Evaluation of Stereoselective Dissolution of Racemic Salbutamol Matrices Prepared with Commonly Used Excipients and 1H-NMR Study

The purpose of this work was to examine the in vitro enantioselective dissolution of salbutamol from matrix tablets containing various chiral excipients, such as γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), heptakis (2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD), sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and egg albumin. In this study, two types of tablets were prepared; the coated tablet contained the complex of racemic salbutamol and cyclodextrin (γ-CD, DM-β-CD, and SBE-β-CD), and the uncoated tablet was composed of the drug with either HPMC or egg albumin. Subsequently, these formulations were evaluated for enantioselective release. The results revealed that the formulations containing either SBE-β-CD, HPMC, or egg albumin had no enantioselective release, while the formulation with DM-β-CD gave slightly different release of the two enantiomers at the end of the dissolution profile. The formulation containing γ-CD provided significant stereoselectivity throughout the dissolution profile. The release of the eutomer R-salbutamol was higher than that of the distomer S-salbutamol from the γ-CD tablet. In addition, the enantioselective interaction for the γ-CD inclusion complex was investigated by ¹H-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy and gave evidence to support the enantioselectivity obtained on dissolution.     

Strategies to Overcome pH-Dependent Solubility of Weakly Basic Drugs by Using Different Types of Alginates

Weakly basic drugs demonstrate higher solubility at lower pH, thus often leading to faster drug release at lower pH. The objective of this study was to achieve pH-independent release of weakly basic drugs from extended release formulations based on the naturally occurring polymer sodium alginate. Three approaches to overcome the pH-dependent solubility of the weakly basic model drug verapamil hydrochloride were investigated. First, matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression of drug substance with different types of sodium alginate only. Second, pH-modifiers were added to the drug/alginate matrix systems. Third, press-coated tablets consisting of an inner pH-modifier tablet core and an outer drug/sodium alginate coat were prepared. pH-Independent drug release was achieved from matrix tablets consisting of selected alginates and drug substance only. Alginates are better soluble at higher pH. Therefore, they are able to compensate the poor solubility of weakly basic drugs at higher pH as the matrix of the tablets dissolves faster. This approach was successful when using alginates that demonstrated fast hydration and erosion at higher pH. The approach failed for alginates with less-pronounced erosion at higher pH. The addition of fumaric acid to drug/alginate-based matrix systems decreased the microenvironmental pH within the tablets thus increasing the solubility of the weakly basic drug at higher pH. Therefore, pH-independent drug release was achieved irrespective of the type of alginate used. Drug release from press-coated tablets did not provide any further advantages as compound release remained pH-dependent.     

Strategies to overcome pH-dependent solubility of weakly basic drugs by using different types of alginates

Weakly basic drugs demonstrate higher solubility at lower pH, thus often leading to faster drug release at lower pH. The objective of this study was to achieve pH-independent release of weakly basic drugs from extended release formulations based on the naturally occurring polymer sodium alginate. Three approaches to overcome the pH-dependent solubility of the weakly basic model drug verapamil hydrochloride were investigated. First, matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression of drug substance with different types of sodium alginate only. Second, pH-modifiers were added to the drug/alginate matrix systems. Third, press-coated tablets consisting of an inner pH-modifier tablet core and an outer drug/sodium alginate coat were prepared. pH-Independent drug release was achieved from matrix tablets consisting of selected alginates and drug substance only. Alginates are better soluble at higher pH. Therefore, they are able to compensate the poor solubility of weakly basic drugs at higher pH as the matrix of the tablets dissolves faster. This approach was successful when using alginates that demonstrated fast hydration and erosion at higher pH. The approach failed for alginates with less-pronounced erosion at higher pH. The addition of fumaric acid to drug/alginate-based matrix systems decreased the microenvironmental pH within the tablets thus increasing the solubility of the weakly basic drug at higher pH. Therefore, pH-independent drug release was achieved irrespective of the type of alginate used. Drug release from press-coated tablets did not provide any further advantages as compound release remained pH-dependent.     

Resistant starch as a carrier for oral colon-targeting drug matrix system

In this study, a novel tablet of protein drug matrix for colon targeting was developed using resistant starch as a carrier prepared by pre-gelatinization and cross-linking of starch. The effects of pre-gelatinization and cross-linking on the swelling and enzymatic degradation of maize starch as well as the release rate of drug from the matrix tablets were examined. Cross-linked pre-gelatinized maize starches were prepared by double modification of pre-gelatinization and cross-linked with POCl₃, and bovine serum albumin was used as a model drug. For in vitro drug release assays, the resistant starch matrix tablets were incubated in simulated gastric fluid, simulated intestinal fluid and simulated colonic fluid, respectively. The content of resistant starch and swelling property of maize starch were increased by pre-gelatinization and cross-linking, which retarded its enzymatic degradation. Drug release studies have shown that the matrix tablets of cross-linked pre-gelatinized maize starch could delivery the drug to the colon. These results indicate that the resistant starch carrier prepared by pre-gelatinization and cross-linking can be used for a potential drug delivery carrier for colon-targeting drug matrix delivery system.     

Evaluation of Stereoselective Dissolution of Racemic Salbutamol Matrices Prepared with Commonly Used Excipients and 1H-NMR Study

The purpose of this work was to examine the in vitro enantioselective dissolution of salbutamol from matrix tablets containing various chiral excipients, such as γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), heptakis (2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD), sulfobutyl-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and egg albumin. In this study, two types of tablets were prepared; the coated tablet contained the complex of racemic salbutamol and cyclodextrin (γ-CD, DM-β-CD, and SBE-β-CD), and the uncoated tablet was composed of the drug with either HPMC or egg albumin. Subsequently, these formulations were evaluated for enantioselective release. The results revealed that the formulations containing either SBE-β-CD, HPMC, or egg albumin had no enantioselective release, while the formulation with DM-β-CD gave slightly different release of the two enantiomers at the end of the dissolution profile. The formulation containing γ-CD provided significant stereoselectivity throughout the dissolution profile. The release of the eutomer R-salbutamol was higher than that of the distomer S-salbutamol from the γ-CD tablet. In addition, the enantioselective interaction for the γ-CD inclusion complex was investigated by ¹H-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy and gave evidence to support the enantioselectivity obtained on dissolution.     

Studies on pectins as potential hydrogel matrices for controlled-release drug delivery

Polymeric hydrogels are widely used as controlled-release matrix tablets. In the present study, we investigated high-methoxy pectins for their potential value in controlled-release matrix formulations. The effects of compression force, ratio of drug to pectin, and type of pectin on drug release from matrix tablets were also investigated. The results of the in vitro release studies show that the drug release from compressed matrix tablets prepared from pectin can be modified by changing the amount and the type of pectin in the matrix tablets. However, compression force did not significantly affect the drug release. The mechanisms controlling release rate were discussed with respect to drug diffusion through the polymer matrices, but may be more complex.     

Studies on Pectins as Potential Hydrogel Matrices for Controlled-Release Drug Delivery

Polymeric hydrogels are widely used as controlled-release matrix tablets. In the present study, we investigated high-methoxy pectins for their potential value in controlled-release matrix formulations. The effects of compression force, ratio of drug to pectin, and type of pectin on drug release from matrix tablets were also investigated. The results of the in vitro release studies show that the drug release from compressed matrix tablets prepared from pectin can be modified by changing the amount and the type of pectin in the matrix tablets. However, compression force did not significantly affect the drug release. The mechanisms controlling release rate were discussed with respect to drug diffusion through the polymer matrices, but may be more complex.     

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.     

Chitosan Matrix Tablets: The Influence of Excipients on Drug Release

The influence of excipients on drug release from chitosan matrix tablets was investigated, using diltiazem hydrochloride as model drug. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and the effect of different concentrations of the excipients lactose, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium alginate, carbopol 934, citric acid and hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose on drug release profiles was studied. Sustained release of the drug was obtained in all cases but the results indicate that both type and amount of excipient used influences drug release rate. The results support the idea that chitosan can be suitable as a basis for sustained release matrix tablets, and that drug release rate can be influenced by the addition of excipients. It is possible to make use of the interaction between chitosan and excipients in the formulation to provide further prolongation of release.     

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of controlled release hydrophilic matrix tablets of ketorolac tromethamine using factorial design

Controlled release matrix tablets of ketorolac tromethamine (KT) were prepared by direct compression technique using cellulose derivatives as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in different concentrations (10-20%). The effect of polymer type and concentration was investigated on drug release by 2(3) factorial design. For the quality control of matrix tablets, weight deviation, hardness, friability, diameter-height ratio, content uniformity of KT, and in vitro dissolution technique were performed. UV Spectrophotometric method was used to detection of KT in matrix tablets. This method was validated. Dissolution profiles of the formulations were plotted and evaluated kinetically. An increase in polymer content resulted with a slow release rate of drug as was expected. According to the dissolution results, tablets prepared with HPMC + HEC + CMC (F1 and F8) were found to be the most suitable formulation for KT. About 99.27% KT was released from F8 in 7 h.     

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Controlled Release Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets of Ketorolac Tromethamine Using Factorial Design

Controlled release matrix tablets of ketorolac tromethamine (KT) were prepared by direct compression technique using cellulose derivatives as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in different concentrations (10–20%). The effect of polymer type and concentration was investigated on drug release by 2³ factorial design. For the quality control of matrix tablets, weight deviation, hardness, friability, diameter–height ratio, content uniformity of KT, and in vitro dissolution technique were performed. UV Spectrophotometric method was used to detection of KT in matrix tablets. This method was validated. Dissolution profiles of the formulations were plotted and evaluated kinetically. An increase in polymer content resulted with a slow release rate of drug as was expected. According to the dissolution results, tablets prepared with HPMC + HEC + CMC (F1 and F8) were found to be the most suitable formulation for KT. About 99.27% KT was released from F8 in 7 h.     

Chitosan Matrix Tablets: The Influence of Excipients on Drug Release

Abstract

The influence of excipients on drug release from chitosan matrix tablets was investigated, using diltiazem hydrochloride as model drug. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and the effect of different concentrations of the excipients lactose, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium alginate, carbopol 934, citric acid and hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose on drug release profiles was studied. Sustained release of the drug was obtained in all cases but the results indicate that both type and amount of excipient used influences drug release rate. The results support the idea that chitosan can be suitable as a basis for sustained release matrix tablets, and that drug release rate can be influenced by the addition of excipients. It is possible to make use of the interaction between chitosan and excipients in the formulation to provide further prolongation of release.     

Formulation and Release Kinetics of Sustained Release Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride Granules and Tablets

Abstract

Sustained release phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (PPH) granules and tablets were prepared using HPMC, HPMC and SCMC, Eudragit RS, Eudragit RS+L or HPMC + Eudragit RS matrices. The release pattern of PPH from the prepared granules and tablets was found to be in the following order HPMC > HPMC + SCMC > RS > RS + 1> HPMC + RS. The results revealed that, although the drug concentration was kept constant in all the prepared granules and tablets, the drug release from these formulations was clearly different and depends mainly on the type of matrix used. The presence of Eudragit L with Eudragit RS and Eudragit RS with HPMC resulted in a marked decrease in the drug release compared with that obtained from the matrix containing HPMC or Eudragit RS alone. The release data of PPH from the prepared granules and tablets were treated mathematically according to zero order, first order, Langenbuchar, modified Langenbucher and Higuchi models. The results revealed that no one model was able adequately to describe the drug release profiles from these formulations. In-vivo studies in human volunteers showed that, the peak urinary excretion of PPH occurred over a sustained period from 2 to 6.5 hr in case of HPMC + SCMC tablets and from 2 to 10 hr in case of either RS+L or HPMC + RS tablets.     

Studies on Drug Release Kinetics from Carbomer Matrices

The objective of this study is to gain a mechanistic understanding of drug release kinetics from directly compressed tablets containing Carbopol 934P and 974P resins. Carbopol resins belong to a family of carbomers which are synthetic, high molecular weight, non-linear polymers of acrylic acid, crosslinked with polyalkenyl polyether. They are currently being used as polymeric matrices for controlling drug release in pharmaceutical tablets. This investigation focuses on the influence of the type of drug and the pH of the dissolution media, along with other factors on the drug release kinetics from carbomer matrices. Directly compressed tablets were prepared using a Stokes single station laboratory press and blends of polymers and lactose with drugs like theophylline, norephedrine HCI, and chlorpheniramine maleate. In vitro. drug release studies from the tablets were performed according to USP method II. Drug release rates were obtained by plotting the fraction released versus time and data fitted to the equation:     

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.     

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.     

Investigation of the effect of tablet surface area/volume on drug release from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose controlled-release matrix tablets

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of tablet surface area/volume (SA/Vol) on drug release from controlled-release matrix tablets containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). Soluble drugs (promethazine HCl, diphenhydramine HCl, and propranolol HCl) were utilized in this study to give predominantly diffusion-controlled release. Drug release from HPMC matrix tablets with similar values of SA/Vol was comparable within the same tablet shape (i.e., flat-faced round tablets) and among different shapes (i.e., oval, round concave, flat-faced beveled-edge, and flat-faced round tablets). Tablets having the same surface area but different SA/Vol values did not result in similar drug release; tablets with larger SA/Vol values hadfaster release profiles. Utility of SA/Vol to affect drug release was demonstrated by changing drug doses, and altering tablet shape to adjust SA/Vol. When SA/Vol was held constant, similar release profiles were obtained with f2 metric values greater than 70. Thus, surface area/volume is one of the key variables in controlling drug release from HPMC matrix tablets. Proper use of this variable has practical application by formulators who may need to duplicate drug release profiles from tablets of different sizes and different shapes.     

Controlled-Release Matrix of Acetaminophen-Ethylcellulose Solid Dispersion

In this study ethylcellulose was evaluated as a carrier for preparation of prolonged release acetaminophen tablets. Solid dispersions containing three levels of ethylcellulose and acetaminophen (1:3; 1:1; 3:1) were prepared by the solvent method. Also physical mixtures at the same level of ethylcellulose and acetaminophen were prepared. Systems composed of solid dispersion or physical mixture containing the equivalent weight of 50 mg acetaminophen, Lactose fast-flo as diluent and 1% magnesium stearate as lubricant were compressed into tablets and tested for dissolution. The dissolution data showed that the drug release decreased as the level of ethylcellulose increased in the solid dispersion formulations. The drug release from tablets prepared with solid dispersion followed the diffusion controlled model for inert porous matrix, while the drug release from tablets prepared with physical mixture followed the first-order kinetic model.     

Controlled-Release Matrix of Acetaminophen-Ethylcellulose Solid Dispersion

Abstract

In this study ethylcellulose was evaluated as a carrier for preparation of prolonged release acetaminophen tablets. Solid dispersions containing three levels of ethylcellulose and acetaminophen (1:3; 1:1; 3:1) were prepared by the solvent method. Also physical mixtures at the same level of ethylcellulose and acetaminophen were prepared. Systems composed of solid dispersion or physical mixture containing the equivalent weight of 50 mg acetaminophen, Lactose fast-flo as diluent and 1% magnesium stearate as lubricant were compressed into tablets and tested for dissolution. The dissolution data showed that the drug release decreased as the level of ethylcellulose increased in the solid dispersion formulations. The drug release from tablets prepared with solid dispersion followed the diffusion controlled model for inert porous matrix, while the drug release from tablets prepared with physical mixture followed the first-order kinetic model.     

Formulation and characterization of a compacted multiparticulate system for modified release of water-soluble drugs--Part II theophylline and cimetidine

The purpose was to investigate the effectiveness of an ethylcellulose (EC) bead matrix and different film-coating polymers in delaying drug release from compacted multiparticulate systems. Formulations containing theophylline or cimetidine granulated with Eudragit RS 30D were developed and beads were produced by extrusion-spheronization. Drug beads were coated using 15% wt/wt Surelease or Eudragit NE 30D and were evaluated for true density, particle size, and sphericity. Lipid-based placebo beads and drug beads were blended together and compacted on an instrumented Stokes B2 rotary tablet press. Although placebo beads were significantly less spherical, their true density of 1.21 g/cm(3) and size of 855 mum were quite close to Surelease-coated drug beads. Curing improved the crushing strength and friability values for theophylline tablets containing Surelease-coated beads; 5.7 +/- 1.0 kP and 0.26 +/- 0.07%, respectively. Dissolution profiles showed that the EC matrix only provided 3 h of drug release. Although tablets containing Surelease-coated theophylline beads released drug fastest overall (t(44.2%) = 8 h), profiles showed that coating damage was still minimal. Size and density differences indicated a minimal segregation potential during tableting for blends containing Surelease-coated drug beads. Although modified release profiles >8 h were achievable in tablets for both drugs using either coating polymer, Surelease-coated theophylline beads released drug fastest overall. This is likely because of the increased solubility of theophylline and the intrinsic properties of the Surelease films. Furthermore, the lipid-based placebos served as effective cushioning agents by protecting coating integrity of drug beads under a number of different conditions while tableting.