Effect of diluents on tablet integrity and controlled drug release

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diluents and wax level on tablet integrity during heat treatment and dissolution for sustained-release formulations and the resultant effect on drug release. Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and lactose were evaluated for their effect on tablet integrity during drug dissolution and heat treatment in wax matrix formulations. A newly developed direct compression diluent, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA), was also evaluated. Compritol® 888 ATO was used as the wax matrix material, with phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PPA) as a model drug. Tablets were made by direct compression and then subjected to heat treatment at 80°C for 30 min. The results showed that MCC, lactose, and DCPA could maintain tablets intact during heat treatment above the melting point of wax (70°C-75°C). However, DCPD tablets showed wax egress during the treatment. MCC tablets swelled and cracked during drug dissolution and resulted in quick release. DCPD and lactose tablets remained intact during dissolution and gave slower release than MCC tablets. DCPA tablets without heat treatment disintegrated very quickly and showed immediate release. In contrast, heat-treated DCPA tablets remained intact through the 24-hr dissolution test and only released about 80% PPA at 6 hr. In the investigation of wax level, DCPD was used as the diluent. The drug release rate decreased as the wax content increased from 15% to 81.25%. The dissolution data were best described by the Higuchi square-root-of-time model. Diluents showed various effects during heat treatment and drug dissolution. The integrity of the tablets was related to the drug release rate. Heat treatment retarded drug release if there was no wax egress.     

The Use of Precirol® to Prepare Sustained Release Tablets of Theophylline and Quinidine Gluconate

Tablets were made using theophylline, lactose and Precirol by a granulation technique, resulting in more than 12 hours release. Granulation and hot fusion methods were used to prepare admixtures of quinidine gluconate and Precirol at different ratios of Precirol: drug, 1:9, 3:7 and 1:1. Dissolution studies in 0.1N HCl showed drastic differences in the release of quinidine gluconate from tablets made by the two different methods; granulation method gave a faster release while the hot fusion method gave slower and incomplete release at higher Precirol content. The release rate decreases with higher Precirol content.     

The Use of Precirol® to Prepare Sustained Release Tablets of Theophylline and Quinidine Gluconate

Abstract

Tablets were made using theophylline, lactose and Precirol by a granulation technique, resulting in more than 12 hours release. Granulation and hot fusion methods were used to prepare admixtures of quinidine gluconate and Precirol at different ratios of Precirol: drug, 1:9, 3:7 and 1:1. Dissolution studies in 0.1N HCl showed drastic differences in the release of quinidine gluconate from tablets made by the two different methods; granulation method gave a faster release while the hot fusion method gave slower and incomplete release at higher Precirol content. The release rate decreases with higher Precirol content.     

Thermal Treatment of Beads with Wax for Controlled Release

Abstract

Beads prepared by extruder/marumerizer technology were formulated with water soluble drugs, microcrystalline cellulose and several waxy materials. The waxes (10 to 50% by weight) were included in an effort to slow drug release. Subsequent thermal treatment of these beads was applied. Beads were processed to determine the effect of varying wax level, excipient, active drug, and effect of heat treatment. In-vitro drug release profiles were evaluated for the untreated and thermal treated beads. In general, the simple incorporation of wax into the granulation did not provide the desired controlled release dissolution profile. Thermal treatment of the finished beads, however, resulted in products which behaved in a different manner during dissolution testing and in general provided slower release. Drug release was found to vary with the type and level of wax, drug, excipient, and the thermal treatment.     

Thermal Treatment of Beads with Wax for Controlled Release

Beads prepared by extruder/marumerizer technology were formulated with water soluble drugs, microcrystalline cellulose and several waxy materials. The waxes (10 to 50% by weight) were included in an effort to slow drug release. Subsequent thermal treatment of these beads was applied. Beads were processed to determine the effect of varying wax level, excipient, active drug, and effect of heat treatment. In-vitro drug release profiles were evaluated for the untreated and thermal treated beads. In general, the simple incorporation of wax into the granulation did not provide the desired controlled release dissolution profile. Thermal treatment of the finished beads, however, resulted in products which behaved in a different manner during dissolution testing and in general provided slower release. Drug release was found to vary with the type and level of wax, drug, excipient, and the thermal treatment.     

Excipient-Excipient Interaction in the Design of Sustained-Release Theophylline Tablets: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Sustained-release (SR) theophylline (TPH) tablets were prepared by applying the moisture-activated dry granulation method. The interaction between the excipients sodium alginate (SAL) and calcium gluconate (CG) was the base for the formation of a cross-linked matrix that may regulate TPH release from the formulated tablets. The prepared granules showed good physical characteristics concerning the flow properties and compressibility, with the angles of repose in the range 29–31, and the compressibility indices ranged between 15% and 25%. The granules had low friability values (3.0%–4.2%), depending on SAL:CG ratios. The corresponding tablets showed good physical properties, with a lower rate of drug release compared with the commercial TPH tablets (Quibron®). The release of TPH from the prepared tablets was not markedly affected by either the concentration of added dry binder (carbopol 934) or the tablet hardness, indicating that the rate-determining step in drug release was the diffusion through the produced calcium alginate matrix. Tablets formulated with equal ratios of CG and SAL that showed good physical properties and slow TPH release were chosen for bioavailability studies in beagle dogs, and results were compared with those for Quibron. The in vivo data showed a comparable plasma concentration profile for both tablet formulations, with prolonged appearance of drug in the plasma in detectable amounts for up to 24 h. The formulated tablets showed 104.65% bioavailability relative to that of the commercial tablets. The rate and extent of absorption of TPH showed no significant differences from that of the commercial tablets. Moreover, no significant differences were found in the pharmacokinetic parameters related to the rate and extent of TPH absorption from the prepared and commercial tablets.     

Effects of manufacturing process variables on in vitro dissolution characteristics of extended-release tablets formulated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of three process variables: distribution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) within the tablet matrix, amount of water for granulation, and tablet hardness on drug release from the hydrophilic matrix tablets. Tablets were made both by direct compression as well as wet granulation method. Three formulations were made by wet granulation, all three having the exact same composition but differing in intragranular:intergranular HPMC distribution in the matrix. Further, each formulation was made using two different amounts of water for granulation. All tablets were then compressed at two hardness levels. Dissolution studies were performed on all tablets using USP dissolution apparatus I (basket). The dissolution parameters obtained were statistically analyzed using a multilevel factorial-design approach to study the influence of the various process variables on drug release from the tablets. Results indicated that a change in the manufacturing process could yield significantly dissimilar dissolution profiles for the same formulation, especially at low-hardness level. Overgranulation could lead to tablets showing hardness-dependent drug-release characteristics. Studies showed that intergranular addition of a partial amount of HPMC (i.e., HPMC addition outside of granules) provided a significant advantage in making the formulation more robust over intragranular addition (i.e., that in which the entire amount of HPMC was added to the granules). Dissolution profiles obtained for these tablets were relatively less dependent on tablet hardness irrespective of the amount of water added during granulation.     

Excipient-excipient interaction in the design of sustained-release theophylline tablets: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Sustained-release (SR) theophylline (TPH) tablets were prepared by applying the moisture-activated dry granulation method. The interaction between the excipients sodium alginate (SAL) and calcium gluconate (CG) was the base for the formation of a cross-linked matrix that may regulate TPH release from the formulated tablets. The prepared granules showed good physical characteristics concerning the flow properties and compressibility, with the angles of repose in the range 29-31, and the compressibility indices ranged between 15% and 25%. The granules had low friability values (3.0%-4.2%), depending on SAL:CG ratios. The corresponding tablets showed good physical properties, with a lower rate of drug release compared with the commercial TPH tablets (Quibron®). The release of TPH from the prepared tablets was not markedly affected by either the concentration of added dry binder (carbopol 934) or the tablet hardness, indicating that the rate-determining step in drug release was the diffusion through the produced calcium alginate matrix. Tablets formulated with equal ratios of CG and SAL that showed good physical properties and slow TPH release were chosen for bioavailability studies in beagle dogs, and results were compared with those for Quibron. The in vivo data showed a comparable plasma concentration profile for both tablet formulations, with prolonged appearance of drug in the plasma in detectable amounts for up to 24 h. The formulated tablets showed 104.65% bioavailability relative to that of the commercial tablets. The rate and extent of absorption of TPH showed no significant differences from that of the commercial tablets. Moreover, no significant differences were found in the pharmacokinetic parameters related to the rate and extent of TPH absorption from the prepared and commercial tablets.     

The Control of Drug Release from Conventional Melt Granulation Matrices

Abstract

Sustained release potassium chloride tablets were prepared using a melt granulation formulation in a Baker Perkins Granulator. Parts of the validation for this manufacturing process are highlighted in this paper including granulation end point temperature, incorporation of extragranular excipients, amount of wax in the formulation, granule cooling rate and scale of the operation. A number of other factors have been studied which are not Included here although they are no less important. The release of potassium chloride from tablets was found to be dependent on the wax level and the amount of extragranular excipients (“wicklng agent”). Within the controlled production process, any variation in granulation end point temperature and granule cooling rate should not have any significant effect.     

The Control of Drug Release from Conventional Melt Granulation Matrices

Sustained release potassium chloride tablets were prepared using a melt granulation formulation in a Baker Perkins Granulator. Parts of the validation for this manufacturing process are highlighted in this paper including granulation end point temperature, incorporation of extragranular excipients, amount of wax in the formulation, granule cooling rate and scale of the operation. A number of other factors have been studied which are not Included here although they are no less important. The release of potassium chloride from tablets was found to be dependent on the wax level and the amount of extragranular excipients (“wicklng agent”). Within the controlled production process, any variation in granulation end point temperature and granule cooling rate should not have any significant effect.     

Does the performance of wet granulation and tablet hardness affect the drug dissolution profile of carvedilol in matrix tablets?

Wet granulation is mostly used process for manufacturing matrix tablets. Compared to the direct compression method, it allows for a better flow and compressibility properties of compression mixtures. Granulation, including process parameters and tableting, can influence critical quality attributes (CQAs) of hydrophilic matrix tablets. One of the most important CQAs is the drug release profile. We studied the influence of granulation process parameters (type of nozzle and water quantity used as granulation liquid) and tablet hardness on the drug release profile. Matrix tablets contained HPMC K4M hydrophilic matrix former and carvedilol as a model drug. The influence of selected HPMC characteristics on the drug release profile was also evaluated using two additional HPMC batches. For statistical evaluation, partial least square (PLS) models were generated for each time point of the drug release profile using the same number of latent factors. In this way, it was possible to evaluate how the importance of factors influencing drug dissolution changes in dependence on time throughout the drug release profile. The results of statistical evaluation show that the granulation process parameters (granulation liquid quantity and type of nozzle) and tablet hardness significantly influence the release profile. On the other hand, the influence of HPMC characteristics is negligible in comparison to the other factors studied. Using a higher granulation liquid quantity and the standard nozzle type results in larger granules with a higher density and lower porosity, which leads to a slower drug release profile. Lower tablet hardness also slows down the release profile.     

Evaluation of hydrophilic,hydrophobic and waxy matrix excipients for sustained release tablets of Venlafaxine hydrochloride

Objective: Venlafaxine is freely soluble In water and administered orally as hydrochloride salt In two to three divided doses. In the present investigation different release retarding matrices have been evaluated for sustained release of venlafaxine hydrochloride (VH) from the formulated tablets.

Materials and methods: Sustained release matrix tablets were formulated using different hydrophilic, hydrophobic and waxy materials as matrix formers. Tableting was done by pre-compression, direct compression and hot melt granulation depending on the type of matrix material used and evaluated for different tests. The formulated tablets were compared with commercial venlafaxine products. In vitro drug dissolution profiles were fitted In different mathematical models to elucidate the release mechanism.

Results: Dissolution data showed that commercial formulations Venlor XR^® and Venfax PR^® released the entire drug withIn 8?h where as the formulated tablets with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and cetyl alcohol as matrix formers provided sustained release of drug for 14–15?h. The release was found to follow Hixson Crowel and Higuchi kinetics for HPMC and cetyl alcohol tablets, respectively.

Conclusion: The developed matrix tablet formulations with HPMC and cetyl alcohol provided sustained release profiles for prolonged periods than commercial formulations.     

In Vitro Drug Release from Matrix Tablets Containing a Silicone Elastomer Latex

Abstract

A silicone elastomer latex was evaluated as a wet-granulating agent in preparing controlled release matrix tablets containing a water soluble active ingredient. A one-half fractional factorial statistical design was used to investigate the effect of five different formulation and non-formulation variables on the in vitro release characteristics of the drug from the matrix tablets. Tablets containing a high percent of fumed colloidal silica exhibited a faster drug release rate. A high drug to polymer ratio in the tablets was also shown to result in a faster release of the drug. Granules dried at a higher temperature (80°C vs. 60°C) produced tablets with a slower drug release rate. The release of the drug was shown to be pH dependent. A higher drug release rate was obtained in a dissolution medium with a lower pH (1.2 vs. 6.8).     

Sustained Release Formulation of Salbutamol Sulphate

Abstract

Sustained release tablets containing salbutamol sulphate has been prepared by wax matrix granulation method and were evaluated for in vitro release profile and in vivo availability studies in dogs. Out of the release retarding waxy materials used combinations of carnauba wax and stearyl alcohol in concentration range between 60 to 70% of the weight of the tablet were found to be optimum in fabricating sustained release tablets for twentyfour hours duration of action. The formulations were also compared with marketed products of salbutamol for in vitro release profile.     

Tablets containing drug-loaded polymeric nanocapsules: an innovative platform

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the feasibility to convert drug-loaded nanocapsule suspensions in a solid dosage form (tablets). Dexamethasone was used as a model drug due to its low aqueous solubility and fast drug release from conventional tablets. Granules containing dexamethasone-loaded nanocapsules were obtained by a wet granulation process using a dispersion of polyvinylpirrolidone/nanocapsules as a binder system. Granules were compressed in an eccentric compression machine (D-NC-T). A control formulation (tablets without nanocapsules) was also prepared (D-T). Tablets were characterized by means of mean weight, hardness, friability, diameter, thickness, disintegration time, drug content, morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in vitro drug release studies. D-NC-T showed adequate physicochemical characteristics according to the pharmacopeial requirements in terms of mean weight, hardness, friability, disintegration time and drug content. Intact nanocapsules in tablets were observed by SEM. In vitro drug release studies showed a slower release of dexamethasone from these tablets (D-NC-T) compared to the control formulation (D-T). Results showed that these tablets represent an interesting platform to the development of oral drug delivery systems containing polymeric nanocapsules.     

Aging of Tablets Prepared by Direct Compression of Bases with Different Moisture Content

Abstract

Properties of aged tablets prepared by the wet granulation method were found to be affected by the moisture content of the granules. In this study, the storage-induced changes in hardness, disintegration and drug release were evaluated for tablets made by direct compression of three different bases with different initial moisture content. Tablets with high initial moisture content were found to increase in hardness upon storage. The magnititude of such increase is dependant upon the physical properties of the base and the absolute moisture content. The increase in hardness may increase the disintegration time and decrease drug release. Tablets with low initial moisture content were minimally affected by storage. The gain of moisture by some of these tablets led to enhancement in disintegration and drug release. Among the tablets studied lactose based tablets with different initial moisture content were found to be the most resistant to changes upon storage.     

Sustained Release Formulation of Salbutamol Sulphate

Sustained release tablets containing salbutamol sulphate has been prepared by wax matrix granulation method and were evaluated for in vitro release profile and in vivo availability studies in dogs. Out of the release retarding waxy materials used combinations of carnauba wax and stearyl alcohol in concentration range between 60 to 70% of the weight of the tablet were found to be optimum in fabricating sustained release tablets for twentyfour hours duration of action. The formulations were also compared with marketed products of salbutamol for in vitro release profile.     

Spray-dried O-carboxymethyl chitosan as potential hydrophilic matrix tablet for sustained release of drug

Objective: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the use of spray-dried O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMCS) as potential hydrophilic matrix excipient for sustained release of drug.

Methods: The polymer was synthesized from chitosan, then spray-dried and characterized. Tablets with different OCMCS concentrations (80, 50, 30, 5 and 2% w/w), containing diltiazem (DTZ) as model drug, were prepared for direct compression (DC) and after the wet granulation method (WG).

Results: The spray-dried OCMCS powder was spherical, with a smooth surface and an average size of 2.2?µm. The tablets prepared for WG disintegrated in time less than 30?min. The tablets obtained for DC presented high retention of the drug, with zero order or Higuchi release kinetic. There was a direct relationship between the OCMCS concentration and the release ratio, swelling degree and water uptake behavior. DC tablets containing 80% OCMCS presented behavior as an effective swelling-control system. The DC tablets with 5% OCMCS showed a similar release profile at formulations with 30% HPMC.

Conclusion: Spray-dried OCMCS showed great potential as hydrophilic matrices for drug-sustained release.     

Oral-based controlled release formulations using poly(acrylic acid) microgels

Aim: To investigate the release of hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances from tablets containing Pemulen and Carbopol as excipients. Method: The dissolution patterns of a hydrophobic (diazepam) and a hydrophilic active substance (midodrine-HCl) from different tablet formulations containing a nonmodified polyacrylic microgel (Carbopol 981 F) or a hydrophobically modified polyacrylic microgel (Pemulen®) have been studied. Possible differences in dissolution in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and in 0.1 M HCl between tablets produced using wet granulation and direct compression were also investigated. Results: Tablets produced by wet granulation had a greater effect on the release of active substance from the tablets. No major differences were observed in the release patterns of the hydrophilic substance midodrine-HCl from wet granulated tablets based on Carbopol and Pemulen. However, the release pattern of the more hydrophobic drug substance, diazepam, differed considerably between the two polymers. Wet granulation gave reproducible release patterns. The release patterns from the polymers differed considerably at pH 6.8 but were similar at low pH. Conclusions: The release of the diazepam from the hydrophobic polymer Pemulen was very slow, and the release was close to zero order.     

Mechanisms of Drug Release from Matrices Prepared with Aqueous Dispersion of Ethylcellulose

The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of acetaminophen (APAP) release from tablets prepared by the wet granulation method using an aqueous polymeric dispersion (Surelease) as a granulating agent. Tablets compressed from granules containing 10% w/w acetaminophen and 13.44% w/w total solids from Surelease released only 52.4% w/w drug after 120 min of dissolution testing, while controlled tablets without Surelease released 94.1% w/w drug. In order to prepare control tablets of 6.8 Kp hardness value, the upper compressional force recorded was 15.87 kN while tablets containing 13.44% w/w of total solids from Surelease had a recorded force of 6.28 kN. The drug release from tablets prepared with Surelease as a granulating liquid followed the diffusion-controlled model for an inert porous matrix