Dissolution rate and bioavailability of griseofulvin from a ground mixture with microcrystalline cellulose

A ground mixture of griseofulvin and microcrystalline cellulose was prepared by grinding them in a vibrational ball mill. The dissolution rate and bioavailability of griseofulvin from the ground mixture were shown to be significantly greater than those from a micronized griseofulvin powder.Presented at the Ninety-fourth Annual Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, Sendai, April 1974.     

Effect of crystallinity of microcrystalline cellulose on the compactability and dissolution of tablets.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was pulverized with a vibrational rod mill. The degree of crystallinity of MCC decreased from 65.5 to 12.1% with pulverization time due to mechanochemical effect. Pulverized MCCs were compressed at 155.6 MPa using a compression test apparatus, and the two parameters relating to compactability, the B value and yield pressure, were calculated using a Heckel plot. These values were lowered as the degree of crystallinity of MCC became smaller. These results suggest that the crystal region and the amorphous region in MCC particles may be mainly fractured and deformed plastically during compression, respectively. Then the dissolution test was performed for the acetaminophen-MCC (10:90) tablets. Dissolution profiles showed an interesting phenomenon, namely, the dissolution rate of acetaminophen from MCC tablet decreased when the degree of crystallinity of MCC was in the range from 65.5 to 37.6%, however, it increased markedly when the degree of crystallinity of MCC was in the range from 25.8 to 12.1%. The amount of water absorbed into tablets changed in accord with the dissolution rates of acetaminophen from tablets. The dissolution data indicate that drug release can be modified by changing the degree of crystallinity of MCC.     

The mechanical properties of compacts of microcrystalline cellulose and silicified microcrystalline cellulose

The mechanical properties of compacts of unlubricated microcrystalline cellulose and silicified microcrystalline cellulose were evaluated using the diametric tensile test. The results suggested that, under comparable testing conditions, compacts of silicified microcrystalline cellulose exhibited greater strength than those of microcrystalline cellulose. In addition to enhanced strength, silicified microcrystalline cellulose compacts exhibited greater stiffness and required considerably more energy for tensile failure to occur. Comparison of the data with that obtained for a dry blend of silicon dioxide/microcrystalline cellulose suggested that the functionality benefits of silicification were not due to a simple composite material model.     

The dissolution rate and bioavailability of hydrochlorothiazide in pellet formulations

The influence of non-active ingredients in the manufacture of pellets on in-vitro dissolution rate and on bioavailability of hydrochlorothiazide has been studied. Pellets were formulated using either microcrystalline cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose-carboxymethylcellulose sodium blends as matrix, and hydrochlorothiazide as the active ingredient. In-vitro drug release from the different pellet formulations was retarded in comparison to a conventional tablet formulation and was dependent on the nature of the non-active ingredient and, for the microcrystalline cellulose-carboxymethylcellulose sodium blend, of the dissolution medium. In-vivo bioavailability of both pellet formulations was low compared with that of the conventional tablet and the plasma concentration-time profiles did not suggest slow release.     

Correlations betweenin vitro dissolution rate and bioavailability of alaproclate tablets

In two different absorption studies, quantitative correlations between the in vitro dissolution rate and the bioavailability have been shown after single administration of various tablet compositions of alaproclate hydrochloride to healthy subjects. Both statistical moment analysis and the use of empirical single value parameters were tested. For conventional tablets a linear relationship was obtained between mean dissolution time in vitro and in vivo. A similar relationship was obtained between the mean dissolution time in vitro and the mean residence time for controlled release tablets of the matrix type. It was also possible to establish an in vitro-in vivo correlation for these latter tablets by using the single point estimate of maximum plasma concentration as in vivo parameter. When comparing the mean dissolution time in vitro to the total area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve attained after different types of tablets, it is obvious that the extent of bioavailability of alaproclate will not fall below 80% of the value found for an aqueous solution until the mean dissolution time in vitro exceeds approximately 3 hr. Statistical moment analysis seems to have a broader applicability than the use of empirical point estimates, and it seems to be useful both for conventionally dissolving tablets and controlled release tablets.     

Effect of particle dissolution rate on ocular drug bioavailability

Aqueous ophthalmic drug solutions typically exhibit low bioavailability due to various loss processes such as drainage, tear turnover, nonproductive absorption, and protein binding. Suspensions may improve bioavailability, but because of a short residence time and a low corneal permeability rate constant, the dissolution rate of the drug and its intrinsic solubility must be considered. The relationship between the various parameters affecting the relative dissolution rate have not heretofore been examined with respect to the eye. In the present study, a kinetic model that predicts ocular tissue drug levels for suspensions has been developed and tested using a steroid, fluorometholone, as the test drug suspension. The proposed model is able to predict the effects of particle size, concentration, and changes in drainage rate such that a reasonable a priori prediction of drug levels can be made.     

Increased dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drug glyburide tablets produced using supercritical CO2 silica dispersion technology

The aim of this study was to design a silica-supported solid dispersion of a water-insoluble drug, glyburide, to increase its dissolution rate and oral absorption using supercritical fluid (SCF) technology. DSC and PXRD results indicated that the encapsulated drug in the optimal solid dispersion was in an amorphous state and the product was stable for 6 months. Glyburide was adsorbed onto the porous silica, as confirmed by the SEM images and BET analysis. Furthermore, FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed that there was no change in the chemical structure of glyburide after the application of SCF. The glyburide silica-based dispersion could also be compressed into tablet form. In vitro drug release analysis of the silica solid dispersion tablets demonstrated faster release of glyburide compared with the commercial micronized tablet. In an in vivo test, the AUC of the tablets composed of the new glyburide silica-based solid dispersion was 2.01 times greater than that of the commercial micronized glyburide tablets. In conclusion, SCF technology presents a promising approach to prepare silica-based solid dispersions of hydrophobic drugs because of its ability to increase their release and oral bioavailability.     

Correlations between in vitro dissolution rate and bioavailability of alaproclate tablets

In two different absorption studies, quantitative correlations between the in vitro dissolution rate and the bioavailability have been shown after single administration of various tablet compositions of alaproclate hydrochloride to healthy subjects. Both statistical moment analysis and the use of empirical single value parameters were tested. For conventional tablets a linear relationship was obtained between mean dissolution time in vitro and in vivo. A similar relationship was obtained between the mean dissolution time in vitro and the mean residence time for controlled release tablets of the matrix type. It was also possible to establish an in vitro--in vivo correlation for these latter tablets by using the single point estimate of maximum plasma concentration as in vivo parameter. When comparing the mean dissolution time in vitro to the total area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve attained after different types of tablets, it is obvious that the extent of bioavailability of alaproclate will not fall below 80% of the value found for an aqueous solution until the mean dissolution time in vitro exceeds approximately 3 hr. Statistical moment analysis seems to have a broader applicability than the use of empirical point estimates, and it seems to be useful both for conventionally dissolving tablets and controlled release tablets.     

Is silicified wet-granulated microcrystalline cellulose better than original wet-granulated microcrystalline cellulose?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of granulating water level on the physical-mechanical properties of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and silicified microcrystalline cellulose (SMCC). Granulations containing either MCC or SMCC were manufactured at different water levels using a high-shear mixer and were then tray-dried. The water level ranged from 0 to 100%. The granules were evaluated for size, granular and true density, porosity, flow, compactibility, compressibility, and strain-rate sensitivity index (SRS). Increasing the water level affected the size, increased the granular density and flow properties of the granules, and decreased the porosity and compactibility. The compactibilities for both materials were similar and acceptable at each granulating water level up to 40%. They both showed poor compactibility at higher water levels. Yield values and SRSs revealed that MCC and SMCC have similar compressibility, and that both exhibit a plastic component to the deformation process. The granulating water level had no statistically significant effect on the compressibility or the SRS for MCC or SMCC. SMCC did not offer practical advantages over MCC, other than better flow in the powder form, which could be attributed to slightly larger particle size and the presence of silicon dioxide in its structure.     

Characterization of microcrystalline cellulose and silicified microcrystalline cellulose wet masses using a powder rheometer.

A powder rheometer has been used to study the properties of wet powder masses and the results have been compared to the mixer torque rheometer (MTR). Two different microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) grades (Avicel and Emcocel) and silicified microcrystalline cellulose (SMCC, Prosolv) were used as model powders. The wet massing behaviour of one material (Prosolv) was studied by the powder rheometer using liquid addition experiments, while the rheological properties of wet granules were studied using both the powder rheometer and the MTR. In water addition measurements the torque behaved in a similar way to MTR measurements and the maximum value of ZTL (zero torque limit) was achieved at the capillary state of wet mass. The wet granules exhibited different behaviour in the powder rheometer and the MTR experiments, which indicates that these rheometers involve different shear forces or they measure different properties of the wet granules. Emcocel wet masses achieved the capillary state at lower liquid amount than Avicel and Prosolv masses, which indicates that Emcocel is not able to hold as much water in the internal structure as Avicel and Prosolv. The powder rheometer proved to be a sensitive piece of equipment, which can be used to study both dry and wet powder masses. It was able to distinguish wet granules from wet powder masses after liquid addition, whereas the MTR could not. However, before the powder rheometer can be properly utilised in wet powder mass studies, the problem of torque overload requires resolution.     

Correlation between dissolution rate and bioavailability of different commercial mefenamic acid capsules

A dissolution test was performed with five brands of 250 mg mefenamic acid capsule products available on the market. Three of them, the fast dissolving A and the slow dissolving D and E were subjected to a bioavailability study using a commercially available suspension as the reference. The products were administered orally in a cross-over design to 6 healthy men, and then parameters for the bioavailability were calculated from the plasma concentration-time curve. Analysis of variance indicated several significant differences among the products with respect to C_max, T_max and AUC. The relative availabilities of A, D and E were 86, 81 and 28%, respectively, with the AUC value (0-7 h) for the suspension as 100%.No correlation was observed between the in vitro dissolution rate of the drug from the capsules and the in vivo data, because the dispersing behavior of the capsule exerted a marked influence on its in vitro dissolution rate. To eliminate the influence of the capsule disintegrating process, a dissolution test was done on the contents of the capsules. A good correlation was found between the bioavailability and the dissolution rate of the drug from the capsule contents.Product E with the lowest bioavailability was passed through a 200-mesh sieve, placed in a new capsule, and tested for its bioavailabilky in humans. The AUC value was greater than that of the original product and the bioavailability was about equal to that of the suspension. The in vitro dissolution rate of the drug from the pulverized product E was also markedly increased.     

True density of microcrystalline cellulose

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) exhibits unusual tableting properties, sometimes, inconsistent with its high plasticity. It is found that some of the unusual tableting properties of MCC can be explained in part by the use of inaccurate true density during tableting data analysis. MCC true density as a function of water content is determined using a published method that can determine true density of water containing solids. Results suggest that literature MCC true densities tend to be overestimated as a result of limitations in helium pycnometry.     

提高难溶性药物尼群地平溶出率和口服生物利用度的研究

目的通过制剂手段提高难溶性药物尼群地平的体外溶出率和家犬体内的相对生物利用度。方法用共研磨法制备研磨混合物,并用差热分析法、X射线衍射法、显微镜法鉴别药物在共研磨混合物中的存在状态,在此基础上采用直接压片法制备口腔速崩片,测定体外溶出速率,所有试验均以物理混合物为参照进行比较;用HPLC法测定3只健康家犬分别口服尼群地平口腔速崩片(受试制剂)、市售普通片(参比制剂)后不同时间血浆中尼群地平的浓度,计算药物代谢动力学参数及相对生物利用度。结果共研磨混合物中尼群地平的粒径远小于物理混合物,并以微晶状态存在;以共研磨混合物制备的口腔速崩片的溶出速度和程度均大于以物理混合物制备的口腔速崩片;在家犬体内受试制剂和参比制剂的tmax分别为1.5 h和4.25 h,ρmax分别为176.54μg.L-1和111.12μg.L-1,AUC0-t分别为903.78μg.h.L-1和651.99μg.h.L-1,AUC0-∞分别为1 030.46μg.h.L-1和903.68μg.h.L-1,受试制剂的相对生物利用度为138.5%;受试制剂的体内吸收和体外溶出速率均高于参比制剂。结论通过制备共研磨混合物和口腔速崩片的方法,提高了尼群地平的体外溶出度和家犬体内的相对生物利用度。     

Rheological characterization of microcrystalline cellulose and silicified microcrystalline cellulose wet masses using a mixer torque rheometer.

The rheological properties of silicified microcrystalline cellulose (Prosolv 50) were compared with those of standard grades of microcrystalline cellulose (Emcocel 50 and Avicel PH 101). Cellulose samples were analyzed using nitrogen adsorption together with particle size, flowability, density and swelling volume studies. The rheological behaviour of the wet powder masses was studied as a function of mixing time using a mixer torque rheometer (MTR). Silicified microcrystalline cellulose exhibited improved flow characteristics and increased specific surface area compared to standard microcrystalline cellulose grades. Although the silicification process affected the swelling properties and, furthermore, the mixing kinetics of microcrystalline cellulose, the source of the microcrystalline cellulose had a stronger influence than silicification on the liquid requirement at peak torque.     

固体分散法增加对乙酰氨基酚生物利用度的研究

用固体分散技术可显著增加难溶性药物对乙酰氨基酚的溶出速率，选择尿素为载体，将对乙酰氨基酚制成固体分散体，进而制成片剂和栓剂，与市售片和市售栓比较，溶出速率加快，生物利用度明显提高。     

Enhancement of dissolution rate and bioavailability of aceclofenac: a chitosan-based solvent change approach

In this study the significant effect of chitosan on improving the dissolution rate and bioavailability of aceclofenac has been demonstrated by simple solvent change method. Chitosan was precipitated on aceclofenac crystals using sodium citrate as the salting out agent. The pure drug and the prepared co-crystals with different concentrations of chitosan (0.05–0.6%) were characterized in terms of solubility, drug content, particle size, thermal behaviour (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), in vitro drug release and stability studies. The in vivo performance was assessed by preclinical pharmacodynamic (analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity) and pharmacokinetic studies. The particle size of the prepared co-crystals was drastically reduced during the formulation process. The DSC showed a decrease in the melting enthalpy indicating disorder in the crystalline content. The XRD also revealed a characteristic decrease in crystallinity. The dissolution studies demonstrated a marked increase in the dissolution rate in comparison with pure drug. The considerable improvement in the dissolution rate of aceclofenac from optimized crystal formulation was attributed to the wetting effect of chitosan, decreased drug crystallinity, altered surface morphology and micronization. The optimized co-crystals exhibited excellent stability on storage at accelerated conditions. The in vivo studies revealed that the optimized crystal formulation provided a rapid pharmacological response in mice and rats besides exhibiting improved pharmacokinetic parameters in rats.