Release kinetics of coated, donut-shaped tablets for water soluble drugs

Coated, donut-shaped tablets (CDST) were designed to achieve parabolic and linear drug release profiles. When rapidly erodible polymers (HPMC E3, HPC, PEG8000, PEOs (Mw=100000 and 200000)) were used, the release profiles of diltiazem HCl from the tablets becomes parabolic whereas zero-order release was achieved by using slowly erodible polymers (HPMC E5, HPMC E15, PEO (Mw=300000)). Drug release from the rapidly erodible polymers was governed by the pure erosion of the polymer while both polymer erosion and drug diffusion controlled drug release from the slowly erodible polymers. As drug loading was increased from 10% to 39% w/w, the drug release rate from CDST based on HPMC E3 became faster and parabolic whereas that from CDST based on HPMC E5 was linear. The slowly erodible polymer (HPMC E5) provided parabolic release profiles when drug loading was greater than 49% w/w. In this case, drug release mechanisms likely shifted from a combination of polymer erosion and drug diffusion to pure polymer erosion due to the enhancement of polymer erosion by faster influx of water. As drug solubility decreased from 61.6% w/v (diltiazem HCl), 1.0% w/v (theophylline), to 0.5% w/v (nicardipine HCl), the drug release rate from CDST based on HPMC E3 decreased due to polymer erosion mechanism but there was little difference in release rate from CDST based on HPMC E5 due to the greater contribution of drug diffusion to drug release kinetics along with polymer erosion. As expected, the drug release rate of diltiazem HCl from HPMC E3 and E5 was significantly influenced by stirring rate and hole size.     

Severe growth defect in mouse cells lacking the telomerase RNA component

A common belief is that one tablet or suppository containing, e.g. 100 mg of a drug can be substituted, without any changes in the therapeutic effect, with two units of the same brand containing 50 mg of the drug. In the present study a single dose of paracetamol was administered to healthy volunteers as (a) two tablets of 500 mg, (b) two suppositories of 500 mg, and (c) one suppository of 1000 mg. There were statistically significant differences in all bioavailability parameters (t(max), C(max) and AUC) between the three treatments. The relative bioavailability of the 500 mg suppositories was 77% and that of the 1000 mg suppositories 66%. The absorption rate from suppositories was markedly lower than from the tablets. Especially low absorption rate was obtained with the suppository of 1000 mg. The two strengths, although having the same trade name, were not therefore bioequivalent.     

Drug release from hydrophilic matrices. 1. New scaling laws for predicting polymer and drug release based on the polymer disentanglement concentration and the diffusion layer

Two scaling laws for predicting polymer and drug release profiles from hydrophilic matrices were developed. They were developed on the basis of the diffusion layer and the polymer disentanglement concentration, rho p,dis, the critical polymer concentration below which polymer chains detach off a gelled matrix that is undergoing simultaneous swelling and dissolution. The relation between rho p,dis and molecular weight, M1 for (hydroxypropyl)methylcellulose (HPMC) in water was established as rho p,dis (g/mL) varies M-0.8. This power-law relationship for rho p,dis, along with the diffusion layer adjacent to the gelled matrix, leads to the scaling law of mp(t)/mp(infinity) varies Meq-1.15, where mp(t)/mp(infinity) is the fractional HPMC release. The scaling law explains the observation that polymer and drug release rates decreased sharply with M at low M and approach limiting values at high M. Experimentally, mp(t)/mp(infinity) was found to scale with Meq as mp(t)/mp(infinity) varies Meq-0.93, where Meq is the equivalent matrix molecular weight. Moreover, fractional drug release, md(t)/md(infinity), followed Meq as md(t)/md(infinity) varies Meq-0.48. These two scaling laws imply that, if the release profiles are known for one composition, release profiles for other compositions can be predicted. The above two power laws lead to two master curves for mp(t)/mp(infinity) and md(t)/md(infinity), suggesting that the release mechanism for soluble drugs from HPMC matrices is independent of matrix compositions, presumably via a diffusion-controlled process. Limitations of the power laws are discussed.     

Complications in investigations of the swelling of hydrogel matrices due to the presence of trapped gas

In recent studies, NMR imaging has been used to investigate the swelling of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) tablets and to determine polymer concentration distributions in the swollen matrix. The total amount of polymer in the system was computed from these distributions and was up to 35% greater than the known weight of HPMC in the tablet. This deviation was traced to the presence of air bubbles in the swollen matrix which occupied a significant volume previously assumed to be occupied by polymer and water. When the air in the tablet was removed by vacuum, the swollen gel contained no evidence of air bubbles and the calculated total polymer weights from the HPMC distributions were equal to the amount of HPMC in the tablet.     

Ca2+ and the regulation of neurotransmitter secretion

A new binary polymer matrix tablet for oral administration was developed. The system will deliver drug at variable rates according to zero-order kinetics for total drug content and is manufactured by direct compression technology. Highly methoxylated pectin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) at different ratios were used as major formulation components, and prednisolone was used as the drug model. The results indicate that by increasing pectin:HPMC ratios, release rates are increased, but zero-order kinetics prevail throughout the dissolution period (e.g., 3-22 h). Different pectin:HPMC ratios provide a range of viscosities that modulates drug release and results in rapid hydration/gelation in both axial and radial directions, as evidenced by photomicrographic pictures. This hydration-gelation contributes to the development of swelling/erosion boundaries and consequently to constant drug release. Combination of these particular polymers facilitates rapid formation of necessary boundaries (i.e., gel layer and solid core boundaries) to control overall mass transfer processes. The drug fraction released (Mt/M infinity), release kinetics, and mechanism of release were analyzed by applying the simple power law expression Mt/M infinity = kt(n), where k is a kinetic constant and the exponent n is indicative of the release mechanism. The calculated n values for pectin:HPMC ratios of 4:5, 3:6, and 2:7 were >0.95, which is indicative of a Case II transport mechanism (polymer relaxation/dissolution). The achievement of total zero-order kinetics is due to the predictable swelling/erosion and final polymer chain deaggregation and dissolution that is regulated by the gelling characteristics of polymers in the formulation.     

Formation of water-insoluble gel in dry-coated tablets for the controlled release of theophylline

Sodium alginate (ALNa) of a natural polysaccharide is known to form a water-insoluble gel when combined with a bivalent metal. In this study, we prepared tablets containing ALNa and calcium gluconate (GLCa) as a bivalent metal, and studied the application of the water-insoluble gel involving the controlled release of a test drug by permeation of water. Dry-coated tablets containing theophylline (TP) as a model drug, ALNa and GLCa were prepared by the dry power compression method. The controlled release of TP was evaluated by the dissolution test according to JP XIII. The release rate was extremely high for the tablets which contained only TP and GLCa. A zero order or sigmoidal release profile was observed for the tablets that contained only TP and ALNa. On the other hand, the lowest dissolution rate and a sigmoidal release profile were observed for the tablet containing TP and GLCa in its core and ALNa in its outer phase. These results suggest that dry-coated tablets containing ALNa and GLCa and prepared by the direct powder compression method would be useful for the controlled release of drugs.     

Preparation and in vitro dissolution profile of dual polymer (Eudragit RS100 and RL100) microparticles of diltiazem hydrochloride

A microparticulate dosage form for a highly soluble drug, diltiazem hydrochloride, was formulated with Eudragit RS100 and RL100 using a novel dual polymer technique. A mixture of diltiazem with Eudragit RS100 (low water permeability) in acetone was coacervated into soft polymer microdrops, following which a mixture of diltiazem and RL100 (high water permeability) was added to produce microparticles consisting of both polymers with diltiazem dispersed in the matrix. A second formulation was developed using the same method except using Eudragit RS100 for both steps. For a comparative study, diltiazem, Eudragit RS100 and RL100 were combined together in a single matrix and formulated into microparticles. In vitro drug release profiles using USP paddle dissolution apparatus 2 revealed that dual polymer matrix microparticles containing Eudragit RS100 in the inner and Eudragit RL100 in the outer core exhibit a suitable release profile with an initial release of the drug followed by a plateau level for the test period of 5 h. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis showed no interaction of the drug with the polymers.     

Interaction of omeprazole with enteric-coated salicylate tablets

OBJECTIVE: Enteric-coated tablets are designed to resist gastric fluids and to disrupt and dissolve in the alkaline medium of the small intestine. Main objective of the present study was to investigate whether the increase in gastric pH due to omeprazole treatment alters the release rate of a drug from enteric-coated formulation. To this end, we have compared the single dose pharmacokinetics of a single-unit enteric-coated salicylate to that of uncoated acetylsalicylic acid tablets in the presence and absence of omeprazole treatment. METHODS: Study was carried out according to 4 x 4 Latin square design. Eight healthy subjects received either uncoated acetylsalicylic acid tablets or single-unit enteric-coated sodium salicylate tablets alone or following 4 days of treatment with single-dose 20 mg omeprazole, and blood samples were collected for 24 hours. Serum salicylate levels were determined by the modified spectrophotometric method of Brodie et al. [1994]. RESULTS: Salicylate was absorbed rapidly from uncoated tablets but absorption of salicylate from enteric-coated tablets was delayed, as expected. According to our results, omeprazole treatment did not influence the bioavailability from uncoated acetylsalicylic acid tablets but the absorption rate of salicylate from enteric-coated tablets was increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study demonstrate that omeprazole treatment significantly increases the rate of absorption of single-unit enteric-coated medication. Enhanced rate of absorption is most probably due to an early disruption of enteric coating and the intragastric release of the drug secondary to an omeprazole-mediated increase in gastric pH. The results of the present study also corroborate previous findings which have demonstrated highly variable absorption of enteric-coated single units.     

New issues in the management of cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients

The pharmacokinetic profile of ibuprofen (CAS 15687-27-1) in a Fast Melting Tablet (FMT), a modified release formulation (encapsulation of the active ingredient in gastroresistant microcapsules), was compared with that of sugar coated tablets (SCT; Moment 200). In the following paper an open, single dose, cross-over study in eighteen healthy volunteers (9 males and 9 females--mean age 27 years) is reported. The results of the study demonstrated that the rate of absorption of the FMT was markedly slower than that of the SCT. In fact, the geometric mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and median peak time (tmax) were 12.04 micrograms/ml at 3.5 h with the new formulation, and 18.71 micrograms/ml at 1 h with the SCT, respectively. The longer absorption time and diminished peak plasma concentration did not affect the extent of absorption of the two formulations, expressed by AUCo-t and AUC (90% confidence interval: 0.89-1.00 for AUCo-t and 0.92-1.03 for AUC). The safety profile of both drugs proved to be very good and no clinically significant adverse events were observed.     

A designer's polymer as an oral drug carrier (tablet) with pseudo-zero-order release kinetics

A new synthetic polymeric material has been investigated as an oral controlled-release system. The water soluble polymer consists of a non-cross-linked, ionic polymer possessing sulfonate functional groups: poly(sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium-co- methyl methacrylate) (PSPMK/MMA). Drug-resin complexes were obtained by preparing an aqueous solution of the polymer to which propranolol HCl as a model drug was added. Using either dextrose or microcrystalline cellulose as a tablet binder did not cause any problems in fabricating a compact drug-resinate tablet. The release of propranolol HCl from drug-resinate tablets (2.5 mm x 9.0 mm, 10% dextrose) was pseudo-zero-order kinetics from the beginning to the end for over 21 h. This was due to the greater contribution of drug release from the edge of the tablets. However, zero-order release tablets were obtained by increasing the radius to thickness ratio of the tablet to greater than 3.13. A mathematical model describing release kinetics from drug-resinate tablets predicted the effects of drug loading and the physical dimensions of the tablets by a heterogeneous dissociation/erosion-controlled mechanism. As the content of dextrose in the tablets increased, the dissociation/erosion rate constant (K0) increased due to the greater influx of water into the tablets along with counterions. As expected, the release rate was decreased as the stirring rate decreased from 100 to 50 rpm, resulting in the dissociation/erosion rate constant of 2.62-2.04 mg/cm2h, respectively. Therefore, this system has been proven to release drugs independent of the pH of simulated gastric/intestinal fluids (1.2 and 7.5) as well as the compression force of the tablet, which ranged from 1500 to 4400 lbs.     

Studies on the interaction between water and (hydroxypropyl)methylcellulose

The moisture sorption and desorption profiles of four different viscosity grades of (hydroxypropyl)methylcellulose (HPMC) 2208 (HPMC K100, HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M, and HPMC K100M) of different particle size fractions were analyzed according to the Young and Nelson equations. These equations describe three locations of the sorbed moisture: monolayer adsorption, externally adsorbed moisture, and internally absorbed moisture. The effects of particle size and viscosity grade of HPMC on the three locations of moisture showed that an increase in particle size generally resulted in a reduction in the amount of internal absorption and an increase in the amount of external adsorption. These changes were more apparent for HPMC K100 and HPMC K4M than for the higher viscosity grades. The lowest values of internally absorbed moisture were obtained for HPMC K100M. Changes in tensile strengths, mean yield pressures, and elastic recoveries of HPMC K4M tablets were explained in terms of the changes produced in the internally absorbed moisture and the externally adsorbed moisture. The amounts of nonfreezing and freezing water in samples exposed to moisture were determined from melting endotherms obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. Increases in the water:HPMC ratio resulted in increases in the enthalpies of water melting for the four viscosity grades of HPMC for the < 45 and 250-350 microns particle size fractions. The amount of nonfreezable water was unaffected by change in viscosity grade or particle size.     

Thalamo-cortical interactions modeled by weakly connected oscillators: could the brain use FM radio principles?

Effects of drug content and medium pH on the release of papaverine (PAP) from biodegradable poly(l-lactic acid) [P(L)LA] matrix were investigated to reveal the predominant factors affecting the two-stage diffusion-controlled release mechanism. A drug-dissolved cylindrical matrix (rod; 10 mmx1 mm diameter) was prepared by heat compression method. In the case of a PAP content below 10%, pH was found to have a strong effect on the release rate, and drug content was found to have no effect on the release profile. The release profile consisted of two sequential diffusion stages due to P(L)LA transformation from amorphous to the semicrystalline state prior to release. In the first release stage PAP diffused through the swollen matrix. The release accelerated with increasing medium pH due to an increase in water content in the acidic P(L)LA rod. In the second release stage PAP diffused through the water-filled micropores developed as a result of the polymer crystallization. On the assumption that the drug partition between the polymer and the medium in the micropores affects the diffusion and the partition is controlled by pH, we derived a modified diffusion kinetic equation. The observation that the release decelerated with increasing medium pH can be explained by the derived equation as resulting from the increase in the drug partition to the polymer. In the case where the rods contained more than 15% of PAP, the drug precipitated out as crystals during release. Accordingly, these rods showed a slower release.     

Synergistic neurochemical and behavioral effects of fluoxetine and 5-HT1A receptor antagonists

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging is routinely used to detect the protons of mobile water molecules within samples. In this investigation, this non-destructive, non-invasive technique was used to determine the cause for faster than predicted drug release from a dissolution-based regulated-release tablet. The NMR images of tablets, from two different formulations, taken at various intervals of time while immersed in static USP dissolution medium showed that the tablet with faster than predicted drug release had a porous coating. The porous coat exposed more of the core surface area to the dissolution medium than desired and this caused an increase in the rate of dissolution of the core. The data presented in this paper demonstrate the usefulness of NMR imaging in solid dosage form development.     

The influence of moisture content on the consolidation properties of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M (HPMC 2208)

The effect of moisture content, compression speed and compression force on the compaction properties of HPMC K4M has been evaluated. As the moisture content increased from 0 to 14.9% w/w, the thickness of HPMC K4M compacts increased at constant compression force and speed. This increase in moisture content also resulted in a marked increase in the tensile strength of the tablets. At a speed of 15 mm s-1 and force of 10 kN, as the moisture content increased from 0 to 14.9% w/w, the tensile strengths increased from 1.34 to 8.54 Mpa. Equivalent tensile strengths could be obtained with less compression force as the moisture content in the polymer was increased. Increasing the compression speed generally decreased the tensile strength of HPMC K4M tablets. The dependence of tablet porosity and tensile strength on compression speeds showed that HPMC K4M is consolidated by plastic deformation. At all compression speeds, an increase in moisture content reduced the percentage elastic recovery of HPMC compacts due to greater tablet consolidation. The lowest elastic recovery (1.18%) was found for tablets made at 15 mm s-1 and 5 kN, containing 14.9% w/w moisture content.     

A single and multiple dose bioavailability study with carbamazepine 400 mg retard tablets with reference to enzyme autoinduction and circadian time differences

Both single and multiple dose bioequivalence studies are required to assess the quality of modified release formulations of drugs. In bioequivalence studies of drugs with enzyme autoinducing properties such as carbamazepine (CBZ), the standard multiple dose study design must be modified to guarantee equivalence of drug elimination. This problem was considered with regard to carbamazepine 400 retard AWD (test) whose bioavailability relative to a listed reference (Tegretal 400 retard) was studied in 2 randomized, open, crossover studies both with 18 healthy volunteers of Caucasian origin (20-36 years, 61.5-92 kg, 172-195 cm). The single dose study was done with 400 mg CBZ. Serum concentration time profiles of CBZ and its active metabolite CBZ-10,11-epoxide were determined until 144 h after administration. The multiple dose study was performed with 400 mg CBZ b.i.d. for 15 days (first 2 days: 200 mg b.i.d.) followed by a 7-day study with the alternative investigational product. 24-hour serum concentration time profiles of CBZ and its metabolite were measured on days 15 and 22 of the study. The quantitative drug analysis was done with an HPLC method the quality of which fulfilled the requirements of bioequivalence studies. Test was considered bioequivalent to reference with regard to the extent of absorption, if the 90% confidence intervals of the AUC0-infinity ratio (single dose) and AUC0-24h ratio (multiple dose) were within the range of 0.80-1.25, and with regard to rate of absorption if the 90% confidence intervals of the Cmax/AUC ratio (single dose) or AUCF0-24h ratio were within 0.70-1.43. The point estimators (90% confidence limits) of the AUC ratio (test/reference) of CBZ were 0.979 (0.94, 1.02) for the single and 1.01 (0.947, 1.076) for the multiple dose comparison. The point estimator (90% confidence limits) of the Cmax/AUC ratio was 0.989 (0.959, 1.020) and of the AUCF0-24h ratio 1.066 (0.937, 1.212). There were no circadian time differences in any pharmacokinetic parameter. In conclusion: Carbamazepine 400 retard AWD tablets were bioequivalent to reference with regard to extent and rate of absorption after both single and multiple dose administration.     

In vivo color stability of resin composite veneers and acrylic resin teeth in removable partial dentures

A new core-in-cup tablet that is manufactured from a novel adjustable punch, has been formulated and evaluated for its ability to release with subsequent absorption of theophylline via a zero-order rate of absorption. The core-in-cup tablets were compared with core only tablets and immediate release capsules. Pharmacokinetic parameters used to test the effectiveness of the formulations included, elimination rate, rate and kinetic order of absorption, relative availability as compared with an immediate release capsule of pure theophylline, and percentage area under the curve fluctuation (%AUCF) at steady state. The correlation coefficient, Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and the F-ratio probability were used to test the applicability of a zero-order, first-order, or square root of time model, for the rate of release of theophylline from the core-in-cup and core only tablets. The zero-order rate model was most applicable to the core-in-cup tablet, whereas the square root of time release model was most applicable to the core only tablet. The average %AUCF for the core-in-cup tablet was 9.26+/-3.15 while that for the core only tablet was 16.19+/-2.37 (p = 0.0545). The results of this study suggest that the core-in-cup tablet is a versatile zero-order release rate dosage form that are simple to produce.     

Prolonged-release hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrix tablets of furosemide for administration to dogs

Furosemide is a problematic drug in a prolonged-release product because its absorption is site specific, taking place mainly in the upper parts of the alimentary tract. The aim of the study reported here was to develop prolonged-release furosemide formulations for dogs. The type of preparation selected was a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablet. Evaluation was based on dissolution studies, on in vivo disintegration studies in the canine stomach and on bioavailability studies in Beagle dogs. The variables tested were the viscosity grade of the polymer, the amount of polymer and presence or absence of an alkaline compound (potassium carbonate) in the formulation. When potassium carbonate was included, furosemide was absorbed so slowly that drug administration once daily would give plateau drug plasma concentrations, even though the elimination half-life of furosemide is only about one hour. In vitro dissolution tests gave a wrong indication of the in vivo behaviour of the products. Thus, in vivo studies are important from the very beginning in the development of new drug products for dogs.     

Adenovirus-mediated dystrophin minigene transfer improves muscle strength in adult dystrophic (MDX) mice

Tablets have been prepared at known compaction force from three types of pellets in different proportions: (1) pellets containing 80% theophylline as a model drug coated with different thicknesses of a polymer film coat, (2) pellets containing glyceryl monostearate as a deformable material, and (3) pellets containing a disintegrant. The breaking load, friability, disintegration and drug release properties were evaluated, the latter as a mean dissolution time (MDT) and its variance (VDT). The mechanism of dissolution was assessed from the value of the relative dispersion (RD) of the mean dissolution time. The possible relationship between the properties of the pellets and those of the tablets was evaluated by canonical analysis followed by multiple regression analysis. It was found that only about 51% of the tablet properties could be predicted from the properties of the pellets. The quantitative relationship between pellet properties and tablet properties was found to vary in type and level of quality. Reduction of breaking load, friability and disintegration was less predictable than that of dissolution represented as the MDT. The values of RD for the different preparations clearly identified those preparations where the film coat still retained control of the dissolution process. Such formulations contained at least 40% of soft pellets and coated pellets with at least a weight gain of 8%.     

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of clemastine and phenylpropanolamine in single-component and combination formulations

Studies were conducted in healthy male volunteers (n = 171; age range, 19-49 years; 22-27 subjects per study) to examine the following: pharmacokinetics and dose proportionality of the antihistamine clemastine; the effect of coadministration of phenylpropanolamine and clemastine on the pharmacokinetics of the two drugs; and the bioavailability of clemastine tablets and combination tablets of clemastine and sustained-release phenyl-propanolamine under fasted and fed conditions after single-dose administration and at steady state. All studies used crossover designs, with randomized drug treatments separated by a 7-day washout period for the single-dose studies, and with administration every 6 or 12 hours for 7 days per treatment for the steady-state studies. After single oral doses of clemastine solution (1,2, and 4 mg), the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) were dose proportional. Clemastine showed a first-pass reduction in the extent of absorption, with oral bioavailability calculated as 39.2 +/- 12.4%. Extravascular distribution of drug was suggested by the high volume of distribution (799 +/- 315 L) and low Cmax (0.577 +/- 0.252 ng/mL/mg) observed at 4.77 +/- 2.26 hours after administration, and by the biphasic decline in plasma concentration. The terminal elimination half-life (t1/2) of clemastine was 21.3 +/- 11.6 hours. Steady-state concentrations of clemastine were consistent with linear pharmacokinetic processes, and clearance was unaffected by age in the range studied, or by race. Clemastine solution and tablets were bioequivalent, and food had no significant effect on rate and extent of absorption of clemastine. The 1- and 2-mg clemastine tablets showed proportional bioavailability. Coadministration of clemastine with phenylpropanolamine did not significantly influence the pharmacokinetics of clemastine or the AUC and elimination t1/2 of phenylpropanolamine, but reduced the rate of absorption of phenylpropanolamine. Combination tablets containing 1 mg or 2 mg of immediate-release clemastine plus 75 mg of sustained-release phenylpropanolamine for twice daily administration were bioequivalent to the separate components and showed no significant interaction with food.     

Bead compacts. I. Effect of compression on maintenance of polymer coat integrity in multilayered bead formulations

Little information is available on the compactability of beads for oral sustained-release dosage forms. It is known that polymer-coated beads may fuse together to produce a non-disintegrating controlled-release matrix tablet when compressed. This study evaluates the effect of compression on beads with multiple layers of polymer and drug coat, and the effect of cushioning excipients and compaction pressure on drug release from compressed bead formulations. The multilayered beads consist of several alternating layers of acetaminophen (APAP) and polymer coats (Aquacoat) with an outer layer of mannitol as a cushioning excipient. Percent drug release versus time profiles showed that the release of drug decreases from noncompacted beads as the amount and number of coatings increases, with only 43% of drug released in 24 hr for coated beads with 10 layers. It was shown that the compacted multilayered beads will disintegrate in gastrointestinal fluids, providing a useful drug release pattern. It was shown that beads of drug prepared by any method can be spray-layered with excipients such as Avicel and mannitol. Spray-layering of the cushioning excipient onto beads can provide an effective way to circumvent segregation issues associated with mixing of the polymer-coated beads and powdered or spherical/nonspherical cushioning excipients. Spray layering of the cushioning excipient can also provide excellent flow properties of the final formulation as visually observed in our experiments. Triple-layered caplets (TLC) were also prepared with outer layers of Avicel PH-101 or polyethylene oxide (PEO), and a center layer of polymer-coated beads. For TLC, the polymer coating on the beads fractured, and nondisintegrating matrix formulations were obtained with both caplet formulations.