Influence of polymeric subcoats on the drug release properties of tablets powder-coated with pre-plasticized Eudragit L 100-55

The aim of the study was to investigate the properties of sodium valproate tablets that were dry powder-coated with pre-plasticized Eudragit L 100-55. Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) was used as primer to facilitate initial coating powder adhesion. Solubility parameters were employed to determine the wetting properties of the PEG 3350 primer. Additional PEG 3350 within the powder coating formulation was required to enable powder adhesion to the tablet cores. The application of a subcoat of either Eudragit E PO or Eudragit RL PO facilitated adhesion of the enteric polymer to the tablet cores and reduced the amount PEG 3350 required in the coating formulation. Since reduction of the PEG 3350 content produced less water-vapor permeable films, the enteric coating level necessary to control the drug release was decreased. PEG 3350 and Methocel K4M were incorporated in both Eudragit E PO and Eudragit RL PO subcoating formulations as pore forming agents. The influence of the pore forming excipients on physicochemical properties of free powder-cast films was investigated. The miscibility of the PEG 3350 and Methocel K4M in the film coating was correlated with their ability to function as pore forming agent.     

Crystal growth formation in melt extrudates

The purpose of the study was to investigate the physical state of hot-melt extruded guaifenesin tablets containing either Acryl-EZE or Eudragit L100-55 and to study the physicochemical factors influencing crystal growth of guaifenesin on the surface of the extrudates. The powder mixtures containing Acryl-EZE were extruded on a single-screw Randcastle Microtruder at 20rpm and at temperatures of 90, 95, 110 degrees C (zones 1, 2, 3, respectively) and 115 degrees C (die), before being manually cut into tablets (250+/-5mg). Extrudates containing Eudragit L100-55, TEC and guaifenesin were extruded at temperatures ranging from 60 to 115 degrees C. Modulated differential calorimetry (DSC) was used to demonstrate the plasticizing effect of guaifenesin on Eudragit L100-55. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) showed that while the drug powder is crystalline, extrudates containing up to 25% drug exhibited an amorphous diffraction profile. Extrudates containing higher drug concentrations showed an amorphous profile with some crystalline peaks corresponding to guaifenesin, indicating that the limit of solubility of drug in the matrix had been exceeded. Scanning electron microscopy was used to demonstrate that drug crystallization was a surface phenomenon and dependent on the drug concentration. In vitro dissolution testing showed no effect of surface crystallization of guaifenesin on drug release rates of extruded matrix tablets. The influence of hydrophilic polymeric additives including PVP K25, polycarbophil, PEG 3,350, poloxamer 188 or poly(ethylene oxide) as crystal growth inhibitors was investigated at a level of 10% based on the drug content. The extent of crystal growth was reduced for all additives. Complete drug release in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer was prolonged from 4h in extrudates containing Acryl-EZE and guaifenesin to 8h in extrudates containing Eudragit L100-55, TEC and guaifenesin. Drug release in extrudates containing Eudragit L100-55 and guaifenesin was not affected by the presence of hydrophilic additives present at 10% based on the drug content. In vitro drug release studies showed no significant change during storage for up to 6 months at 25 degrees C/60% relative humidity and 40 degrees C/75% relative humidity.     

Influence of thermal processing on the properties of chlorpheniramine maleate tablets containing an acrylic polymer

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of thermal processing and post-processing thermal treatment on the release properties of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) from matrix tablets containing Eudragit RS PO and triethyl citrate (TEC). CPM tablets containing Eudragit RS PO with and without TEC were prepared by direct compression (DC), high shear hot-melt granulation (HMG), and hot-melt extrusion (HME). X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the CPM was distributed in Eudragit RS PO at the molecular level following HME. The thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) profiles of CPM, Eudragit RS PO, and TEC demonstrated that these materials were thermally stable during both the high shear HMG and HME processes. The tablets were subjected to post-processing thermal treatment by storing the tablets at 60 degrees C in open containers for 24 hr. Tablets prepared by DC showed the highest drug release rate constant of 36.2% hr-1/2. When 4% TEC was incorporated into the formulation, the drug release rate constant for the directly compressed tablets decreased to 32.4% hr-1/2. After high shear HMG and HME of the powder blend containing 4% TEC, the drug release rate constant decreased to 30.8 and 13.8% hr-1/2 for the respective processes. The drug release rate constants for all tablets decreased following post-processing thermal treatment. The reduction in release rate was due to an increase in the intermolecular binding and entanglement between drug molecules and polymer molecules that occurred during thermal processing. Post-processing thermal treatment of the hot-melt extrudates had a minimal effect on the drug release rate since the HME process enhanced the drug and polymer entanglement to a greater extent.     

Influence of plasticizer level on the drug release from sustained release film coated and hot-melt extruded dosage forms

In the current study, the influence of plasticizer level on drug release was investigated for solid dosage forms prepared by hot-melt extrusion and film coating. The properties of two highly water-soluble compounds, diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), and a poorly water-soluble drug, indomethacin (IDM), were investigated in the melt extrudates containing either Eudragit RSPO or Eudragit RD 100 and triethyl citrate (TEC) as the plasticizer. In addition, pellets containing DTZ were film coated with Eudragit RS 30D and varying levels of TEC using a fluidized bed coating unit. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that both CPM and IDM exhibited a plasticization effect on the acrylic polymers, whereas no plasticizing effect by DTZ on Eudragit RSPO was observed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate the thermal stability of the DTZ, Eudragit RSPO and TEC at 140 degrees C, the maximum temperature used in the hot-melt extrusion process. The chemical stability of DTZ and IDM in the extrudate following hot-melt processing was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Drug release rates of both DTZ and CPM from hot-melt extrudates increased with an increase in the TEC level in the formulations, while the release rate of DTZ from the Eudragit RS 30D-coated pellets decreased with an increase in TEC in the coating dispersion. This phenomenon was due to the formation of a reservoir polymeric structure as a result of the thermal stress and shear stress involved in the hot-melt extrusion process regardless of the TEC level. In contrast, coalescence of the polymer particles in the film coating process was enhanced with higher levels of TEC, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of TEC (0% to 8%) in the IDM hot-melt extrudate formulation had no influence on the drug release rate as the drug release rate was controlled by drug diffusion through the inside of the polymeric materials rather than between the polymer particles.     

Solid-state plasticization of an acrylic polymer with chlorpheniramine maleate and triethyl citrate

The influence of in situ plasticization of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) on Eudragit RS PO from hot-melt extruded matrix tablets, and from compressed granules prepared by thermal processing was investigated. CPM was studied as both a model drug substance and as a solid-state plasticizer for the acrylic polymer. Triethyl citrate (TEC) was incorporated into the polymer blend as a liquid plasticizer for the polymer. The influence of TEC and CPM concentration on the dissolution properties of CPM tablets was investigated. The glass transition temperature (T(g)) of the samples was determined by modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). The morphologies of the granules formed by hot-melt extrusion and hot-melt granulation processes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The addition of 12% TEC to the polymer reduced the T(g) by 32.5 degrees C, while the reduction in the T(g) for the same level of CPM was 16.4 degrees C. The effect of TEC levels on drug release was dependent on the tablet preparation method. At high TEC levels, the release rate of CPM decreased in tablets prepared by direct compression and tablets made from compressed granules that had been prepared by high shear hot-melt granulation. However, the CPM release rate increased from hot-melt extruded tablets with increasing blends of plasticizer in the extruded tablets. An increase in the CPM content in the tablets resulted in an increase in the drug release rate. During high shear hot-melt granulation, the model drug adhered to the polymer to form a porous discontinuous structure. Following hot-melt extrusion, the drug was distributed at a molecular level in the continuous polymeric structure. The influence of both CPM and TEC levels on the drug release rate from these polymeric drug delivery systems was shown to be a function of whether the granules or tablets were formed by either hot-melt granulation or hot-melt extrusion, as well as the plasticization effects of both TEC and CPM on the acrylic polymer.     

The manufacture and characterisation of hot-melt extruded enteric tablets

The aim of this highly novel study was to use hot-melt extrusion technology as an alternative process to enteric coating. In so doing, oral dosage forms displaying enteric properties may be produced in a continuous, rapid process, providing significant advantages over traditional pharmaceutical coating technology. Eudragit^® L100-55, an enteric polymer, was pre-plasticized with triethyl citrate (TEC) and citric acid and subsequently dry-mixed with 5-aminosalicylic acid, a model active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), and an optional gelling agent (PVP^® K30 or Carbopol^® 971P). Powder blends were hot-melt extruded as cylinders, cut into tablets and characterised using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dissolution testing conducted in both pH 1.2 and pH 6.8 buffers. Increasing the concentration of TEC significantly lowered the glass transition temperature (T_g) of Eudragit^® L100-55 and reduced temperatures necessary for extrusion as well as the die pressure. Moreover, citric acid (17% w/w) was shown to act as a solid-state plasticizer. HME tablets showed excellent gastro-resistance, whereas milled extrudates compressed into tablets released more than 10% w/w of the API in acidic media. Drug release from HME tablets was dependent upon the concentration of TEC, the presence of citric acid, PVP K30, and Carbopol^® 971P in the matrix, and pH of the dissolution media. The inclusion of an optional gelling agent significantly reduced the erosion of the matrix and drug release rate at pH 6.8; however, the enteric properties of the matrix were lost due to the formation of channels within the tablet. Consequently this work is both timely and highly innovative and identifies for the first time a method of producing an enteric matrix tablet using a continuous hot-melt extrusion process.     

Properties of hot-melt extruded tablet formulations for the colonic delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid.

Hot-melt extruded tablets were prepared using Eudragit S 100 as the polymeric carrier to target delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) to the colon. Scanning electron microscopy, modulated differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis of the hot-melt tablet extrudates demonstrated that 5-ASA remained crystalline and was homogeneously dispersed throughout the polymer matrix. A pre-plasticization step was necessary when incorporating triethyl citrate (TEC) into the formulation in order to achieve uniform mixing of the polymer and plasticizer, effectively reduce the polymer glass transition temperature (T(g)), and to lower the processing temperatures. The concentration of TEC in the extrudates not only influenced the processing temperature, but also influenced the drug release rates from the extruded tablets due to leaching of the TEC during dissolution testing. Citric acid monohydrate was found to plasticize Eudragit S 100, and when combined with TEC in the powder blend, the temperatures required for processing were reduced. Tablets containing citric acid released drug at a slower rate as a result of the suppression of polymer ionization due to a decrease in the micro-environmental pH of the tablet. The drug release profiles of the extruded tablets were found to fit both diffusion and surface erosion models.     

Influence of aqueous coatings on the stability of enteric coated pellets and tablets.

Pancreatin pellets, placebo pellets and tablets containing vitamin B2 were coated with various aqueous and organic enteric polymers, HPMCAS, HP, Eudragit L 100-55, Eudragit L 30 D-55, CAP, CAT, CMEC and PVAP, comparatively investigated and tested for storage stability. With the exception of Eudragit L 100-55 and Eudragit L 30 D-55, higher amounts of coating material were needed to achieve gastro-resistance with aqueous coating than with organic coating. Film formation from aqueous dispersions of micronized HP 55 was affected by the degree of micronization and was improved by reducing the particle size of the polymer. Undercoating was another suitable measure to decrease the amount of coating material required. The choice of plasticizer was of special importance in the aqueous dispersions, and type and quantity must be appropriate for the polymer applied. Non-polymeric plasticizers such as triethyl citrate (TEC) evaporated along with water during the spraying or drying process and high temperatures promoted such losses. The moisture-sensitive pancreatic enzymes were damaged both by humidity and heat during aqueous coating. The extent of damage was dependent on the coating equipment used. Upon storage, coatings obtained from aqueous dispersions showed changes in enteric performance or release characteristics as a consequence of three chemical/physical mechanisms: hydrolysis of ester linkages in the polymer or plasticizer, evaporation of the plasticizer, delayed film formation. The active ingredient pancreatin induced hydrolysis of the ester based film-former hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS). However, even without the influence of enzymes, the phthalic ester groups of aqueous hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HP) were partly cleaved after 11 months storage. In HPMCAS-coated pancreatin pellets, the plasticizer glyceryl triacetate was almost completely hydrolyzed by the enzymes, whilst triethyl citrate was lost by evaporation through permeable packaging material at elevated temperatures. Open storage at elevated temperatures and humidities caused changes in the surface structure of HPMCAS coatings, consisting of a smoothing of the originally somewhat porous film and sticking. When applied to vitamin B2 tablets, Eudragit L 100-55, Opadry enteric (PVAP) and Aqoat (HPMCAS) proved to be quite stable aqueous enteric coatings, whereas cellulose acetate phthalate CAP or cellulose acetate trimellitate CAT coatings as ammonia-neutralized aqueous solution or as water-based pseudolatex Aquateric were unstable when stored under stress conditions.     

Influence of Plasticizer Level on the Drug Release from Sustained Release Film Coated and Hot-Melt Extruded Dosage Forms

In the current study, the influence of plasticizer level on drug release was investigated for solid dosage forms prepared by hot-melt extrusion and film coating. The properties of two highly water-soluble compounds, diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), and a poorly water-soluble drug, indomethacin (IDM), were investigated in the melt extrudates containing either Eudragit® RSPO or Eudragit® RD 100 and triethyl citrate (TEC) as the plasticizer. In addition, pellets containing DTZ were film coated with Eudragit® RS 30D and varying levels of TEC using a fluidized bed coating unit. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that both CPM and IDM exhibited a plasticization effect on the acrylic polymers, whereas no plasticizing effect by DTZ on Eudragit® RSPO was observed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate the thermal stability of the DTZ, Eudragit® RSPO and TEC at 140 °C, the maximum temperature used in the hot-melt extrusion process. The chemical stability of DTZ and IDM in the extrudate following hot-melt processing was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Drug release rates of both DTZ and CPM from hot-melt extrudates increased with an increase in the TEC level in the formulations, while the release rate of DTZ from the Eudragit® RS 30D–coated pellets decreased with an increase in TEC in the coating dispersion. This phenomenon was due to the formation of a reservoir polymeric structure as a result of the thermal stress and shear stress involved in the hot-melt extrusion process regardless of the TEC level. In contrast, coalescence of the polymer particles in the film coating process was enhanced with higher levels of TEC, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of TEC (0% to 8%) in the IDM hot-melt extrudate formulation had no influence on the drug release rate as the drug release rate was controlled by drug diffusion through the inside of the polymeric materials rather than between the polymer particles.     

Effect of anionic polymers on the release of propranolol hydrochloride from matrix tablets.

Anionic polymers, namely Eudragit S, Eudragit L 100-55, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, were incorporated into hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K100M) to modify the drug release from HPMC matrices. The effects of changing the ratio of HPMC to anionic polymers were examined in water and in media with different pH. The dissolution profiles were compared according to release rates. The interaction between propranolol hydrochloride and anionic polymers was confirmed using the UV difference spectra method. The drug release was controlled with the type of anionic polymer and the interaction between propranolol hydrochloride and anionic polymers. The HPMC-anionic polymer ratio also influenced the drug release. The matrix containing HPMC-Eudragit L 100-55 (1:1 ratio) produced pH-independent extended-release tablets in water, 0.1 N HCl, and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer.     

柠檬酸三乙酯在奥美拉唑肠溶微丸中的应用

目的研究柠檬酸三乙酯（triethyl citrate,TEC）在奥美拉唑肠溶微丸中的应用。方法分别比较包衣中含TEC和不含TEC对Eudragit L30D-55膜（尤特奇肠溶包衣材料）性质的影响和对奥美拉唑肠溶微丸释药及其表面衣膜质量的影响。结果含10％TEC的Eudragit L30D-55膜较不含TEC的Eudragit L30D-55膜的玻璃化转变温度（Tg）值降低19．75℃。含10％TEC和含5％TEC的肠溶微丸释放度分别为98．7％和82．6％,远远高于不含TEC的微丸。结论TEC能显著改善树脂类包衣材料的Tg,提高膜的柔韧性和完整性,并且能够有效地控制药物释放,可广泛应用于制剂包衣中。     

Improved drug delivery to the lower intestinal tract with tablets compression-coated with enteric/nonenteric polymer powder blends

The objective of this study was to develop pH-erosion-controlled compression-coated tablets for potential colonic drug delivery with improved gastric resistance and pulsatile release based on compression-coatings of powder blends of the enteric polymer Eudragit® L100-55 and the extended release polymer ethylcellulose. Tablet cores containing model drugs of varying solubilities (acetaminophen, carbamazepine and chlorpheniramine maleate) were compression-coated with different ratios of Eudragit® L100-55:ethylcellulose 10cP FP at different compression forces and tablet core:compression-coat ratios. The compression-coated tablets were characterized by drug release, media uptake, erosion behaviour and wettability. All drugs were released in a pulsatile fashion in higher pH-media after a lag time, which was controlled by the erosion properties of the Eudragit L:ethylcellulose compression-coating. The addition of ethylcellulose avoided premature drug release in lower pH-media and significantly increased the lag time in higher pH-media because of a reduction in wettability, media uptake and erosion of the compression-coatings. Importantly, ethylcellulose also reduced the pH-dependency of the erosion process between pH 5.5 and 7.4. The lag time could also be increased by increasing the compression force and decreasing the core:compression-coat ratio. In conclusion, tablets compression-coated with blends of Eudragit L and ethylcellulose resulted in excellent release properties for potential targeting to the lower intestinal tract with no release in lower pH-media and rapid release after a controllable lag time in higher pH-media.     

Properties of sustained-release tablets prepared by hot-melt extrusion

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the properties of polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a drug carrier and to study the release mechanism of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) from matrix tablets prepared by hot-melt extrusion. During the hot-melt extrusion process, a dry powder blend of drug, polymer, and other adjuvants was fed into the extruder and melted inside the barrel of the machine. The molten mass was extruded through a rod-shaped die and then cut manually into 400-mg tablets. CPM and PEO were shown to be stable under the processing conditions. The molecular weight of the PEO, the drug loading percentage, and the inclusion of polyethylene glycol as a processing aid, were all found to influence the processing conditions and the drug release properties of the extruded tablets. Faster release of CPM from the matrix tablets was observed in acidic medium than in purified water and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Drug release from the matrix tablet was controlled by erosion of the PEO matrix and the diffusion of the drug through the swollen gel layer at the surface of the tablets. CPM was dispersed at the molecular level in the PEO matrix at low drug loading level and recrystallization of CPM was observed at high drug loading levels. Hot-melt extrusion was demonstrated to be a viable novel method to prepare sustained-release tablets. PEO was shown to be a suitable polymeric carrier for this process.     

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of mebeverine HCl colon-targeted drug delivery system

Mebeverine HCl is a water soluble drug commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome by acting directly on the smooth muscles of the colon. This work was aimed at the formulation and in vitro evaluation of a colon-targeted drug delivery system containing mebeverine HCl. Matrix tablets were prepared using ethyl cellulose (EC), Eudragit RL 100 either solely or in combination by wet granulation technique. Dissolution was carried out in 0.1 N HCl for 2?h followed by pH 6.8 phosphate buffer for eight hours. Uncoated forms released more than 5% drug in 0.1 N HCl therefore, Eudragit L100 was used as a coat. The results indicated very slow release profile. As a result, single retardant was used to prepare the matrix and coated by Eudragit L 100. The matrix containing 7% Eudragit RL 100 and 6% of binder was subjected to further studies to assess the effect of different coats (Eudragit L 100-55 and cellulose acetate phthalate) and different binders (pectin and sodium alginate) on the release profile. Eudragit L 100 and pectin were the best coating agent and binder, respectively. The final formula was stable and it can be concluded that the prepared system has the potential to deliver mebeverine HCl in vivo to the colon.     

Influence of Carbopol 71G-NF on the release of dextromethorphan hydrobromide from extended-release matrix tablets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Carbopol^® 71G-NF on the release of dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DM) from matrix tablets in comparison with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC^® K15M) and Eudragit^® L100-55 polymers. Controlled release DM matrix tablets were prepared using Carbopol 71G-NF, HPMC K15M, and Eudragit L100-55 at different drug to polymer ratios by direct compression technique. The mechanical properties of the tablets as tested by crushing strength and friability tests were improved as the concentration of Carbopol, HPMC, and Eudragit increased. However, Carbopol-based tablets showed a significantly (P?<?0.05) higher crushing strength and a lower friability than HPMC and Eudragit tablets. No significant differences in weight uniformity and thickness values were observed between the different formulations. It was also found that Carbopol significantly (P?<?0.05) delayed the release of DM in comparison with HPMC K15M and Eudragit L100-55. A combination of HPMC K15M and Eudragit L100-55 in a 1:1 ratio at 20 and 30% significantly (P?<?0.05) delayed the release of DM than Eudragit L100-55 alone. Moreover, blends of Carbopol and HPMC at a 1:1 ratio at the 10, 20, and 30% total polymer concentration were investigated. The blend of Carbopol and HPMC at 10% level significantly (P?<?0.05) slowed the release of DM than Carbopol or HPMC alone, whereas blends at 20 and 30% level significantly (P?<?0.05) delayed the release of DM compared with HPMC or Carbopol alone. The results with these polymer blends showed that it was possible to reduce the total amount of polymers when used as a combination in formulation.     

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.     

Physicochemical properties of enteric films prepared from aqueous dispersions and organic solutions

Cast films composed of mixtures of Eudragit S100:L100 (1:1) and plasticized with triethyl citrate (TEC) were prepared from aqueous dispersions and organic solutions, and the physicochemical properties and the weight loss of cast films during dissolution testing were examined. The tensile strength of the organic cast films was significantly higher and the percent elongation was lower than that of the aqueous cast films. The weight loss of the organic films was also lower than that of the aqueous films. Furthermore, leaching of the TEC from the aqueous films was rapid and the TEC was found to diffuse from the films within one hour at pH 6.0, the pH at which the Eudragit S100:L100 (1:1) films were insoluble. In contrast to the aqueous films, minimal levels of the TEC diffused from the organic cast films, and the disintegration of acrylic polymers occurred simultaneously with the release of TEC from the film during dissolution testing at pH 7.0. For Eudragit L100-55, which could form films at lower TEC levels than Eudragit S100:L100, both the organic and aqueous films showed the same weight loss after four hours in pH 5.0 media. These results demonstrated that for Eudragit S100:L100 cast films, the high levels of TEC needed for film formation from aqueous dispersions resulted in rapid dissolution and disintegration at pH 6.0 and above. While aqueous dispersions are preferred for the coating of solid substrates, for Eudragit S100:L100 film coatings, a change from organic solutions to aqueous dispersions in the coating process will impact film properties and product performance.     

Properties of theophylline tablets dry powder coated with Eudragit® E PO and Eudragit® L 100-55

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of Eudragit^® E PO on the drug release mechanism of Eudragit^® L 100-55 film coatings applied to theophylline tablets by a dry powder coating technique. The process was entirely liquid-free. Calculation of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter based on solubility parameters suggested immiscibility of the two copolymers. MDSC thermograms were characterized by two glass transitions for the investigated Eudragit^® E PO/Eudragit^® L 100-55 ratios and confirmed incomplete miscibility of the copolymers at processing conditions. FT-IR analysis was employed to study binding interactions of the polymers. Due to the higher affinity of the plasticizer, triethyl citrate, for Eudragit^® E PO compared to Eudragit^® L 100-55, redistribution of the plasticizer was observed during the curing phase of the process. Plasticizer migration also affected the initial phase of drug release from powder-coated theophylline tablets that were stored for four weeks. Drug release from powder-coated tablets was dependent on the polymer blend ratio, coating thickness, and the pH of the dissolution medium. A broad range of pH dependent theophylline release profiles were obtained as a function of the polymer blend ratio. The particle size of the coating powder influenced the microstructure of the film coating.     

Microenvironmental pH modulation based release enhancement of a weakly basic drug from hydrophilic matrices

For weakly basic drugs, pH-dependent solubility characteristics can translate into low and incomplete release of these drugs from sustained release formulations. The objective of this study was to quantitatively analyze the relationship between microenvironmental pH modulation and release enhancement of a weakly basic drug in the free base form. A prototype matrix system primarily consisting of trimethoprim (pK(a) 6.6), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and a polymeric or nonpolymeric pH modulator was used. Incorporation of the methacrylic acid polymer, Eudragit L100-55 resulted in marginal release enhancement as the pH modulation effected by this polymer was attenuated by the basicity of the drug. Water uptake and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies suggested that Eudragit L100-55 incorporation also resulted in reduced water uptake and matrix permeability. The effect of nonpolymeric pH modulators on release enhancement was also studied. The lowering in microenvironmental pH by malic acid was sufficiently high and persistent to result in pH-independent release. A correlation plot between the experimentally determined microenvironmental pH, effected by the polymeric and nonpolymeric pH modulators, and percent drug release, exhibited good linearity with a correlation coefficient of 0.83; thereby, indicating that drug diffusion across the gel barrier is the predominating mechanism of release.     

Sustained-release matrix tablets of metformin hydrochloride in combination with triacetyl-beta-cyclodextrin.

The low bioavailability and short half-life of metformin hydrochloride (MH) make the development of sustained-release forms desirable. However, drug absorption is limited to the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, thus requiring suitable delivery systems providing complete release during stomach-to-jejunum transit. This study was undertaken to develop a MH sustained-release formulation in compliance with these requirements. The strategy proposed is based on direct-compressed matrix tablets consisting of a combination of MH with the hydrophobic triacetyl-beta-cyclodextrin (TAbetaCD), dispersed in a polymeric material. Different polymers were tested as excipients, i.e. hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, xanthan gum, chitosan, ethylcellulose, Eudragit L100-55, and Precirol. Compatibility among the formulation components was assessed by DSC analysis. All the tablets were examined for drug release pattern in simulated gastric and jejunal fluids used in sequence to mimic the GI transit. Release studies demonstrated that blends of a hydrophobic swelling polymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or chitosan) with a pH-dependent one (Eudragit L100-55) were more useful than single polymers in controlling drug release. Moreover, the main role played by the MH-TAbetaCD system preparation method (i.e. grinding or spray-drying) in determining the behaviour of the final formulation was evidenced. In fact, for a given matrix-tablet composition, different sustained-release effects were obtained by varying the relative amounts of MH-TAbetaCD as ground or spray-dried product. In particular, the 1:1 (w/w) blend of such systems, dispersed in a Eudragit-chitosan polymeric matrix, fully achieved the prefixed goal, giving about 30% released drug after 2h at gastric pH, and overcoming 90% released drug within the subsequent 3h in jejunal fluid.