Indices of Tableting Performance for Acrylic Resin Polymers with Plastic and Brittle Drugs

Abstract

The indices of tableting performance were used to investigate the compaction properties of two methacrylate ester copolymers (Eudragit® RS PM and RL PM) and three methacrylic acid copolymers (Eudragit® S 100, L 100, and L 100–55). These polymers were designed to be incorporated directly into solid dosage forms for controlled-release purposes. The polymers were combined in the dry state with either sodium sulfathiazole (a brittle drug) or theophylline (a plastic drug) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100% polymer. All powders were blended for 15 minutes and compacts measuring 1 inch square and weighing 5 g each were made using a die that decompressed triaxially and a Carver® press equipped with a strain gauge. Solid fractions were kept constant at 0.81. Two of the tableting indices, the bonding index (BI) and brittle fracture index (BFI), were studied for all mixtures. The BFI of the sulfonamide (0.49) was nearly three times greater than the BFI for theophylline(0.17) The three methacrylic acid copolymers had high BFI values ranging from 0.99 to 1.60, demonstrating the brittle characteristics of these polymers. The BFI decreased with increasing drug content in all cases. Of the five polymers, the BI was greatest for Eudragit® L 100–55 with both drugs, especially at the 20% drug concentration, followed by Eudragits L 100 and S 100. These three resins were prepared by a spray-drying process. The strongest interactions (positive deviations for the BFI; negative deviations for indentation hardness and BI) of either drug with the polymers were always seen with the spray-dried materials. Low bonding indices were obtained for both of the methacrylate ester copolymers. However, all mixtures of both drug with these milled polymers (RL PM and RS PM) formed successful tablets.     

Compaction Properties of Acrylic Resin Polymers with Plastic and Brittle Drugs

Abstract

Tensile strengths of compacts consisting of acrylic resin polymers in combination with a plastic drug (theophylline) and a brittle drug (sodium sulfathiazole) were investigated. The polymers studied included Eudragit RS PM, RL PM, S 100, L 100, and L 100-55. All compacts were compressed to a solid fraction of 0.81. The solid fraction, rather than compression force, was kept constant in order to account for the differences in packing characteristics and elastic and plastic deformational properties of different materials (1). Tensile strength profiles for the blends of the Eudragit S 100 and RL PM polymers with sodium sulfathiazole included approximately linear relationships between pure drug and pure polymer. The Eudragit L 100-55 exhibited a large peak in the tensile strength of compacts containing 20% sodium sulfathiazole. Significant differences between the physical-mechanical properties of the methacrylate ester and methacrylic acid copolymers were observed where the latter proved to be much stronger at all concentrations. The differences between the two categories of polymers were greater in compacts containing the plastic drug, theophylline. Peaks in tensile strengths were seen for both drugs with all three of the methacrylic acid copolymers, while the methacrylate ester copolymers maintained approximately linear relationships for all ratios of drug and polymer.     

Compaction Properties of Acrylic Resin Polymers with Plastic and Brittle Drugs

Tensile strengths of compacts consisting of acrylic resin polymers in combination with a plastic drug (theophylline) and a brittle drug (sodium sulfathiazole) were investigated. The polymers studied included Eudragit RS PM, RL PM, S 100, L 100, and L 100-55. All compacts were compressed to a solid fraction of 0.81. The solid fraction, rather than compression force, was kept constant in order to account for the differences in packing characteristics and elastic and plastic deformational properties of different materials (1). Tensile strength profiles for the blends of the Eudragit S 100 and RL PM polymers with sodium sulfathiazole included approximately linear relationships between pure drug and pure polymer. The Eudragit L 100-55 exhibited a large peak in the tensile strength of compacts containing 20% sodium sulfathiazole. Significant differences between the physical-mechanical properties of the methacrylate ester and methacrylic acid copolymers were observed where the latter proved to be much stronger at all concentrations. The differences between the two categories of polymers were greater in compacts containing the plastic drug, theophylline. Peaks in tensile strengths were seen for both drugs with all three of the methacrylic acid copolymers, while the methacrylate ester copolymers maintained approximately linear relationships for all ratios of drug and polymer.     

Controlled release of a poorly water-soluble drug from hot-melt extrudates containing acrylic polymers

Controlled release tablets containing a poorly water-soluble drug, indomethacin (IDM), acrylic polymers (Eudragit® RD 100, Eudragit® L 100, or Eudragit® S 100), and triethyl citrate (TEC) were prepared by hot-melt extrusion. The physicochemical and IDM release properties of the controlled release hot-melt extrudates were investigated. Indomethacin (IDM) was found to be both thermally and chemically stable following hot-melt extrusion processing and displayed a plasticizing effect on Eudragit® RL PO as demonstrated by a decrease in the glass transition temperatures of the polymer. The inclusion of either Pluronic® F68, Eudragit® L 100, or Eudragit® S 100 in the powder blend containing Eudragit® RD 100 prior to processing increased the rate of release of the IDM from the extrudates. An increase in the media pH and a decrease in the granule particle size also increased the rate of release of IDM. The inclusion of TEC up to 8% in the granule formulation or compressing the granules into tablets had no significant effect on the drug release rate. Indomethacin (IDM) was transformed from a crystalline Form I into an amorphous form in the Eudragit® RD 100 granules following hot-melt extrusion. The thermal processing facilitated the formation of a solid solution with a continuous matrix structure that was shown to control drug diffusion from the extrudates.     

A pH-dependent colon-targeted oral drug delivery system using methacrylic acid copolymers. II. Manipulation of drug release using Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100 combinations

Tablets containing mesalazine as a model drug were coated using various combinations of two methacrylic acid copolymers, (Eudragit® L100 and Eudragit S100) by spraying from aqueous systems. The Eudragit L100-Eudragit S100 (w/w) combinations studied were 1:0, 4:1, 3:2, 1:1, 2:3, 1:4, 1:5, and 0:1. The coated tablets were tested in vitro for their suitability for pH-dependent colon-targeted oral drug delivery. The dissolution profiles of the drug obtained from the studied tablets demonstrate that the release of the drug could be manipulated by changing the Eudragit L100-Eudragit S100 ratios in the combinations within the pH range between 6.0 and 7.0 in which the individual polymers are soluble, and a coating formulation consisting of a combination of the two polymers can overcome the issue of high gastrointestinal (GI) pH variability among individuals. The results also demonstrate the feasibility of using aqueous dispersions of Eudragit L100-Eudragit S100 combinations for coating tablets for colon-targeted delivery of drugs, and that the formulation can be adjusted to deliver drug(s) at any other desirable site of the intestinal region of the GI tract in which pH of the fluid is within the range 6.0 to 7.0. For colon-targeted delivery of drugs, the proposed combination system is superior to tablets coated with either Eudragit L100 or Eudragit S100 alone.     

Evaluation of Thermal and Film Forming Properties of Acrylic Aqueous Polymer Dispersion Blends: Application to the Formulation of Sustained-Release Film Coated Theophylline Pellets

Abstract

Aqueous acrylic polymer dispersions were blended in order to improve processing and film formation from acrylic polymers with poor film forming properties and/or to obtain sustained-release film coated pellets with optimal barrier properties according to the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic requirements of the active substance.

Heterogeneous film structures are generally obtained from blends containing an association of hard acrylic polymers (Eudragit* RS30D, S100) with the soft Eudragit* NE30D when the drying temperature is lower than the minimum film forming temperature (MFT) of the hard acrylic polymers. The Tg and MFT values of the hard acrylic polymers are not modified in the presence of the soft polymer as shown by the thermograms of these blends which are generally characterized by two individual glassy transitions.

On the other hand, a wide range of drug dissolution profiles can be obtained from film coated pellets either by using, in different proportions, the insoluble but readily permeable Eudragit* RL30D in association with the less permeable Eudragit* RS30D in order to obtain pH-independent permeability membrane, or by mixing the anionic methacrylic acid copolymers (L30D, S100) with the neutral NE30D in order to obtain pH-dependent permeability film coated pellets showing higher dissolution release rates at intestinal pH values.     

Evaluation of Thermal and Film Forming Properties of Acrylic Aqueous Polymer Dispersion Blends: Application to the Formulation of Sustained-Release Film Coated Theophylline Pellets

Aqueous acrylic polymer dispersions were blended in order to improve processing and film formation from acrylic polymers with poor film forming properties and/or to obtain sustained-release film coated pellets with optimal barrier properties according to the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic requirements of the active substance.

Heterogeneous film structures are generally obtained from blends containing an association of hard acrylic polymers (Eudragit^* RS30D, S100) with the soft Eudragit^* NE30D when the drying temperature is lower than the minimum film forming temperature (MFT) of the hard acrylic polymers. The Tg and MFT values of the hard acrylic polymers are not modified in the presence of the soft polymer as shown by the thermograms of these blends which are generally characterized by two individual glassy transitions.

On the other hand, a wide range of drug dissolution profiles can be obtained from film coated pellets either by using, in different proportions, the insoluble but readily permeable Eudragit^* RL30D in association with the less permeable Eudragit^* RS30D in order to obtain pH-independent permeability membrane, or by mixing the anionic methacrylic acid copolymers (L30D, S100) with the neutral NE30D in order to obtain pH-dependent permeability film coated pellets showing higher dissolution release rates at intestinal pH values.     

Preparation of Acetaminophen Microcapsules by Coaservation-Phase Separation Method

In this study, it was aimed to prepare prolonged action microcapsules of acetaminophen with short biological half-life by a non-solvent addition method which is one of the conservation-phase separation techniques.

For this purpose, the three different particle size ranges of acetaminophen (0.088-0.177 mn, 0.250-0.354 mn, 0.420-0.500 mn) were used. The solution of polyisobuthylene in cyclohexane as a non-solvent and Eudragit RS and Eudragit RL as coating polymers were also used. The prepared mi crosapsules were compressed by a hydraulic press using different types of direct tableting agents such as Ludipress, Avicel PH 101 and Lactose EP D 30. Dissolution rates of each tablet containing 160 mg of microencapsulated acetaminophen were examined by continuous flow-through cell method

The results of this study showed that the release rate of drug from microcapsules prepared with Eudragit RS was lower than that of microcapsules prepared with Eudragit RL. However different particle size ranges of drug didn't affect significantly the release rate; but different types of direct tableting agents were effective on the release rate of drug.     

Effect of Various Polymers on Formulation of Controlled Release (CR) Ibuprofen Tablets by Fluid Bed Technique

Abstract

The need for controlled release (CR) formulations of ibuprofen tablet, is well recognized. Some such formulations have been marketed but in general only patented.

The purpose of this study was to develop an air suspension method, using a laboratory scale fluidized bed drier to coat the ibuprofen granules. Different polymers including, Eudragits L100, S100, RL100, RS100, L100+S100 (1:1), RL100+RS100 (1:1), ethyl cellulose (EC) and Eudragit RS100+EC (1:1) were utilized. The drug release medium consisted of buffer pH 1.2 for 1st 2h, buffer pH 4.5 for 2nd 2h and buffer pH 7.5 for remaining period of time in all experiments, but the release behaviour of the drug from some formulations was also studied using distilled water. Of the polymers investigated, Eudragit RS100, EC, Eudragit S100 and Eudragit RS100+EC (1:1) exhibited proper release characteristics when used as coating materials. The release patterns were analyzed from the standpoint of diffusion-controlled processes and as first-order kinetics.     

Effect of Various Polymers on Formulation of Controlled Release (CR) Ibuprofen Tablets by Fluid Bed Technique

The need for controlled release (CR) formulations of ibuprofen tablet, is well recognized. Some such formulations have been marketed but in general only patented.

The purpose of this study was to develop an air suspension method, using a laboratory scale fluidized bed drier to coat the ibuprofen granules. Different polymers including, Eudragits L100, S100, RL100, RS100, L100+S100 (1:1), RL100+RS100 (1:1), ethyl cellulose (EC) and Eudragit RS100+EC (1:1) were utilized. The drug release medium consisted of buffer pH 1.2 for 1st 2h, buffer pH 4.5 for 2nd 2h and buffer pH 7.5 for remaining period of time in all experiments, but the release behaviour of the drug from some formulations was also studied using distilled water. Of the polymers investigated, Eudragit RS100, EC, Eudragit S100 and Eudragit RS100+EC (1:1) exhibited proper release characteristics when used as coating materials. The release patterns were analyzed from the standpoint of diffusion-controlled processes and as first-order kinetics.     

Statistical Comparison of Two Methods of Dissolution of Sustained-Release Theophylline Tablets

A comparative study of two methods of dissolution (Simoons Apparatus and USP XXII Apparatus II) has been accomplished using sustained-release 50 mg anhydrous theophylline tablets. Sovic® 374 MB, Eudragit® RL PM, Aquacoat®, Methocel® K-15M, and Cutina® HR were some of the excipients used to elaborate inert, hydrophilic, and lipidic matrices. Theophylline release was prolonged in all cases, except when Aquacoat was used as matrix constituent. Simoons device was found to be more accurate for inert matrix tablets, whereas USP apparatus was advantageous for hydrophilic and lipidic matrix. ANOVA showed significant differences among all the factors analyzed. The drug release kinetics was adjusted better to Higuchi's kinetic model than to the Noyes-whitney or Weibull models, from 10% to 70% release.     

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.     

Mechanistic analysis of drug release from theophylline pellets coated by films containing pectin, chitosan and Eudragit RS

The objective of this study was to obtain detailed information on the mechanism of drug release from mixed-film of pectin-chitosan/Eudragit® RS. Pellets (710-840 μm in diameter) containing 60% theophylline and 40% microcrystalline cellulose were prepared by extrusion-spheronization method. Eudragit® L100-55 enteric coating capsules included film-coated pellets of theophylline in theoretical coating weight gains of 10, 15, and 20%, with pectin-chitosan complex contents of 5, 10, 15, and 20% for each level of weight gain were prepared and subjected to in vitro drug release. Drug release from this system showed a bimodal release profile characteristic with the drug release enhancement, being triggered (burst release) in the colonic medium. The reason for burst drug release may be due to the enzymatic degradation of pectin via pectinolytic enzymes in the simulated colonic medium. The mechanism of drug release from each formulation was evaluated in the terms of zero-order, first-order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. It was observed that none of the enteric coating capsules showed any drug release in the simulated gastric medium (phase I). The analysis of release profiles showed that zero-order kinetics was found as the better fitting model for all formulations in the simulated small intestine (phase II) and it could be due to the pectin-chitosan swelling and subsequent formation of aqueous channels. In the colonic medium (phase III), due to degradation of pectin and its leaching from the mixed-film, there was a modification in drug release kinetics from swelling-controlled at phase II to anomalous at phase III. It also was found that both zero-order and Higuchi models contributed in colonic drug release from most of the formulations.     

Compaction Properties of Spheronized Binary Granular Mixtures

Two spheronized granular formulations containing 20% anhydrous lactose/80% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and 80% anhydrous lactose/20% microcrystalline cellulose were blended in various proportions and compressed. Physical-mechanical properties of the resulting compacts were investigated using tableting indices and compared with powder mixtures of the same compositions. The compacts were compressed at a solid fraction of 0.80 for both powder and bead mixtures. An additional set of bead compacts were made at a solid fraction of 0.87. The thickness of the compacts was measured in the post-ejection stage to investigate their expansion behavior. The tensile strength with and without a stress concentrator and the dynamic indentation hardness of the compacts were determined. The brittle fracture index (BFI) and bonding index (BI) values were also calculated. The microstructure of the beads and compacts were investigated using scanning electron microscopy to observe the bonding phenomena. The results showed that the compacts made from beads underwent different compaction/consolidation behaviors than the powders of the same lactose/MCC compositions. For powdered compacts, the tensile strength with or without a stress concentrator increased with increasing MCC content while the compacts made from beads showed the opposite trend. However, this trend was not seen in the indentation hardness test. The resulting BFI values were all low due to the plastic nature of the materials selected. The BI values of the bead and powder compacts also exhibited opposite tendencies and reflected the divergent mechanical properties of the materials presented in granulated and powdered forms. Microstructure studies revealed the bonding states between the beads in the compacts. Discrepancies in mechanical properties were related to the compressibility, compactibility, and porosities of the excipients studied.     

Studies on Controlled Release Formulations of Pentazocine Hydrochloride

This work embodies studies, performed with micropellet type dosage forms of Pentazocine Hydrochloride (Pz-HCl), using single and composite matrices of Eudragit RS100 (RS) and RL100 (RL). The effects of formulation parameters on various dosage form criteria - namely drug loading, particle size distribution, release profiles etc. have been investigated. Results indicate, that the two polymers can be successfully combined to produce different changes in release kinetics, with simple modifications of coating composition and initial drug loads.     

In-Vitro Release and Permeation Kinetics of Pentazociwe From Matrix-Dispersion Type Trawsdwul Drug Delivery Systw

A matrix-dispersion type Transdermal Drug Delivery System (TDS) of Pentazocine (PZ) was fabricated, using combinations of rate controlling polymers, namely Eudragits RS100 (RS), RL100 (RL), Ethylcellulose (EC) and Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), with the objective of examining the effects of formulation variables on drug-permeation profiles. In depth in-vitro drug release and skin-permeation kinetics with three different loads, and also the effects of combination of isopropyl Myristate (IPM), as permeation enhancer, were studied using male albino mice abdominal skin. The release of PZ over a 12 hour period followed Higuchi kinetics, while in-vitro mice-skin permeation of PZ followed an apparent Zero-order kinetics over a period of 24 hours.     

Investigation of the physical–mechanical properties of Eudragit® RS PO/RL PO and their mixtures with common pharmaceutical excipients

Ammonio methacrylate copolymers Eudragit^® RS PO and Eudragit® RL PO have found widespread use as key components in various types of extended release solid dosage forms. The deformation behavior of neat polymers and binary mixes was evaluated using Heckel Analysis, strain rate sensitivity, work of compaction and elastic recovery index. Additionally, the compact forming ability of neat materials and binary mixes were evaluated by analyzing their tabletability, compressibility and compactibility profiles. The Heckel analysis of both polymers exhibited a speed-sensitive deformation behavior typical to plastic materials. The yield values of the binary mixes of the polymers with microcrystalline cellulose revealed a linear relationship with the weight fractions of individual components. The yield values of binary mixes of both the polymers with dibasic calcium phosphate exhibited slight negative deviations from linearity. Both polymers exhibited axial relaxation after ejection typical of viscoelastic materials, as measured by the elastic recovery index values. The work of compaction and the elastic recovery index values of the binary mixtures were found to be linearly related to the weight fractions of the individual components thus, confirming ideal mixing behavior based on the composition. Addition of microcrystalline cellulose to both polymers significantly improved their tabletability and compactibility. The tensile strengths of the compacts prepared with neat materials and binary mixes with microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate and lactose were the function of their solid fraction and independent of the tableting speeds tested; thus, validating compactibility as a reliable parameter in predicting acceptable tablet properties.     

In-Vitro Release and Permeation Kinetics of Pentazociwe From Matrix-Dispersion Type Trawsdwul Drug Delivery Systw

Abstract

A matrix-dispersion type Transdermal Drug Delivery System (TDS) of Pentazocine (PZ) was fabricated, using combinations of rate controlling polymers, namely Eudragits RS100 (RS), RL100 (RL), Ethylcellulose (EC) and Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), with the objective of examining the effects of formulation variables on drug-permeation profiles. In depth in-vitro drug release and skin-permeation kinetics with three different loads, and also the effects of combination of isopropyl Myristate (IPM), as permeation enhancer, were studied using male albino mice abdominal skin. The release of PZ over a 12 hour period followed Higuchi kinetics, while in-vitro mice-skin permeation of PZ followed an apparent Zero-order kinetics over a period of 24 hours.     

In Vitro Characterization of Polymeric Membrane used for Controlled Release Application

The application of a polymer film coat is a common practice in the preparation of controlled release dosage forms. In vitro characterization of the polymeric membrane is essential for optimization of the membrane formulation. Polymers selected in this study were cellulose acetate (CA), ethylcellulose (EC) and copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic esters (Eudragit RL100). Plasticizers used in this study were dibutyl sebacate (DBS), triethyl citrate (TEC) and triacetin. Polymer dispersions containing different plasticizers were cast into membranes on a tefloncoated plate. The resulting membranes were evaluated for permeability and mechanical properties. Membrane permeability was determined by quantifying the transport of a model drug, theophylline, across a circular polymeric membrane mounted in a thermostatted, twocompartment horizontal diffusion cell. Mechanical properties of the membranes, such as tensile strength, percent elongation and modulus of elasticity, were determined using an Instron 4301. The results of this study indicate that the CA and EC membranes were found to be effective in preventing the diffusion of theophylline. The addition of Eudragit RL100 to the CA or EC membranes increased the permeability but decreased the mechanical strength of the resulting membrane(s). A significant increase in permeability was observed at a CA:Eudragit RL100 ratio of 60:40. This could be explained by a change in the mechanism of drug transport, principally from partitioning into the membrane to diffusing through the liquidfilled pores of the resulting membrane(s). The results of the mechanical deformation studies indicate that triacetin has a greater potential for partitioning into the CA polymer than does TEC or DBS. DBS has a greater potential for partitioning into the EC polymer than does TEC or triacetin. The addition of Eudragit RL100 to the CA membrane(s) caused a significant decrease in the tensile strength, percent elongation and modulus of elasticity, thus resulting in weaker and softer membranes. The results indicate that the test methods employed were sufficiently sensitive to quantify the test parameters for the changes in membrane compositions which could provide valuable information for optimization of the membrane formulation.     

Studies on Controlled Release Formulations of Pentazocine Hydrochloride

Abstract

This work embodies studies, performed with micropellet type dosage forms of Pentazocine Hydrochloride (Pz-HCl), using single and composite matrices of Eudragit RS100 (RS) and RL100 (RL). The effects of formulation parameters on various dosage form criteria - namely drug loading, particle size distribution, release profiles etc. have been investigated. Results indicate, that the two polymers can be successfully combined to produce different changes in release kinetics, with simple modifications of coating composition and initial drug loads.