Asymmetric membrane capsules of phenylephrine hydrochloride: an osmotically controlled drug delivery system

The aim of the current study was to develop osmotically controlled release system of freely water soluble drug phenylephrine hydrochloride by use of asymmetric membrane capsules to reduce the dosing frequency and consequently improve the patient compliance. Ethyl cellulose asymmetric membrane capsules were developed by phase inversion process and solubility modulation was accomplished by common ion effect wherein sodium chloride was included in the formulation that also served as an osmogen. The effect of formulation variables namely level of polymer (ethyl cellulose), level of pore former (glycerol) and level of osmogen (sodium chloride) on the in vitro release of the drug was evaluated by 2(3) factorial design. Effects of environmental factors on the release rate of the drug from asymmetric membrane capsules were also evaluated. Membrane characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed an outer dense region with less pores and inner porous region for the prepared asymmetric membrane. The dimensional analysis of asymmetric membrane capsule documented the capsules to be of uniform cap and body size comparable to commercial hard gelatin capsules. In vitro release studies results showed that incorporation of higher amount of osmogen not only increased the osmotic pressure but also controlled the drug release for a period of 12 hr. The drug release was inversely proportional to the level of polymer in asymmetric membrane capsule but directly related to the level of pore former in the membrane. The optimized asymmetric membrane capsule (F5) was able to provide zero order release of phenylephrine hydrochloride independent of agitation rate, intentional defect in the membrane and pH of dissolution medium but was dependent on the osmotic pressure gradient between inside and outside of the delivery system.     

Asymmetric Membrane Osmotic Capsules for Terbutaline Sulphate

The aim of the present study was to design an asymmetric membrane capsule, an osmotic pump-based drug delivery system of ethyl cellulose for controlled release of terbutaline sulphate. asymmetric membrane capsules contains pore-forming water soluble additive, sorbitol in different concentrations in the capsule shell membrane, which after coming in contact with water, dissolves, resulting in an in situ formation of a microporous structure. The terbutaline sulphate is a β-adrenoreceptor agonist widely used in the treatment of asthma. The oral dosage regimen of terbutaline sulphate is 5 mg twice or thrice daily, the plasma half-life is approximate 3-4 h and it produces GI irritation with extensive first pass metabolism. Hence, terbutaline sulphate was chosen as a model drug with an aim to develop controlled release system. Different formulations of ethyl cellulose were prepared by phase inversion technique using different concentrations of sorbitol as pore forming agent. It was found that the thickness of the prepared asymmetric membrane capsules was increased with increase in concentration of ethyl cellulose and pore forming agent, i.e. sorbitol. The dye release study in water and 10% sodium chloride solution indicates that, the asymmetric membrane capsules follow osmotic principle to release content. The pores formed due to sorbitol were confirmed by microscopic observation of transverse section of capsule membrane. Data of in vitro release study of terbutaline sulphate from asymmetric membrane capsules indicated that, the capsules prepared with 10% and 12.5% of ethyl cellulose and 25% of sorbitol released as much as 97.44% and 76.27% in 12 h, respectively with zero order release rate. Hence asymmetric membrane capsule of 10% ethyl cellulose and 25% of sorbitol is considered as optimum for controlled oral delivery of terbutaline sulphate.     

Formulation and evaluation of extended release asymmetric membrane capsules of atenolol

The objective of this study was to demonstrate that the asymmetric membrane capsule can be used to deliver a poorly water soluble drug with a pH dependent solubility such as atenolol for extended periods of time by modulating solubility with organic acid. In osmotic systems, the release rate of an excipient relative to the release rate of the drug is an important factor that determines the duration of drug release. Consequently, for maintaining the desired pH over the entire period of drug dissolution a suitable thickening and suspending agent can be incorporated. By optimizing the concentration of thickening agent, it is possible to extend the availability of pH modifier in the core to provide an osmotic driving force or solubilization over the entire delivery period, so that the desired profile can be achieved for an active agent that has lower solubility characteristics. Finally, it was observed that the release rate of atenolol was influenced by the concentration of citric acid, mannitol and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Results of scanning electron microscopy studies showed the formation of pores in the membrane from where the drug release occurred. The optimal formulation was found to be able to deliver atenolol at the rate of approximate zero-order up to 24 h, independent of pH of release media and agitation rate.     

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.     

Monolithic Osmotic Tablets for Controlled Delivery of Antihypertensive Drug

An oral monolithic osmotically controlled delivery system for nifedipine using asymmetric membrane technology was developed and evaluated. Unlike conventional osmotic systems, which require laser drilling, this system releases the drug in a controlled manner from asymmetric membrane coated core tablets. Asymmetric membrane is formed by dry process with phase inversion technology process using cellulose acetate as the coating material. Higher water influx of this membrane aids in delivery of nifedipine, which is highly water insoluble with low osmotic pressure. The porous structure of the membrane was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Influence of different osmotic agents on drug release was evaluated. In vitro release studies showed that as concentration of osmotic agents was increased, the drug release was also enhanced. Drug release from the developed monolithic system was independent of external agitation and pH of dissolution media. Comparative in vitro release data was obtained using different types of coating membranes like controlled porosity membrane and dense coating membrane with mechanically drilled orifice. Osmotic pressure generated in the system was determined using freezing point osmometer. The osmotic pressure developed was found to be linearly proportional to time and concentration of osmotic agent.     

Pulsatile drug-delivery systems.

Delivery systems with a pulsatile-release pattern are receiving increasing interest for the development of drugs for which conventional controlled drug-release systems with a continuous release are not ideal. These drugs often have a high first-pass effect or special chronopharmacological needs. A pulsatile-release profile is characterized by a time period of no release (lag time) followed by a rapid and complete drug release. Pulsatile drug-delivery systems can be classified into site-specific systems in which the drug is released at the desired site within the intestinal tract (e.g., the colon), or time-controlled devices in which the drug is released after a well-defined time period. Site-controlled release is usually controlled by environmental factors, like the pH or enzymes present in the intestinal tract, whereas the drug release from time-controlled systems is controlled primarily by the delivery system and, ideally, not by the environment. This review covers various single- and multiple-unit oral pulsatile drug-delivery systems with an emphasis on time-controlled drug-release systems.     

Osmotically regulated flow of flurbiprofen through in situ formed asymmetric membrane capsule

An in situ formed non-disintegrating controlled release asymmetric membrane capsular system, offering improved osmotic effect, was used to deliver poorly water soluble drug flurbiprofen (model drug) to demonstrate how controlled release characteristics could be manipulated by design of polymeric capsule with an asymmetric membrane. In situ formed asymmetric membrane capsule was made by dry method via precipitation of asymmetric membrane on the walls of hard gelatin capsule. Effect of different formulation variables were studied based on 2(3) factorial design, namely, level of osmogen, ethylcellulose and pore former apart from studying the effect of varying osmotic pressure on drug release. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed an outer dense non porous region and an inner lighter porous region for the prepared asymmetric membrane inside and a gelatin layer outside. Statistical test (Dunnett Multiple Comparison Test) was applied for in vitro drug release at P>0.05. The best formulation closely corresponded to the extra design checkpoint formulation by a similarity (f(2)) value of 96.88. The drug release was independent of pH but dependent on the osmotic pressure of the dissolution medium. The release kinetics followed Higuchi model and mechanism of release was Fickian diffusion.     

In situ formed phase transited drug delivery system of ketoprofen for achieving osmotic, controlled and level a in vitro in vivo correlation

A dry process induced phase transited, non disintegrating, controlled release, in situ formed asymmetric membrane capsular system for poorly water soluble drug, ketoprofen, was developed and evaluated both in vitro and in vivo for osmotic and controlled release of the drug. In situ formed asymmetric membrane capsules were prepared using fabricated glass capsule holders via dry, phase inversion process. Effect of varying osmotic pressure of the dissolution medium on drug release was studied. Membrane characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed an outer dense region with less pores and an inner porous region for the prepared asymmetric membrane. In vitro release studies and statistical test for all the prepared and marketed formulation were done at P >0.05. The drug release was found to be independent of the pH, but dependent on the osmotic pressure of the dissolution medium. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed a level A correlation (R(2)>0.99) with 39.24 % relative bioavailability compared to immediate release tablet of ketoprofen. Excellent correlation achieved suggested that the in vivo performance of the phase transited in situ formed AMCs could be accurately predicted from their in vitro release profiles and could a means for controlled delivery of drugs with varying solubility.     

Controlled porosity osmotic pump for the delivery of flurbiprofen

Controlled porosity osmotic pump contains water-soluble additives in the coating membrane, which in contact with aqueous environment dissolves and results in formation of micro porous membrane. The resulting membrane is substantially permeable to both water and dissolved drug. The drug release from this type of system is independent of pH and follows zero order kinetics. In the present investigation, effort has been made to study release mechanism of drug having low water solubility by means of controlled porosity osmotic pump. The capsule membrane was prepared by phase inversion technique. The phase inversion was carried by dipping the stainless steel mould in a 15% solution of cellulose acetate containing varying amounts of pore-forming agent, glycerol (50% to 70% w/w), followed by quenching in an aqueous solution (10% w/v glycerol), which resulted in the formation of the asymmetric membrane. The delivery orifices so formed were confirmed by release of an encapsulated dye from the capsule and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The drug selected for this study, Flurbiprofen, has low water solubility and hence is unable to create osmotic pressure to cause drug release. To enhance the solubility and its osmotic pressure, this study was conducted with a solubility enhancer sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The quantity of SLS was predetermined by conducting a solubility study of flurbiprofen with SLS. Release rate studies revealed that less than 10% of drug was released from the system without SLS, while about 75% release was observed from systems containing SLS. The release rate increased as the concentration of pore forming agent increased.     

Chronopharmaceutical drug delivery from a pulsatile capsule device based on programmable erosion

We report the development of a chronopharmaceutical capsule drug delivery system capable of releasing drug after pre-determined time delays. The drug formulation is sealed inside the insoluble capsule body by an erodible tablet (ET). The release time is determined by ET erosion rate and increases as the content of an insoluble excipient (dibasic calcium phosphate) and of gel-forming excipient (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; HPMC) increases. The time-delayed release of a model drug (propranolol HCI) was investigated by dissolution testing (USP XXIII paddle method). Both composition and weight of ET influence the time of drug release. Moreover it was found that drug release was controlled by the quantity of HPMC, irrespective of lactose content within the tablet weight range 80-160 mg, when above a threshold concentration of 20% HPMC. Programmable pulsatile release has been achieved from a capsule device over a 2-12-h period, consistent with the demands of chronotherapeutic drug delivery. The time of drug release can be controlled by manipulation of tablet formulation.     

Development and evaluation of push-pull based osmotic delivery system for pramipexole

An oral push-pull system that can deliver pramipexole for extended period of time has been developed and characterized. A bilayer osmotic drug delivery system was developed using a basic design consisting of an oral controlled porosity osmotic pump. Unlike other osmotic systems, which require a preformed orifice for drug release, controlled porosity membranes contain water-soluble pore-formers in the coating membrane. When such systems come in contact with water, the additives dissolve resulting in an in-situ formation of a microporous membrane. The push layer swells releasing the drug at a controlled rate. In advanced Parkinson's disease the usual dose of pramipexole is 1.5 mg three to four times a day. Hence, an attempt was made to develop a once-a-day controlled release system. This may offer significant patient benefits by providing enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects and may also reduce the number of daily doses compared to conventional therapies. This developed push-pull system was compared with other types of osmotic delivery systems, such as an asymmetric membrane coating and a dense coat with mechanical drilling. An optimized system was selected to study the effect of the concentration of a pore-forming agent such as PEG 400 and dibutyl phthalate, the pH of dissolution media, the effect of agitation and osmotic agents on drug release. The osmotic pressure generated was determined using a 3D3 freezing point osmometer. The drug release was found to follow zero order kinetics. Drug release increased with an increase in osmotic pressure. The developed push-pull osmotic system showed the desired once-a-day release kinetics.     

Novel design of osmotic chitosan capsules characterized by asymmetric membrane structure for in situ formation of delivery orifice

In this study, chitosan capsules with asymmetric membrane to induce osmotic effects and in situ formation of the delivery orifice were optimally prepared and characterized. Chitosan capsules were formed on stainless steel mold pins by dipping the pins into a chitosan solution followed by forming asymmetric structure by dipping into a quenching solution containing tripolyphosphate (TPP) to cause an ionic cross-linking reaction between the outer layer of chitosan and TPP. Factors influencing the properties of the capsule membrane, such as the molecular weight of chitosan, the dipping solution and dipping time, and the quenching solution and time, were optimized to successfully produce osmotic chitosan capsules with asymmetric membrane using chitosans that possessed different viscosities. In situ formation of a delivery orifice on the asymmetric membrane of the chitosan capsule was proven by the observation of a jet stream of chlorophyll being released from the capsule. Drugs with different solubility were selected, and a linear correlation between drug solubility and the initial drug release rate calculated from the slope of the drug release profile was used to verify that the delivery orifices that were in situ formed on the asymmetric membrane of the chitosan capsules induced by osmotic effect was responsible for the drug release. Water permeability across the optimally produced asymmetric membrane of the capsule from chitosan of 500 cps (300-700 cps) quenched with TPP for 30 min (C500/TPP30) was determined to be 1.40 x 10(-6)cm(2)h(-1)atm(-1) at 37.0+/-0.5 degrees C. The encapsulation of poorly water-soluble drugs, felodipine (FE) and nifedipine (NF), in such an asymmetric chitosan capsule was capable of creating a sufficient osmotic effect to activate the release of the drug with the addition of SLS and HPMC. The multiple regression equations of maximal release percent at 24h for FE and NF confirmed that both sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) positively influenced this response factor, and the effect of SLS was greater than that of HPMC.     

Pharmacokinetics of an immediate release, a controlled release and a two pulse dosage form in dogs.

Clinical studies have shown that circadian patterns influence the pharmacokinetics of certain drugs used in the treatment of different diseases. For such drugs, the bioavailability is influenced by the time of administration. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in the pharmacokinetic patterns between a pulsatile drug delivery system using a pulsatile capsule, an immediate release tablet and a controlled release tablet. Metoprolol was chosen as a model drug because of its high solubility and high permeability pattern throughout the GI tract. The dosage forms were administered to four dogs and the plasma levels were measured using LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for each dosage form. Fluctuations in the plasma time curves over the observation period indicated that physiological factors like motility have an influence on the drug absorption. The comparison of the plasma time curves of the dosage forms showed that each dosage form caused significant differences in the drug plasma levels. The pulsatile drug delivery capsule caused two defined C(max) values for each dose between 1-1.75 and 2.5-3.5h. Implications for the use of a pulsatile drug delivery device for chronopharmacotherapy are discussed. Pulsatile drug delivery offers a promising way for chronopharmacotherapy if the time of administration and pulse time are adjusted to the circadian pattern.     

Investigation of Release Pattern of a Drug with Low Solubility Through Asymmetric Membrane Capsules

Asymmetric membrane capsules are a type of osmotic drug delivery systems. They are nondisintegrating capsules, which utilize osmotic pressure to drive the drug outwards for controlled delivery. Preceded by systems such as elementary osmotic pump, controlled porosity osmotic pump, single composition osmotic tablet this system has the advantage of simple and easy fabrication as it obviates the necessity of drilling an orifice into the drug delivery system. Moreover; it seems to be a low-cost alternative. The cellulose acetate capsule shell, on coming in contact with the aqueous medium shows in situ pore formation due to leaching of pore formers, which have been incorporated into the shell forming solution. Until date, a number of osmotic agents to the likes of sodium chloride, mannitol has been used to build up osmotic pressure inside the cell. The system is endowed with high water flux, which is a plus point for delivery of poorly soluble drugs like cephalexin in terms of increasing release rates. Studies envisaged in this research include the effect of different concentrations of different pore formers on in vitro drug release as well as the effect of modification of inner contents of the capsule. The system was successful in producing a gradual release of drug for 12 h.     

Development of an enhanced formulation for delivering sustained release of buprenorphine hydrochloride

To control the minimum effective dose, and reduce the number and quantity of administered potent drugs are unique features of advanced drug delivery in situ forming gel formulation. The efficacy, consistency, and increasing the application of existing injection therapies can be enhanced through optimization of controlled released systems by using FDA approved biodegradable PLGA (poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer. The purpose of this study was to develop different in situ forming implant (ISFI) formulations of buprenorphine hydrochloride for post treatment of drug addicts, acute and chronic pains.The drug releases from different ISFIs membranes with and without Tween 80 were compared over a period of time. Kinetic equation followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, as the plots showed high linearity. The influence of this additive on polymer properties was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the membranes structure was studied by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).Data revealed that Tween 80 modified the drug release pattern using diffusion mechanism and decreased the glass transition temperature (T_g) significantly. The degree of crystallinity was decreased after phase inversion which helps the dissolution of drug from membrane. The porosity of modified membranes was in accordance with release profiles.These findings suggest four different in situ forming implant formulations which can release various dose of the buprenorphine hydrochloride in a prolonged time. Also this surfactant can be an attractive additive for modifying the release rate of drugs from PLGA-based membrane drug delivery systems.     

Application of artificial neural networks in the design of controlled release drug delivery systems

Controlled release drug delivery systems offer great advantages over the conventional dosage forms. However, there are great challenges to efficiently develop controlled release drug delivery systems due to the complexity of these delivery systems. Traditional statistic response surface methodology (RSM) is one of the techniques that has been employed to develop and formulate controlled release dosage forms. However, there are some limitations to the RSM technique. Hence, another technique called artificial neural networks (ANN) has recently gained wide popularity in the development of controlled release dosage forms. In this review, the basic ANN structure, the development of the ANN model and an explanation of how to use ANN to design and develop controlled release drug delivery systems are discussed. In addition, the applications of ANN in the design and development of controlled release dosage forms are also summarized in this review.     

Osmotic pumps in drug delivery

In recent years, novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) have been recognized as an attractive niche for the pharmaceutical and health industry. Among various NDDS, osmotic pumps have matured from their use with laboratory animals to the most reliable controlled release systems for humans. Osmotically controlled drug delivery systems use osmotic pressure for controlled delivery of active agent(s). Drug delivery from these systems, to a large extent, is independent of the physiological factors of the gastrointestinal tract. Because of their unique advantages over other types of dosage forms, osmotic pumps form a class of their own among the various drug delivery technologies, and a variety of products based on this technology are available on the market. This article is a review of different types of osmotic pumps and their role in drug delivery.     

Osmotically regulated asymmetric capsular system for sustained delivery of indomethacin

The aim of the current study was to develop a sustained release asymmetric membrane capsular system for oral delivery of indomethacin. The capsule membrane was prepared using fabricated glass mold pins by phase inversion technique. Cellulose acetate was used as the semi permeable membrane. The capsule contains pore-forming water-soluble additives, which after coming in contact with aqueous medium, dissolves, resulting in an in situ formation of a micro porous structure. The effect of different formulation variables, like, ratio of drug to osmogen, solubilizing agent and level of pore former, stirring rate on the in vitro release was studied. Scanning electron microscopy of the membrane confirmed its porous, dense asymmetric nature. It was found that drug release rate increased with the increase in amount of osmogen and solubilizer, and independent of stirring rate. Indomethacin release was, directly proportional to the level of pore former, in the membrane. In the present investigation, efforts have been made to increase the release of poorly water soluble drug by means of porosity osmotic pump.     

Drug delivery systems 5A. Oral drug delivery

The two main advantages of controlled drug delivery systems are: maintenance of therapeutically optimum drug concentrations in the plasma through zero-order release without significant fluctuations; and elimination of the need for frequent single dose administrations. The oral and other therapeutic systems in human use have validated the concept that controlled continuous drug release can minimize the daily dose of a drug required to maintain the required therapeutic effect, while minimizing unwanted pharmacological effects. By minimizing patient intervention, a design feature of therapeutic systems, compliance is automatically enhanced. Oral drug delivery systems, in particular, have required innovation in materials science to provide materials biocompatible during prolonged contact with body tissues, bioengineering to develop drug delivery modules, and clinical pharmacology for elucidation of drug action under conditions of continuous controlled drug administration. Recent work in advanced oral delivery has been primarily focused on liposome technology and the concept that substances that are normally destroyed by the stomach can be protected long enough before they could be absorbed downstream. For cost and patient convenience, oral delivery certainly would be an attractive method. The nature of biologic substances, however, with their unique technical problems, will probably limit greatly those that can be delivered orally. Besides, where delivery rate control is critical, oral delivery, even when possible, would probably be insufficiently precise. Oral delivery would also limit the substance to bloodstream delivery to the disease site. Even so, oral controlled drug delivery systems will likely find primary usefulness in specific carefully controlled therapies and prophylactic situations with due regard for drug interactions. This system represents a potentially very significant therapeutic modality. These delivery systems will find usefulness primarily in certain well-defined and well-controllable areas with due regard for individual patient variations. The purpose of the present article is to review oral controlled-release drug delivery systems, with particular emphasis on the practical aspects of testing and fabricating these systems and the underlying mechanisms by which control over drug release rate is accomplished.     

An insight to osmotic drug delivery

In a typical therapeutic regimen the drug dose and the dosing interval are optimized to maintain drug concentration within the therapeutic window, thus ensuring efficacy while minimizing toxic effects. For many decades treatment of acute disease or a chronic illness has been mostly accomplished by delivery of drugs to patients using various pharmaceutical dosage forms. The immediate release conventional dosage form does not provide the proper plasma concentration of drug for prolonged period. This results in the development of various controlled drug delivery system. Among which the osmotic drug delivery systems (ODDS) are gaining importance as these systems deliver the drug at specific time as per the path physiological need of the disease, resulting in improved patient therapeutic efficacy and compliance. They work on the principle of osmotic pressure for controlling the delivery of the drug. Osmotic drug delivery systems with their versatility and their highly predictable drug release rates offer various biomedical advantages when given parenterally like reduced dose, targeting of site, avoiding gastrointestinal stability, hepatic bypass of drug molecule and follows zero order kinetics. Osmosis is an aristocratic phenomenon that seizes the attention for its exploitation in zero-order drug delivery systems. The release of the drug is independent of pH and physiological factors of the GIT to a large extent. Optimizing semi-permeable membrane characteristics and osmotic agent can modulate delivery of drug from the system. This review highlights the theoretical concept of drug delivery, history, types of oral osmotic drug delivery systems, factors affecting the drug delivery system, advantages and disadvantages of this delivery system, theoretical aspects, applications, and the marketed status.