Preparation, Physical Characterization, Mechanisms of Drug/Polymer Interactions, and Stability Studies of Controlled-Release Solid Dispersion Granules Containing Weak Base as Active Substance

Verapamil hydrochloride solid dispersion granules were prepared using solvent evaporation technique. Ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, Eudragit L or Eudragit S were used as polymers for controlling the dissolution rate of the drug substance, and to avoid the continuous decrease of drug dissolution rate at higher pH values. By incorporating Eudragit L in ethyl cellulose network it is possible to prepare controlled-release formulation with increased release rate of active substance (weak base) at higher pH values without causing abrupt drug release at lower pH values. The release rate at low pH values was not highly influenced by Eudragit L content. The behavior of Eudragit L and Eudragit S in coprecipitates was different relating to the solubilization effect and the release of active substance. In order to understand the drug release mechanism better, the release data were tested assuming Higuchi model and first-order kinetic model. Since the calculated correlation coeflcients were very close for both kinetics, to distinguish between the mechanisms the differential forms of first-order and square root of time equation were used. The differential test showed that diffusion-controlled release was operative in solid dispersions, except for series with higher content of Eudragit S. X-ray powder difSraction method, IR spectroscopy studies, and differential thermal analysis were used for physical characterization of coprecipitates and drugpolymer interaction evaluation. After 24 months of real time stability studies, the prepared coprecipitates were still x-ray amorphous, with no changes in their IR spectra and DTA studies. Ehe dissolution rates of the tested formulations showed no significant changes during the stability studies, reflecting the stability of x-ray amorphous drug phase.     

The Preparation and Stability of Fast Release Furosemide – PVP Solid Dispersion

Abstract

Furosemide-PVP solid dispersion systems were prepared by co-evaporation and freeze-drying methods. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that furosemide in the coprecipitates was in amorphous form. The dissolution rate of furosemide was markedly increased in these solid dispersion systems. The increase in dissolution was a function of the ratio of drug to PVP used. With 1:7 ratio the best result was obtained. The 49000 mol. wt. PVP yielded the most rapid furosemide dissolution. Dissolution studies have shown that coprecipitate of furosemide-PVP (1:7) is the best combination. Factors contributing to the enhancement of furosemide' dissolution from the dispersion in PVP were discussed. The increase in release rates was attributed to the increased wettability, coacervate formation and the complexation.

The effect of aging on furosemide-PVP solid dispersions has been investigated. After storage, under the different humidities (55%, 70% and 85% RH) coprecipitates showed no change in either dissolution rate or X-ray diffraction patterns.     

Dissolution, Bioavailability and Ulcerogenic Studies on Solid Dispersions of Indomethacin in Water Soluble Cellulose Polymers

The dissolution rate, bioavailability and ulcerogenic activity of indomethacin dispersed in water soluble cellulose polymers was investigated. Solid dispersions of indomethacin in hydroxypropyl cellulose-SL (HPC-SL), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) were prepared by common solvent method with a view to improve its dissolution and absorption characteristics. The dispersions were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, TLC, IR, dissolution rate, bioavailability and ulcerogenic studies. TLC and IR studies indicated no interaction between indomethacin and carriers. Indomethacin in the dispersions was found to be in amorphous form. Marked increase in the dissolution rate and efficiency of indomethacin was observed in the case of solid dispersions. HPC-SL gave the highest dissolution improvement. A 30-fold increase in dissolution was observed with indomethacin-HPC-SL (9:1) dispersion.

In vivo studies in human subjects showed a significant increase in absorption rate (k_a) and serum levels of indomethacin with solid dispersions when compared to indomethacin alone. However, the extent of bioavailabilty was the same with both indomethacin and its solid dispersions. About 70-80 per cent reduction in ulcerogenic activity was observed with solid dispersions and the dispersions were found to have negligible ulcerogenic activity.     

Solid dispersions of diflunisal-PVP: polymorphic and amorphous states of the drug

Coprecipitates of diflunisal and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K15, K30, and K90) and physical mixtures were studied using x-ray diffraction analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and hot-stage microscopy. X-ray diffraction results revealed an almost amorphous state, even in coprecipitates with a high content of drug, next to 70%, which was independent of the polymer molecular weight. The IR spectra of 70:30 drug-PVP solid dispersions suggest the formation of diflunisal-PVP hydrogen bonds. For 70:30 drug-polymer ratio, the physical mixture showed linear dissolution kinetics of free crystals, but the corresponding coprecipitates exhibit two different dissolution processes. When the 25:75 drug-polymer dispersion is analyzed by hot-stage microscopy, only solid plates of PVP are observed; the absence of drug particles may be due to a molecular dispersion of the drug into the polymer. Moreover, polymorphic changes of diflunisal were detected in the solid dispersions in comparison with the corresponding physical mixtures, which are always formed by polymorph II. At high concentrations of drug (75:25 and 80:20), x-ray diffraction patterns of solid dispersions showed the partial recrystallization of the drug, displaying the main diffraction peaks of polymorph I when ethanol was used as coprecipitation solvent, whereas diflunisal form IV was obtained in chloroform.     

Celecoxib-cyclodextrin systems: characterization and evaluation of in vitro and in vivo advantage

Solid dispersions of Celecoxib were prepared with hydroxypropyl β cyclodextrin by various methods such as physical mixture, cogrinding, kneading, and coevaporation. The dispersions were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction patterns, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance studies. The DSC thermograms of the dispersions indicated potential of heat-induced interaction between Celecoxib and cyclodextrin that could influence in vitro drug dissolution. The dispersions exhibited faster rates of dissolution compared to that of Celecoxib. The kneaded dispersion with the fastest in vitro dissolution rate when compressed into tablets showed a better release profile compared to the tablets of pure Celecoxib. In vivo studies revealed that the kneaded dispersion provided for quicker response and was more effective in inhibiting rat paw edema as compared to Celecoxib alone, thus confirming the advantage of improved pharmacological activity of Celecoxib when administered as a solid dispersion with cyclodextrin.     

Evaluation of solid dispersions of Clofazimine

Clofazimine (CLF) was formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a solid solid dispersion (SSD) to increase the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of the drug. Different molecular weights of PEG (1500, 4000, 6000, and 9000 Da) and PVP (14,000 and 44,000 Da) were used in different drug:carrier weight ratios (1:1, 1:5, and 1:9) and their effect on the dissolution performance of the drug was evaluated in USP Type 2 apparatus using 0.1 N HCl medium. The dissolution rate was compared with corresponding physical mixtures, a currently marketed soft gelatin capsule product, and free CLF. The effect of different methods of preparation (solvent/melt) on the dissolution rate of CLF was evaluated for PEG solid dispersions. Saturation solubility and phase solubility studies were carried out to indicate drug:carrier interactions in liquid state. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to indicate drug:carrier interactions in solid state. Improvement in the drug dissolution rate was observed in solid dispersion formulations as compared to the physical mixtures. The dissolution rate improved with the decreasing weight fraction of the drug in the formulation. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone solid dispersion systems gave a better drug release profile as compared to the corresponding PEG solid dispersions. The effect of molecular weight of the PEG polymers did not follow a definite trend, while PVP 14,000 gave a better dissolution profile as compared to PVP 44,000. Improvement in saturation solubility of the drug in the solid dispersion systems was noted in all cases. Further, IR spectroscopy indicated drug:carrier interactions in solid state in one case and XRD indicated reduction in the crystallinity of CLF in another. It was concluded that solid-dispersion formulations of Clofazimine can be used to design a solid dosage form of the drug, which would have significant advantages over the currently marketed soft gelatin capsule dosage form.     

Evaluation of hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) as a carrier in solid dispersions

The utility of hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), a cellulosic enteric coating agent, as a carrier in a solid dispersion of nifedipine (NP) was evaluated in comparison with other polymers, including hypromellose (HPMC), hypromellose phthalate (HPMCP), methacrylic acid ethyl acrylate copolymer (MAEA), and povidone (PVP). An X-ray diffraction study showed that the minimum amount of HPMCAS required to make the drug completely amorphous was the same as that of other cellulosic polymers, and less than that in dispersions using non-cellulosic polymers. Hypromellose acetate succinate showed the highest drug dissolution level from its solid dispersion in a dissolution study using a buffer of pH 6.8. This characteristic was unchanged after a storage test at high temperature and high humidity. The inhibitory effect of HPMCAS on recrystallization of NP from a supersaturated solution was the greatest among all the polymers examined. Further, the drug release pattern could be modulated by altering the ratio of succinoyl and acetyl moieties in the polymer chain. Our results indicate that HPMCAS is an attractive candidate for use as a carrier in solid dispersions.     

Solid dispersion adsorbate technique for improved dissolution and flow properties of lurasidone hydrochloride: characterization using 32 factorial design

The aim of the present study was to improve the dissolution and flow properties of lurasidone hydrochloride (LH) by solid dispersion adsorbate (SDA) technique. Solid dispersions (SDs) of LH were prepared by fusion method using Poloxamer P188. The melt dispersion was adsorbed onto the porous carrier Florite (calcium silicate). A 3² factorial design was employed to quantify the effect of two independent variables, namely ratio of carrier (Poloxamer 188) and LH in SD and ratio of adsorbent (Florite) to SD. SDA granules of LH were studied for flow properties and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Tablets of optimized composition of SDA granules (equivalent to 20?mg of drug) and plain tablets were prepared by direct compression method. The dissolution studies were carried out in Mcllvaine buffer (pH 3.8) as per USFDA guidelines and characterized for parameters such as percent dissolution efficiency, t₅₀, and Q₃₀. Tablets prepared from SDA granules showed almost four-fold increase in cumulative percentage drug release as compared to tablets prepared from plain LH. The value of dissolution efficiency was enhanced from 49.60% for plain tablets to 94.15% for SDA tablets. SDA granules did not show any change in drug release and X-ray diffraction pattern after storage at 40?°C/75% of RH for 3?months, which confirms that Florite prevented conversion of drug from amorphous form to crystalline form improving physical stability of the amorphous state of LH.     

Evaluation of Solid Dispersions of Clofazimine

ABSTRACT

Clofazimine (CLF) was formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a solid solid dispersion (SSD) to increase the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of the drug. Different molecular weights of PEG (1500, 4000, 6000, and 9000 Da) and PVP (14,000 and 44,000 Da) were used in different drug:carrier weight ratios (1:1, 1:5, and 1:9) and their effect on the dissolution performance of the drug was evaluated in USP Type 2 apparatus using 0.1 N HCl medium. The dissolution rate was compared with corresponding physical mixtures, a currently marketed soft gelatin capsule product, and free CLF. The effect of different methods of preparation (solvent/melt) on the dissolution rate of CLF was evaluated for PEG solid dispersions. Saturation solubility and phase solubility studies were carried out to indicate drug:carrier interactions in liquid state. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to indicate drug:carrier interactions in solid state. Improvement in the drug dissolution rate was observed in solid dispersion formulations as compared to the physical mixtures. The dissolution rate improved with the decreasing weight fraction of the drug in the formulation. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone solid dispersion systems gave a better drug release profile as compared to the corresponding PEG solid dispersions. The effect of molecular weight of the PEG polymers did not follow a definite trend, while PVP 14,000 gave a better dissolution profile as compared to PVP 44,000. Improvement in saturation solubility of the drug in the solid dispersion systems was noted in all cases. Further, IR spectroscopy indicated drug:carrier interactions in solid state in one case and XRD indicated reduction in the crystallinity of CLF in another. It was concluded that solid-dispersion formulations of Clofazimine can be used to design a solid dosage form of the drug, which would have significant advantages over the currently marketed soft gelatin capsule dosage form.     

Compression of Indomethacin Coprecipitates with Polymer Mixtures: Effect of Preparation Methodology

The objective of this study was to prepare, characterize, formulate and compare coprecipitates, solid dispersions and physical mixtures of indomethacin with Eudragit polymer mixtures, RS100 and L100. Coprecipitates, solid dispersions (melting-solvent method) and physical mixtures were prepared with a drug : polymer ratio of 12.6: 1.0 respectively. Biconvex tablets of 7 mm diameter were compressed. Response variables studied were cumulative percent released and T₅₀. Dissolution was performed by exposing the tablets to SGF (PH 1.2) for 1 hour followed by pH 7.2 phosphate buffer for 24 hours. T₅₀ values obtained were 7.5 hours for coprecipitates, 4.5 hours for solid dispersions and 17 hours for physical mixtures. The drug loading for all the three formulations did not show significant difference. The formulations were characterized by X-ray diffraction (qualitative and quantitative) and IR. IR data did not indicate any significant difference between the pure drug and the formulations. However, significant differences were seen in X-ray diffractograms. The crystallinity did not change for physical mixtures, was reduced for coprecipitates and solid dispersions. Also the diffraction patterns for solid dispersions and coprecipitates were similar. The coprecipitates and physical mixture followed the Higuchi's square-root-of-time equation suggesting a matrix effect. These results suggest that compression of coprecipitates offer most efficient release as compared to solid dispersions and physical mixtures.     

Dissolution rate enhancement,in vitro evaluation and investigation of drug release kinetics of chloramphenicol and sulphamethoxazole solid dispersions

Formulation of solid dispersions is one of the effective methods to increase the rate of solubilization and dissolution of poorly soluble drugs. Solid dispersions of chloramphenicol (CP) and sulphamethoxazole (SX) as model drugs were prepared by melt fusion method using polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8000) as an inert carrier. The dissolution rate of CP and SX were rapid from solid dispersions with low drug and high polymer content. Characterization was performed using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR analysis for the solid dispersions of CP and SX showed that there was no interaction between PEG 8000 and the drugs. Hyper-DSC studies revealed that CP and SX were converted into an amorphous form when formulated as solid dispersion in PEG 8000. Mathematical analysis of the release kinetics demonstrated that drug release from the various formulations followed different mechanisms. Permeability studies demonstrated that both CP and SX when formulated as solid dispersions showed enhanced permeability across Caco-2 cells and CP can be classified as well-absorbed compound when formulated as solid dispersions.     

Part II: bioavailability in beagle dogs of nimodipine solid dispersions prepared by hot-melt extrusion

The aim of the present work was to investigate the in vitro dissolution properties and oral bioavailability of three solid dispersions of nimodipine. The solid dispersions were compared with pure nimodipine, their physical mixtures, and the marketed drug product Nimotop. Nimodipine solid dispersions were prepared by a hot-melt extrusion process with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, Methocel E5), polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP/VA, Plasdone S630), and ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate polymer (Eudragit EPO). Previous studies of XRPD and DSC data showed that the crystallinity was not observed in hot-melt extrudates, two T(g)s were observed in the 30% and 50% NMD-HPMC samples, indicating phase separation. The weakening and shift of the N-H stretching vibration of the secondary amine groups of nimodipine as determined by FT-IR proved hydrogen bonding between the drug and polymers in the solid dispersion. The dissolution profiles of the three dispersion systems showed that the release was improved compared with the unmanipulated drug. Drug plasma concentrations were determined by HPLC, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated after orally administering each preparation containing 60 mg of nimodipine. The mean bioavailability of nimodipine was comparable after administration of the Eudragit EPO solid dispersion and Nimotop, but the HPMC and PVP/VA dispersions exhibited much lower bioavailability. However, the AUC(0-12 hr) values of all three solid dispersions were significantly higher than physical mixtures with the same carriers and nimodipine powder.     

Preparation and Characterization of Solid Dispersions of Piroxicam with Hydrophilic Carriers

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to improve the dissolution rate of a poor water soluble drug, piroxicam, by solid dispersion technique. Solid dispersions were prepared by three different methods depending on the type of carrier. The dissolution rate of piroxicam was markedly increased in solid dispersion of myrj 52, Eudragit® E100 and mannitol. Solubility studies revealed a marked increase in the solubility of piroxicam with an increase in myrj 52 and Eudragit® E100 concentrations. Data from the X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy showed that piroxicam was amorphous in the solid dispersions prepared with dextrin and Eudragit® E100.     

Preparation and characterization of solid dispersions of piroxicam with hydrophilic carriers

The objective of this study was to improve the dissolution rate of a poor water soluble drug, piroxicam, by solid dispersion technique. Solid dispersions were prepared by three different methods depending on the type of carrier. The dissolution rate of piroxicam was markedly increased in solid dispersion of myrj 52, Eudragit^® E100 and mannitol. Solubility studies revealed a marked increase in the solubility of piroxicam with an increase in myrj 52 and Eudragit^® E100 concentrations. Data from the X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy showed that piroxicam was amorphous in the solid dispersions prepared with dextrin and Eudragit^® E100.     

Eudragit Microcapsules of Nifedipine and Its Dispersions in HPMC-MCC: Physicochemical Characterization and Drug Release Studies

Nifedipine and its solid dispersions in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose-microcrystalline cellulose (HPMC-MCC) were microencapsulated with Eudragit RL PM by an emulsion solvent evaporation method. The microcapsules are spherical, discrete, free flowing, and covered with a continuous coating of the polymer. XRD and DTA indicated the presence of nifedipine in solution form in the solid dispersions and their microcapsules. No chemical interaction between nifedipine and excipients in the microcapsules was observed. Nifedipine as such and its microcapsules gave very slow release because of its highly crystalline nature and poor solubility. Solid dispersion in HPMC-MCC gave fast and rapid dissolution of nifedipine. When these solid dispersions were microencapsulated a slow, controlled, and complete release over a period of 12 hr was observed from the resulting microcapsules. Drug release depended on the proportion of HPMC-MCC in the solid dispersion used as a core, coat, core ratio, and size of the microcapsules. Release was independent of pH and ionic strength. Drug release was governed by diffusion rate and followed first-order kinetics.     

Physicochemical characterization and drug release studies of nilvadipine solid dispersions using water-insoluble polymer as a carrier

Nilvadipine solid dispersions were prepared by the solvent method using water-insoluble polymers, including low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, carmellose calcium, carmellose, and crospovidone. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder x-ray diffraction analysis showed that nilvadipine was present in an amorphous state in the solid dispersion obtained using crospovidone as a carrier. The degree of crystallinity of nilvadipine was dependent on the ratio of nilvadipine to crospovidone, and nilvadipine was present in an amorphous state when the ratio of nilvadipine to crospovidone was below one-half. Fourier transform infrared studies suggested the presence of hydrogen bonding between nilvadipine and crospovidone in the solid dispersion. Dissolution studies indicated that the maximum percentage of dissolution and dissolution rate constants were markedly increased in nilvadipine with crospovidone solid dispersion, compared with those of pure nilvadipine and physical mixtures. The dissolution rate of nilvadipine solid dispersion with crospovidone could be calculated by the Higuchi square root time equation.     

The Release Rate of Indomethacin from Solid Dispersions with Eudragite

The coprecipitates were prepared by a solvent technique using Eudragit E as carrier and indomethacin as a model drug.

X-Ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wettability tests were employed to investigate the physical state of the studied formulations. Up to 50% of indomethacin can be dispersed in an amorphous state in Eudragit E.

The influence of the pH on the in vitro release of solid dispersions has been evaluated. Because of the good solubility of Eudragit E at pH 1.2 a fast dissolution rate of the drug was observed while a marked delay was noticed at pH 7.5 where the polymer is only permeable to water. At pH 5.8 the kinetics of drug release can be modulated by the drug/polymer ratio. The dissolution rate of the drug can be increased by decreasing its amount in the coevaporate.     

Technological Evaluation of three Enteric Coating Polymers I. With an Insoluble Drug

The enteric properties of a recent cellulose polymer, cellulose acetate trimellitate (CAT, EASTMAN KODAK) were evaluated on an insoluble substract for comparison, included in this paper are the properties of two other cellulose esters: cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HP55).

The physical properties and disintegration time at pH 1.2 and 6.5 were influenced by the level of coating solution. The gastroresistance was obtained more fastly with CAT and CAP than for HP55.

The influence of coating solution on drug release from tablet was investigated. The dissolution studies were made allowing the variation of pH in the dissolution medium during the kinetics.

Drug release from coated tablets was found to be dependent upon the type of polymers used to form film: higher release rates were obtained with CAT compared to CAP and HP55.     

Eudragit Microcapsules of Nifedipine and Its Dispersions in HPMC-MCC: Physicochemical Characterization and Drug Release Studies

Abstract

Nifedipine and its solid dispersions in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose-microcrystalline cellulose (HPMC-MCC) were microencapsulated with Eudragit RL PM by an emulsion solvent evaporation method. The microcapsules are spherical, discrete, free flowing, and covered with a continuous coating of the polymer. XRD and DTA indicated the presence of nifedipine in solution form in the solid dispersions and their microcapsules. No chemical interaction between nifedipine and excipients in the microcapsules was observed. Nifedipine as such and its microcapsules gave very slow release because of its highly crystalline nature and poor solubility. Solid dispersion in HPMC-MCC gave fast and rapid dissolution of nifedipine. When these solid dispersions were microencapsulated a slow, controlled, and complete release over a period of 12 hr was observed from the resulting microcapsules. Drug release depended on the proportion of HPMC-MCC in the solid dispersion used as a core, coat, core ratio, and size of the microcapsules. Release was independent of pH and ionic strength. Drug release was governed by diffusion rate and followed first-order kinetics.     

The Release Rate of Indomethacin from Solid Dispersions with Eudragite

Abstract

The coprecipitates were prepared by a solvent technique using Eudragit E as carrier and indomethacin as a model drug.

X-Ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wettability tests were employed to investigate the physical state of the studied formulations. Up to 50% of indomethacin can be dispersed in an amorphous state in Eudragit E.

The influence of the pH on the in vitro release of solid dispersions has been evaluated. Because of the good solubility of Eudragit E at pH 1.2 a fast dissolution rate of the drug was observed while a marked delay was noticed at pH 7.5 where the polymer is only permeable to water. At pH 5.8 the kinetics of drug release can be modulated by the drug/polymer ratio. The dissolution rate of the drug can be increased by decreasing its amount in the coevaporate.