thixotropic systems of pharmaceutical oils with thixotropic additives. A Zanasi LZ64 capsule filling machine was adapted to fill liquids using a liquid filling pump. No dust is generated during filling and 20 μg doses of drug can be accurately filled without extensive processing. The formulations are simple and do not require specialist ingredients such as lubricants, binders, disintegrants and flow aids. The method of manufacture is reduced to a simple mixing and direct filling operation. The system may be applied to promote the dissolution of poorly water soluble drugs using solid solutions or solid dispersions. Slow release formulations are also available using suitable retard excipients.     

The filling of molten and thixotropic formulations into hard gelatin capsules

Problems in the formulation and manufacture of conventional solid dose form products include the variation of fill weight and drug content, dissolution control of poorly water soluble drugs and dust generated during manufacture giving rise to cross contamination. We have examined the application of a liquid filling technique for the manufacture of hard gelatin capsules as a means of overcoming some of these. Filling materials are based on water-soluble hot melt polymers such as polyethylene glycol or water-dispersible thixotropic systems of pharmaceutical oils with thixotropic additives. A Zanasi LZ64 capsule filling machine was adapted to fill liquids using filling pump. No dust is generated during filling and 20 microgram doses of drug can be accurately filled without extensive processing. The formulations are simple and do not require specialist ingredients such as lubricants, binders, disintegrants and flow aids. The method of manufacture is reduced to a simple mixing and direct filling operation. The system may be applied to promote the dissolution of poorly water soluble drugs using solid solutions or solid dispersions. Slow release formulations are also available using suitable retard excipients.     

Preservation of liquid drug preparations for oral administration

The aim of this study was to investigate functional interactions between sorbic acid, alcoholic cosolvents, and pH with respect to pharmacopeial requirements for the antimicrobial preservation of oral liquids. Twenty-seven test formulations of sugar-free syrups with varying amounts of glycerol (18–36%), propylene glycol (4–21%), and sorbic acid (0-0.15%) and with different pH values (5–8) were tested for antimicrobial preservation efficacy after inoculation with spores of Aspergillus niger. Multivariate data analysis revealed that at pH 5 the minimum concentration of sorbic acid necessary for a tenfold decrease of viable spores ranges between 0.08% and 0.10% exhibiting only minor dependence on the cosolvents concentration. Various interactions between sorbic acid and cosolvents could be observed and were discussed on basis of the degree of dissociation and distribution of sorbic acid. All tested preparations, even those free of sorbic acid, met the criteria for oral products with aqueous bases according to USP32-NF27 and JP XV which claim no increase from the initial spore count at 14 and 28 days. The EP requirement, not less than 1 log₁₀ reduction from the initial count at 14 days, was only met by preparations with pH 5 and not less than 0.15% sorbic acid. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99:357–367, 2010     

姜黄素口服吸收制剂的研究进展

姜黄素具有多种生物活性,但由于其水溶性差,在肠道吸收过程中易发生生物转化,口服生物利用度低,在临床应用中受到极大限制.利用现代制剂技术促进其口服吸收,已成为研究的热点,本文根据近年来发表的相关文献,对姜黄素口服吸收制剂的研究情况进行了介绍.     

Preparation and characterization of novel fast disintegrating capsules (Fastcaps) for administration in the oral cavity

The objective of this study was to prepare novel capsule-based fast disintegrating dosage forms for the oral cavity (Fastcaps). First, cast films were prepared from various additive-containing gelatin solutions and evaluated with respect to disintegration time and mechanical properties in order to identify suitable formulations for the capsule preparation. The disintegration time of films decreased with decreasing bloom strength and could be further decreased by the addition of sugars or PEGs. Fast disintegrating capsules were successfully prepared by a dipping process, whereby parameters such as the viscosity and temperature of the dipping solution and the dipping velocity of the steel pins were optimized. The required viscosity range of the dipping solution for Fastcap manufacturing was 500-600 cP. The addition of the hydrophilic additives (xylitol, sorbitol or PEG 1500) did not significantly affect the viscosity and gelation temperature of the dipping solution. The in vitro disintegration of Fastcaps (30-45 s) was twice as rapid as the one of regular hard gelatin capsules. In vivo, Fastcaps disintegrated rapidly (9-13 s) and their content was spread throughout the oral cavity within seconds. Lactose and/or microcrystalline cellulose were suitable fillers for Fastcaps. The mechanical properties of Fastcaps were similar to commercially available gelatin capsules, which assures good processability and handling.     

Insulin and C-peptide levels following oral administration of insulin in intestinal-enzyme protected capsules

1. Crystalline beef insulin was administered orally in capsules composed of a methacrylic acid copolymer which prevented breakdown of the insulin by enteric and pancreatic peptidases. 2. In studies performed in 3 individuals blood was sampled before oral ingestion of the insulin (40 144 units), and at 15 or 30 min intervals thereafter for 5.5 hr for measurement of immunoreactive insulin and C-peptide concentrations. 3. Following the administration of oral insulin, plasma immunoreactive insulin concentrations became elevated 4-5 hr after ingestion. 4. The rise in plasma insulin concentrations was associated with a corresponding fall in the concentration of C-peptide. 5. The data suggest that this preparation of oral insulin can produce significant enteric absorption of the peptide, and that further investigation of agents that facilitate insulin absorption from the gut might render the use of methacrylic acid copolymer coated capsules a physiologically sound and a commercially feasible method of oral insulin administration.     

基于UPLC-Q-TOF-MS技术的五酯胶囊及其入血原型木脂素类成分快速鉴定分析

目的:利用超高效液相色谱-飞行时间质谱联用(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)技术通过特征碎片和中性丢失快速鉴别五酯胶囊及其入血的原型木脂素类成分.方法:ACQUITY UPLCBEH C18色谱柱(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.7 μm),以0.1％甲酸水-甲醇梯度洗脱,流速0.2 ml·min-1;进样量2 μL.电喷...