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.     

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

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

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

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

Influence of relative humidity on the mechanical and drug release properties of theophylline pellets coated with an acrylic polymer containing methylparaben as a non-traditional plasticizer.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of relative humidity (RH) on the mechanical and dissolution properties of theophylline pellets coated with Eudragit((R)) RS 30 D/RL 30 D containing methylparaben (MP) as a non-traditional plasticizer. The coated beads were stored at 23 degrees C and at different relative humidities (0, 29, 51, 75 and 84% RH). The effect of storage conditions on the rate of drug release from coated beads was determined in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength and Young's modulus, of individual beads were determined by a diametral compression method with a Chatillon((R)) tension/compression apparatus. The morphology of the intact and fractured beads was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The moisture content of the polymeric films was determined using a Karl Fischer coulometric moisture analyzer. The results from the mechanical studies demonstrated that an increase in the relative humidity resulted in a decrease in the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the coated beads. SEM photographs showed that coated beads stored at 0% RH exhibited brittle fracture failure. The coated beads stored at 84% RH showed ductile behavior, which was attributed to the hydroplasticization effect on the acrylic polymer due to the uptake of moisture. The moisture content in the films was also shown to influence the rate of drug release from Eudragit((R)) RS 30 D/RL 30 D coated beads containing MP as the plasticizer. The change in release profiles could be minimized when the relative humidity was reduced to zero. The dissolution rate of theophylline from the coated beads decreased when stored at high relative humidities. This trend was reversed when the coated beads that were stored at 84% RH for 5 weeks, were then equilibrated at 0% RH.     

Modulating pH-independent release from coated pellets: Effect of coating composition on solubilization processes and drug release

The aim of the study was to clarify the influences of three coating parameters on the drug release from chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) pellets, coated with blends of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PVA-PEG) graft copolymer. A central composite design was implemented to investigate the effect of the polymer blend ratio, the film coat thickness and the plasticizer concentration on the drug release. The solubilization inside the pellets was monitored by EPR spectroscopy. The blending ratio of both the polymers and the film thickness were found to have a major influence on the drug release and the solubilization speed, in contrast to the plasticizer concentration. A pH-independent release profile was adjustable via modulating the polymer blend ratio and the coating thickness. A mathematical model was developed, providing a good predictability of the release profile, based on the film coat composition. This model offers the possibility to achieve a defined drug-release profile by selective adaptation of the film coat composition, in view of process times, feasibility or polymer costs.     

Evaluation of the drug release patterns and long term stability of aqueous and organic coated pellets by using blends of enteric and gastrointestinal insoluble polymers

The major aim of this study was to identify an efficient tool to adjust drug release patterns from aqueous and organic ethylcellulose (a gastrointestinal insoluble polymer) coated pellets and to evaluate the long term stability of the film coatings. Drug release was monitored during open and closed storage at 25 °C/60% RH (ambient conditions) and 40 °C/75% RH (stress conditions) for up to 24 months. Release of vatalanib succinate, a poorly soluble drug that demonstrates pH-dependent solubility, from pure ethylcellulose coated pellets was slow irrespectively of the type of coating and release medium. By addition of the enteric polymer methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer (applied as aqueous Kollicoat MAE 30 DP dispersion or organic solution of Kollicoat MAE 100 P) to ethylcellulose broad ranges of drug release patterns could be achieved. For aqueous film coatings the addition of Kollicoat MAE 30 DP to ethylcellulose dispersions resulted in unaltered drug release kinetics during closed storage at ambient and stress conditions. The storage stabilizing effect of the added enteric polymer might be explained by the more hydrophilic nature of Kollicoat MAE 30 DP compared to ethylcellulose trapping water during film formation and improving polymer particle coalescence. However, during open storage of aqueous coated ethylcellulose:Kollicoat MAE 30 DP pellets at stress conditions drug release decreased due to further gradual polymer particle coalescence. In contrast, drug release rates from organic coated ethylcellulose:Kollicoat MAE 100 P pellets stored at ambient and stress conditions did not change which could be explained by differences in the film formation process. This clearly indicates that the presented concept of the addition of methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer to ethylcellulose film coatings in combination with an organic coating process is able to achieve broad ranges of drug release patterns and to overcome storage instability.     

Aqueous ethyl cellulose dispersions containing plasticizers of different water solubility and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as coating material for diffusion pellets. I. Drug release rates from coated pellets

The present work investigates release mechanisms of theophylline pellets coated with an aqueous ethyl cellulose (EC) dispersion containing plasticizers and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a water soluble pore former. Three different drug release mechanisms from coated pellets can be determined as a function of the water solubility of the plasticizers and the ionic strength of the release medium. Coated pellets with the addition of more hydrophilic plasticizers such as triethyl citrate (TEC) or diethyl phthalate (DEP) show an approximate zero-order-release rate. In contrast, two-phase release profiles can be observed from pellets coated with dispersions containing hardly soluble plasticizers such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or dibutyl sebacate (DBS). Only in a release medium of high ionic strength the water soluble pore former will remain in the coating. Thus the drug diffuses through a hydrated swollen membrane containing EC, HPMC and insoluble plasticizer. The release mechanisms depend on the glass transition temperature of the ethyl cellulose and therefore on the migration of the plasticizers and the pore former. This was shown by investigation of the migration of the additives and the influence of the temperature of the release medium on the release. Additionally, the study investigates the effect of curing and storage conditions of coated pellets on the drug release rate.     

Effect of calcium concentration, hardening agent and drying condition on release characteristics of oral proteins from calcium pectinate gel beads.

Pectin has been investigated for its ability to produce solid calcium pectinate gel (CPG) beads containing bovine serum albumin (BSA). Several factors can influence the properties and release characteristics of the CPG beads. In this study, the effect of calcium concentration, hardening agent and drying condition on the encapsulation and release characteristics of BSA from the matrix gel beads made of calcium pectinate were studied. BSA release studies under conditions mimicking mouth to colon transit have shown that calcium pectinate protects the drug from being released completely in the physiological environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract, and is susceptible to the enzymatic action with consequent drug release. In addition, the release of BSA from CPG beads was strongly affected by calcium concentration and drying condition. However, the release was not particularly affected by the presence of hardening agent at the concentration of 1% or lower. Since the release of BSA as a model protein drug could be controlled by the regulation of the preparation conditions of CPG beads, the CPG beads may be used for a potential oral controlled release system for protein drugs.     

The influence of core materials and film coating on the drug release from coated pellets

The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of the composition of the core of the pellets on the in vitro drug release profile. The different materials (drugs and fillers) were chosen according to their relative solubility. Pellets were prepared by a standardised process of extrusion/spheronisation. A selected fraction size (1-1.4 mm diameter) of pellets of each preparation was coated with Surelease (an aqueous dispersion of ethyl cellulose) to give 5% weight gain. The dissolution studies were performed and data analysed in terms of the Area under the Curve (AUC) of the % dissolved as function of time and Mean Dissolution Time (MDT). ANOVA was applied in order to identify the influence factors and the relationship of cross effects. Canonical analysis and multiple regression were employed to quantify these relationships. The film coat was found to be the major factor controlling the drug release. The results however, show that both drug and filler solubility influenced the drug release profile. Some of the unusual results could only be explained if consideration was given to the physical characteristics of both powder and pellets. In particular, the specific surface area of calcium phosphate compared with other fillers played an important role on the release profile of the model drug.     

Effect of drug solubility on release behavior of calcium polysaccharide gel-coated pellets.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of drug solubility on the release behavior from calcium polysaccharide gel (CaPG)-coated pellets. Three different drugs with similar chemical structure, but different water solubility, namely caffeine (CAF), theophylline (TPL) and theobromine (TBR), were used. Drug-loaded spherical pellets were manufactured by an extrusion-spheronization method. The CaPG was applied on the pellets loaded with different drugs by interfacial complexation coating. The encapsulation efficiency of coated pellets was found to vary from 57.6 to 84.3%, depending on the solubility of the active drug and polysaccharide type. Drug release from different uncoated pellets was relatively unaffected by pH and release media but depended mainly on drug solubility. Release behavior was significantly modified in the pellets coated with CaPG, for all of the drugs tested. Drug release from coated pellets of the different drugs showed different release kinetics. The difference in the drug release is probably due to the difference in the drug dissolution within the core, before its partition and diffusion through the CaPG coat. The CAF dissolved faster and achieved a higher concentration in solution, which drove diffusion. The release of TBR from the coated pellets was much slower than that of the CAF or TPL because of its low solubility. However, the release of all drugs was about four- to sixfold slower for coated than uncoated pellets, suggesting that the coating influenced the retardation of drug release from the coated pellets. Therefore, the CaPG coating may provide a sustained release delivery system for all drugs tested.     

5-氨基水杨酸果胶钙微丸的制备及粉体学性质与释药特征的考察

目的考察含有5-氨基水杨酸的果胶钙骨架微丸的制备过程的影响因素以及微丸的粉体学性质与释药特征。方法采用挤出滚圆法制备5-ASA果胶钙微丸,通过考察含钙量不同的果胶钙微丸以及处方中果胶钙含量不同的微丸的粉体学性质和释药曲线,从而确定制备微丸的最佳处方。将果胶钙微丸与普通微丸(不含果胶钙)和含质量分数为3%的崩解剂的微丸在pH7.4 PBS中的释药曲线进行比较,并比较果胶钙微丸在pH7.4 PBS、含果胶酶及含大鼠盲肠内容物的pH7.4 PBS中的释药曲线,同时结合SEM法分析释药机理,从而评价果胶钙在微丸中的作用。结果当果胶钙的含钙量为15 mg.g-1,处方中果胶钙的含量质量分数为20%时,微丸成球性较好,且5-ASA果胶钙微丸在1 h内即可释放完全,其释药速度明显快于5-ASA普通微丸和含质量分数为3%崩解剂的5-ASA微丸,而在大鼠盲肠内容物存在的条件下,5-ASA果胶钙微丸0.5 h内便释放完全。结论果胶钙在微丸中能加快药物的释放,且具备一定的酶降解性能,可用于制备难溶性药物微丸及难溶性药物结肠定位制剂包衣微丸的丸芯。     

The influence of pellet shape and surface properties on the drug release from uncoated and coated pellets

The crystallisation of amorphous salbutamol sulphate prepared by spray drying was monitored using a humidity controlled microbalance (Dynamic Vapour Sorption apparatus, Surface Measurement Systems) combined with a near-infrared probe. Amorphous salbutamol sulphate was prepared by spray drying from a solution in water. The particles were then analysed using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, isothermal microcalorimetry and water vapour sorption analysis combined with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). Isothermal microcalorimetry and water vapour sorption combined with NIR spectroscopy were able to detect the transition from the amorphous to crystalline state. However while the isothermal microcalorimeter showed only a classic crystallisation exotherm when the material was exposed at 75% RH, the DVS-NIR results at the same humidity highlighted a more complex process. When exposed at 75% RH, the uptake of water was followed by crystallisation that was detected using NIR. The expulsion of water after crystallisation was very slow and at a constant rate whether the material was exposed to 75 or 0% RH. The NIR and DVS studies indicated that the material had crystallised very soon after exposure to high RH. The water that was expelled during crystallisation was not displaced from the particles and remained associated with the particles for many days. This study showed that the use of gravimetric analysis together with NIR spectroscopy provided valuable information on the dynamics of the crystallisation of salbutamol sulphate. The retention of water within recently crystallised salbutamol is potentially important to the behaviour of dosage forms containing the amorphous (or partially amorphous) form of this drug.     

Enteric polymers as acidifiers for the pH-independent sustained delivery of a weakly basic drug salt from coated pellets

Weakly basic drugs and their salts exhibit a decrease in aqueous solubility at higher pH, which can result in pH-dependent or even incomplete release of these drugs from extended release formulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate strategies to set-off the very strong pH-dependent solubility (solubility: 80 mg/ml at pH 2 and 0.02 mg/ml at pH 7.5, factor 4000) of a mesylate salt of weakly basic model drug (pK_a 6.5), in order to obtain pH-independent extended drug release. Three approaches for pH-independent release were investigated: (1) organic acid addition in the core, (2) enteric polymer addition to the extended release coating and (3) an enteric polymer subcoating below the extended release coating. The layering of aspartic acid onto drug cores as well as the coating of drug cores with an ethylcellulose/Eudragit L (enteric polymer) blend were not effective to avoid the formation of the free base at pH 7.5 and thus failed to significantly improve the completeness of the release compared to standard ethylcellulose/hydroxypropyl cellulose (EC/HPC)-coated drug pellets. Interestingly, the incorporation of an enteric polymer layer underneath the EC/HPC coating decreased the free base formation at pH 7.5 and thus resulted in a more complete release of up to 90% of the drug loading over 18 h. The release enhancing effect was attributed to an extended acidification through the enteric polymer layer. Flexible release patterns with approximately pH-independent characteristics were successfully achieved.     

Sustained release from inert matrices I. Effect of macrocrystalline cellulose on aminophylline and theophylline release

The release of aminophylline and theophylline embedded in a matrix composed of different ratios of microcrystalline cellulose and glyceryl monostearate (or propylene glycol monostearate) was investigated. The result indicated that drug release within a certain period follows a diffusion-controlled matrix model, where the drug quantity released was proportional to the square root of time. The release rate was found to increase with increasing microcrystalline cellulose—glyceryl monostearate ratio. The logarithm of the rate constant was proportional to the fraction of microcrystalline cellulose in the matrix. The tablets prepared using solvent-evaporated matrix showed quicker release than those prepared from fused ones. Propylene glycol monostearate achieved similar, but somewhat quicker release, than glyceryl monostearate.     

Control and stability of drug release from diffusion pellets coated with the aqueous quaternary polymethacrylate dispersion Eudragit RS 30 D.

The addition within compatibility limits of the pore formers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxy ethylcellulose (HEC) to coatings of the quaternary polymethacrylate dispersion Eudragit RS 30 D enables drug release to be controlled without problems. 20 and 15%, respectively, of these pore formers are suitable for release within 8 h of theophylline from pellets with a coating thickness of about 30 microns. A 10% addition of plasticizer, water soluble triethyl citrate (TEC) or water insoluble dibutyl phthalate (DBP), lowers the minimum film forming temperature (MFT) from 48 to 17 and 26 degrees C, respectively. The MFT is scarcely influenced by the pore formers. However, the plasticizers may modify the effect of the pore formers: HPMC is more effective in the presence of DBP. In spite of the preparation of the coatings at a bed temperature about 20 degrees C above MFT, the release from the diffusion pellets is not stable during storage. Only curing in an oven or in the fluidized bed up to a certain limiting release rate at 80 degrees C for 1 h results in stable products. Increased relative humidity allows reduction of the curing temperature. The water soluble additives polyoxy ethylene (PEG) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and insoluble additives are ineffective as pore formers.     

Effect of intragranular porosity on compression behaviour of and drug release from reservoir pellets

In this study, reservoir pellets were prepared and their compression behaviour as well as the importance of their porosity for compression-induced changes in drug release was investigated. Pellets of three different porosities, consisting of microcrystalline cellulose and salicylic acid, were prepared by extrusion–spheronisation and spray-coated with ethyl cellulose (ethanol solution). Lubricated reservoir pellets were compressed and retrieved by deaggregation of the tablets. The retrieved pellets were analysed regarding porosity, thickness, surface area, shape and drug release. It was found that the coating did not significantly affect their compression behaviour. Compaction of pellets of high original porosity considerably affected densification and degree of deformation, whereas the effect on drug release was minor. For low porosity pellets the influence of compaction on drug release was appreciable, but only slight regarding densification and degree of deformation. In conclusion, the porosity of pellets is a potential factor that the formulator can use to optimize drug release and one that can affect the robustness of a formulation during manufacture. Moreover, the coating may be able to adapt to the densification and deformation of the pellets.     

In situ cross-linking of sodium alginate with calcium and aluminum ions to sustain the release of theophylline from polymeric matrices

Small matrices of calcium alginate or aluminium alginate have been investigated as possible controlled release systems for drugs. The objective of the present study was to sustain the release of theophylline from alginate matrices using different concentrations of aluminium chloride and calcium chloride in presence and absence of HPMC. Tablets containing differing concentrations of aluminium and calcium chloride were produced and the release rate of theophylline was tested using the basket dissolution apparatus over 8 h. Increasing amounts of aluminium chloride from 0.0001 to 0.00068 moles decreased the release of theophylline from 95.1 +/- 0.27 to 29.5 +/- 1.5, indicating a significant effect of aluminium ions on a reduction in the release rate of theophylline from sodium alginate matrices. In the case of matrices containing different concentrations of calcium ions, as the concentration of calcium chloride increased, the release rate increased to an optimum then declined after this. This was due to insufficient calcium ions being available to cross-link with the sodium alginate to form an insoluble gel. The effect of aluminium ions, as this is a trivalent ion compared to calcium, which is a divalent ion, aluminium ions are able to decrease the release rate with a smaller concentration compared to calcium ions. The results also showed that the presence of HPMC caused a reduction in release rate of theophylline from alginate matrices containing calcium chloride. Whereas, in the case of alginate matrices containing aluminium chloride the release rate of theophylline increased in presence of HPMC. For comparing the dissolution data, dissolution efficiency (DE) was used. The values of DE are consistent with the dissolution data. The results show that within a formulation series, DE values generally decrease when the cation concentration increases and this criterion can be used to describe the effect of calcium and aluminium ions on the release behaviour of theophylline from polymeric matrices.     

Effect of phospholipase C on calcium release from epithelia treated with antidiuretic hormone

1. Addition of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) to the bladders of toads (Bufo marinus) preloaded with (45)Ca causes an increase in the rate of calcium efflux.2. Pretreatment of the serosal surfaces of bladders with phospholipase C prevents the action of ADH on calcium efflux.