Characteristics Of Dosage Form Research Articles

Dissolution profile evaluation of selected brands of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium 625 mg tablets retailed in Hawassa town, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Poor quality amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets have been recently discovered in generic drugs related to Augmentin-like medicines containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, as well as its derivatives containing falsified active ingredients. One of the most important dosage form characteristics are a detailed active pharmaceutical ingredients dissolution release profile evaluation obtained through dissolution testing. The dissolution test is used in the development of both brand-name and generic drugs. Prior to beginning bioequivalence studies, it is critical to compare the dissolution profiles of various pharmaceutical products. As a result, dissolution is a critical quality control parameter for drugs because it has a direct impact on absorption of pharmaceutical products. Dissolution profile evaluation of seven brands of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets is retailed in Hawassa town, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. The seven brands of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets were collected from Hawassa town, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. The dissolution study was conducted as per USP40-NF35. Then, the dissolution profile test results were compared by one-way ANOVA Dunnett’s test, model independent, and model dependent method. All of the included brand tablets complied with a single-point dissolution study specification. All brand tablets had similar dissolution profiles (p > 0.05), difference factor (f1) < 15%, and dissolution efficiency (≤10%\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(\\le 10\\varvec{\\%}$$\\end{document}). However, the f2 (similarity factor) value justifies that all brand tablets were not within USFDA specification (≥\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\ge$$\\end{document}50%). The evaluated brands followed the Korsemeyer-Peppas followed by the Weibull curve models. All brand tablets passed the single point USP dissolution specification and the USFDA therapeutic interchangeability guideline. The similarity factor (f2), on the other hand, confirmed that none of the tested brand tablets were interchangeable with the innovator product. Therefore, researchers, national medicine regulatory bodies, and the manufacturer should conduct a properly designed dissolution test as proof of an in vitro bioequivalence study supported by in vivo bioavailability data.

Influence of Solid Oral Dosage Form Characteristics on Swallowability, Visual Perception, and Handling in Older Adults.

Swallowability, visual perception, and any handling to be conducted prior to use are all influence factors on the acceptability of an oral dosage form by the patient. Knowing the dosage form preferences of older adults, as the major group of medication end users, is needed for patient-centric drug development. This study aimed at evaluating the ability of older adults to handle tablets as well as to assess the anticipated swallowability of tablets, capsules, and mini tablets based on visual perception. The randomized intervention study included 52 older adults (65 to 94 years) and 52 younger adults (19 to 36 years). Within the tested tablets, ranging from 125 mg up to 1000 mg in weight and being of different shapes, handling was not seen as the limiting factor for the decision on appropriate tablet size. However, the smallest sized tablets were rated worst. According to visual perception, the limit of acceptable tablet size was reached at around 250 mg for older adults. For younger adults, this limit was shifted to higher weights and was dependent on the tablet shape. Differences in anticipated swallowability with respect to tablet shapes were most pronounced for tablets of 500 mg and 750 mg in weight, independent of the age category. Capsules performed worse compared to tablets, while mini tablets appeared as a possible alternative dosage form to tablets of higher weight. Within the deglutition part of this study, swallowability capabilities of the same populations were assessed and have been reported previously. Comparing the present results with the swallowing capabilities of the same populations with respect to tablets, it shows adults' clear self-underestimation of their ability to swallow tablets independent of their age.

Pregled i kritička analiza matematičkih pristupa za karakterizaciju praškova i višečestičnih sistema u razvoju lekova

An understanding of material properties and processing effects on solid dosage forms performance is required within the Quality-by-design approach to pharmaceutical development. Several research groups have developed mathematical approaches aiming to facilitate the selection of formulation composition and the manufacturing technology. These approaches are based on material particulate, bulk and compression-related properties. This paper provides theoretical assumptions and a critical review of different mathematical approaches for processability characterization of powders and multiparticulate units. Mathematical approaches have mainly been developed for directly compressible materials, but sometimes other manufacturing technologies, such as roller compaction and wet granulation, are also considered. The obtained compact tensile strength has been implemented in the majority of approaches, as an important characteristic describing compact mechanical properties. Flowability should be also evaluated, since it affects sample processability. Additionally, particle size and shape, material density and compressibility, compactibility and tabletability profiles have been also distinguished as relevant properties for solid dosage form development. The application of mathematical approaches may contribute to the mechanistic understanding of critical material attributes and facilitate dosage form development and optimization. However, it is essential to select the appropriate one, based on the intended dosage form characteristics, in order to ensure that all relevant powder/multiparticulate units characteristics are implemented and critically evaluated.

A Critical Overview of FDA and EMA Statistical Methods to Compare In Vitro Drug Dissolution Profiles of Pharmaceutical Products.

A drug dissolution profile is one of the most critical dosage form characteristics with immediate and controlled drug release. Comparing the dissolution profiles of different pharmaceutical products plays a key role before starting the bioequivalence or stability studies. General recommendations for dissolution profile comparison are mentioned by the EMA and FDA guidelines. However, neither the EMA nor the FDA provides unambiguous instructions for comparing the dissolution curves, except for calculating the similarity factor f2. In agreement with the EMA and FDA strategy for comparing the dissolution profiles, this manuscript provides an overview of suitable statistical methods (CI derivation for f2 based on bootstrap, CI derivation for the difference between reference and test samples, Mahalanobis distance, model-dependent approach and maximum deviation method), their procedures and limitations. However, usage of statistical approaches for the above-described methods can be met with difficulties, especially when combined with the requirement of practice for robust and straightforward techniques for data evaluation. Therefore, the bootstrap to derive the CI for f2 or CI derivation for the difference between reference and test samples was selected as the method of choice.

Analysis of Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicines for Treating Dysmenorrhea Based on Data Mining

Objective: To analyze the symiptom classification and medication characteristics of Chinese medicine in the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and to provide reference for rational use of drugs by clinicians, and to provide ideas for the development of new drugs for dysmenorrhea. Methods: The Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of dysmenorrhea in the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia was collected. The statistical analysis of the drug composition, dosage form characteristics and precautions was carried out using Excel 2013 and SPSS Modeler 14.1 statistical software. Results: A total of 55 Chinese patent medicines were involved, involving 159 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines, of which the highest frequency of angelica application was 29 times; 50% of traditional Chinese medicines had a pungent taste, 62.9% of Chinese medicines were liver-transfer; 36.4% of Chinese patent medicines were pills. Conclusion: At present, in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, blood stasis and detoxification are still the main factors; a total of 14 core drug pairs are obtained, including Angelicae Sinensis Radix— Corydalis Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix—Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix—Paeoniae Radix Alba, Angelicae Sinensis Radix—Cyperi Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma—Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata and so on.

Preparation and Evaluation of Progesterone Nanocrystals to Decrease Muscle Irritation and Improve Bioavailability.

Progesterone (PG) is a crucial immunomodulatory agent during early pregnancy, and nowadays PG oil-based injection (PG/OI) has a huge market all over the world. However, PG/OI may accumulate the local muscle and further cause irritations after long-term administration. In this study, PG nanocrystals (PG/NCs) injection was developed to decrease muscle toxicity. PG/NCs injection containing 10% (w/v) PG was first prepared using a wet grinding method. Then, particle size, zeta potential, morphology powder, X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies were carried out to evaluate the characteristics of dosage form. The rabbit muscle irritation, hemolysis, and rat pharmacokinetics tests were used to estimate the in vivo characteristics of PG/NCs. The results showed that the mean particle size and the zeta potentials of NCs were 299.5 ± 9.0nm and - 36.8 ± 1.5mV, respectively. The crystalline state of PG/NCs was not altered during particle size reduction according to PXRD, DSC, and FTIR results. Muscle irritation presented that PG/NCs had lower irritation than that of PG/OI. Hemolysis test suggested that PG/NCs injection was functioned without hemolysis and red cell agglutination. The pharmacokinetics study showed that the AUC0-t and Cmax of PG/NCs was 3.2-fold (p < 0.05) and 3.1-fold higher than PG/OI, which demonstrated that PG/NCs injection had greater bioavailability than PG/OI. Therefore, it was obvious that PG/NCs injection exhibited a lower muscle irritation, hemolysis rate, and higher bioavailability, which was a better dosage form than OI.

A QRM Discussion of Microbial Contamination of Non-sterile Drug Products, Using FDA and EMA Warning Letters Recorded between 2008 and 2016.

Microbial quality control of non-sterile drug products has been a concern to regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry since the 1960s. Despite being an old challenge to companies, microbial contamination still affects a high number of manufacturers of non-sterile products. Consequences go well beyond the obvious direct costs related to batch rejections or product recalls, as human lives and a company's reputation are significantly impacted if such events occur. To better manage risk and establish effective mitigation strategies, it is necessary to understand the microbial hazards involved in non-sterile drug products manufacturing, be able to evaluate their potential impact on final product quality, and apply mitigation actions. Herein we discuss the most likely root causes involved in microbial contaminations referenced in warning letters issued by US health authorities and non-compliance reports issued by European health authorities over a period of several years. The quality risk management tools proposed were applied to the data gathered from those databases, and a generic risk ranking was provided based on a panel of non-sterile drug product manufacturers that was assembled and given the opportunity to perform the risk assessments. That panel identified gaps and defined potential mitigation actions, based on their own experience of potential risks expected for their processes. Major findings clearly indicate that the manufacturers affected by the warning letters should focus their attention on process improvements and microbial control strategies, especially those related to microbial analysis and raw material quality control. Additionally, the WLs considered frequently referred to failures in quality-related issues, which indicates that the quality commitment should be reinforced at most companies to avoid microbiological contaminations.LAY ABSTRACT: Microbial contamination of drug products affects the quality of non-sterile drug products produced by numerous manufacturers, representing a major risk to patients. It is necessary to understand the microbial hazards involved in the manufacturing process and evaluate their impact on final product quality so that effective prevention strategies can be implemented. A risk-based classification of most likely root causes for microbial contamination found in the warning letters issued by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency is proposed. To validate the likely root causes extracted from the warning letters, a subject matter expert panel made of several manufacturers was formed and consulted. A quality risk management approach to assess microbiological contamination of non-sterile drug products is proposed for the identification of microbial hazards involved in the manufacturing process. To enable ranking of microbial contamination risks, quality risk management metrics related to criticality and overall risk were applied. The results showed that manufacturers of non-sterile drug products should improve their microbial control strategy, with special attention to quality controls of raw materials, primary containers, and closures. Besides that, they should invest in a more robust quality system and culture. As a start, manufacturers may consider investigating their specific microbiological risks, adressing their sites' own microbial ecology, type of manufacturing processes, and dosage form characteristics, as these may lead to increased contamination risks. Authorities should allow and enforce innovative, more comprehensive, and more effective approaches to in-process contamination monitoring and controls.

Quality of anthelminthic medicines available in Jimma Ethiopia

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis are major public health problems in Ethiopia. Mass deworming of at-risk population using a single dose administration of 400mg albendazole (ABZ) or 500mg mebendazole (MBZ) for treatment of common intestinal worms and 40mg of praziquantel (PZQ) per kg body weight for treatment of schistosomiasis is one of the strategies recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) in order to control the morbidity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis. Since storage condition, climate, way of transportation and distribution route could all affect the quality of medicines, regular assessment by surveys is very critical to ensure the therapeutic outcome, to minimize risk of toxicity to the patient and resistance of parasites. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the pharmaceutical quality of ABZ, MBZ and PZQ tablet brands commonly available in Jimma town (south west Ethiopia). Retail pharmacies (n=10) operating in Jimma town were selected using simple random sampling method. Samples of anthelminthic medicines available in the selected pharmacies were collected. Sample information was recorded and encompassed trade name, active ingredient name, manufacturer’s name and full address, labeled medicine strength, dosage form, number of units per container, dosage statement, batch/lot number, manufacturing and expiry dates, storage information and presence of leaflets/package insert. Moreover, a first visual inspection was performed encompassing uniformity of color, uniformity of size, breaks, cracks, splits, embedded surface spots or visual contaminations. Finally, physico-chemical quality attributes investigated encompassed mass uniformity, quantity of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), disintegration and dissolution, all following Pharmacopoeial test methods The physical characteristics of dosage form, packaging and labeling information of all samples complied with criteria given in the WHO checklists. The mass uniformity of tablets of each brand of ABZ, MBZ and PZQ complied with the pharmacopoeial specification limits, i.e no more than 2 individual masses >5% of average tablet weight, and none deviate by more than 10%. The quantity of APIs in all investigated tablet brands were within the 90–110% label claim (l.c.) limits, ranging between 95.05 and 110.09% l.c. Disintegration times were in line with the pharmacopoeial specification limit for immediate release (IR) tablets, ranging between 0.5 and 13min. However, the dissolution results (mean±SD, n=6) of one ABZ brand (i.e. Wormin®, Q=59.21±0.99% at 30min) and two PZQ brands (i.e. Bermoxel®, Q=63.43%±0.7 and Distocide®, Q=62.43%±1.67, at 75min) showed poor dissolution, failing the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) dissolution specification limit.

Formulation and evaluation of sustained release saxagliptin microspheres by ionotropic gelation method

The objective of the current investigation is to reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance by designing and systematically evaluating sustained release microspheres of an antidiabetic agent, saxagliptin. Saxagliptin microspheres were formulated using sodium alginate as the controlled release polymer by ionotropic gelation technique. The polymer sodium alginate alone and along with different coating polymers like pectin, ethyl cellulose was used in different ratios (1:1,1:1.5, 1:2 ) to formulate batches F1 to F9. The resulting microspheres were evaluated for particle size, densities, flow properties, morphology, recovery yield, drug content, drug entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release behavior. The formulated microspheres were discrete, spherical with relatively smooth surface, and with good flow properties. The drug entrapment efficiency obtained in the range 70.4% to 95.2%.Among different formulations, the fabricated microspheres of batch F3 had shown the optimum percent drug encapsulation of microspheres and the sustained release of the saxagliptin for about 9 h. In vitro study showed that drug release slowly increases as the pH of the medium is increased. Release pattern of saxagliptin from microspheres of batch F3 followed Higuchi model and zero-order release kinetic model. The value of ‘n’ was found to be 0.867. The data obtained thus suggest that a microparticulate system can be successfully designed for sustained delivery of saxagliptin and to improve dosage form characteristics for easy formulation.

Dosage form preference consultation study in children and young adults: paving the way for patient-centred and patient-informed dosage form development

ObjectivesThe current study aims to evaluate dosage form preferences in children and young adults together with identifying the key pragmatic dosage form characteristics that would enable appropriate formulation of orally...

Advances in mechanistic understanding of release rate control mechanisms of extended-release hydrophilic matrix tablets.

Approaches to characterizing and developing understanding around the mechanisms that control the release of drugs from hydrophilic matrix tablets are reviewed. While historical context is provided and direct physical characterization methods are described, recent advances including the role of percolation thresholds, the application on magnetic resonance and other spectroscopic imaging techniques are considered. The influence of polymer and dosage form characteristics are reviewed. The utility of mathematical modeling is described. Finally, how all the information derived from applying the developed mechanistic understanding from all of these tools can be brought together to develop a robust and reliable hydrophilic matrix extended-release tablet formulation is proposed.

Review on Solubility Enhancement Techniques

Absorption process is develop in biological system to getting required organic and inorganic chemicals in to systemic circulation and maintain bioavailability. The bioavailability issue can be due to insufficient solubility or permeability. Most compounds face the solubility problems. Hence, with the advancement of chemical science, the need of development of pharmaceutical technologies is also increasing and it depend upon drug to drug. The drug exhibit very poor aqueous solubility the rate at which drug dissolve in gastro intestinal tract and exhibit rate limiting step. Oral route is the most desirable and preferred method of administering therapeutic agents for their systemic effect On the basis of solubility, drugs are classified into four classes of the BCS classification. Solubility challenges are faced in the Class II and Class IV of the BCS system. To improve solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drug we use various methods or techniques. Various techniques are used for the enhancement of the solubility of poorly soluble drugs which include physical and chemical modifications of drug and other methods like particle size reduction, crystal engineering, salt formation, solid dispersion, use of surfactant, complexation, and so forth. Selection of solubility improving method depends on drug property, site of absorption, and required dosage form characteristics.

General Principles for Composing Dosage Form Names

Recommendations were given that will help to compose dosage form names of particular medical products by combining the basic and additional elements so as to specify more correctly the dosage form characteristics.

Biopharmaceutical considerations and characterizations in development of colon targeted dosage forms for inflammatory bowel disease.

Colon targeted dosage forms have been extensively studied for the localized treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. These dosage forms not only improve the therapeutic efficacy but also reduce the incidence of adverse drug reactions and hence improve the patient compliance. However, complex and highly variable gastro intestinal physiology limits the clinical success of these dosage forms. Biopharmaceutical characteristics of these dosage forms play a key role in rapid formulation development and ensure the clinical success. The complexity in product development and clinical success of colon targeted dosage forms are based on the biopharmaceutical characteristics such as physicochemical properties of drug substances, pharmaceutical characteristics of dosage form, physiological conditions and pharmacokinetic properties of drug substances as well as drug products. Various in vitro and in vivo techniques have been employed in past to characterize the biopharmaceutical properties of colon targeted dosage forms. This review focuses on the factors influencing the biopharmaceutical performances of the dosage forms, in vitro characterization techniques and in vivo studies.

Study on “multi-dimensional structure and process dynamics quality control system” of Danshen infusion solution based on component structure theory

As traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation products feature complex compounds and multiple preparation processes, the implementation of quality control in line with the characteristics of TCM preparation products provides a firm guarantee for the clinical efficacy and safety of TCM preparation products. Danshen infusion solution is a preparation commonly used in clinic, but its quality control is restricted to indexes of finished products, which can not guarantee its inherent quality. Our study group has proposed "multi-dimensional structure and process dynamics quality control system" on the basis of "component structure theory", for the purpose of controlling the quality of Danshen infusion solution at multiple levels and in multiple links from the efficacy-related material basis, the safety-related material basis, the characteristics of dosage form to the preparation process. This article, we bring forth new ideas and models to the quality control of TCM preparation products.

ChemInform Abstract: Drug Solubility: Importance and Enhancement Techniques

AbstractReview: 71 refs.

Drug solubility: importance and enhancement techniques.

Solubility, the phenomenon of dissolution of solute in solvent to give a homogenous system, is one of the important parameters to achieve desired concentration of drug in systemic circulation for desired (anticipated) pharmacological response. Low aqueous solubility is the major problem encountered with formulation development of new chemical entities as well as for the generic development. More than 40% NCEs (new chemical entities) developed in pharmaceutical industry are practically insoluble in water. Solubility is a major challenge for formulation scientist. Any drug to be absorbed must be present in the form of solution at the site of absorption. Various techniques are used for the enhancement of the solubility of poorly soluble drugs which include physical and chemical modifications of drug and other methods like particle size reduction, crystal engineering, salt formation, solid dispersion, use of surfactant, complexation, and so forth. Selection of solubility improving method depends on drug property, site of absorption, and required dosage form characteristics.

Evaluation of the impact of mixing speed on the compressibility and compactibility of paracetamol-isomalt containing granules with factorial design

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of a new formulation parameter on the characteristics of dosage form and manufacturing process. In our previous work the effects of isomalt and compression force on compaction and tablet properties were investigated. In this research paper the particles were agglomerated with purified water without using other binders. To set up the 3 3 type factorial design a new independent variable – mixing speed ( X 2) – was added to paracetamol:isomalt ratio in granules (X 1) and to compression force during the tabletting process (X 3). Each of these variables was examined at three levels to characterize their power and interactions. As granule's properties mass flow, densities and particle size were investigated. From the aspect of compression process lubrication coefficient and friction work were the evaluated response variables. As tablet characteristics tablet resistance to crushing and tensile strength were studied. The results indicated that the agglomeration process did not need any other binders to obtain granules with good quality. Moreover, the addition of mixing speed as a new independent variable was appropriate, since it had significant effect among others on the particle size distribution of the granules and on tablet characteristics. According to the results of the tablet quality tests the optimal mixing speed at granulation is needed which offers not only sufficient homogeneity of the granules but also appropriate tablet characteristics. Furthermore, the enhancing effect of isomalt on the compaction of granules and on the tablet characteristics is observed.

In vitro Evaluation of Novel Sustained Release Microspheres of Glipizide Prepared by the Emulsion Solvent Diffusion-Evaporation Method

The objective of the current investigation is to reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance by designing and systematically evaluating sustained release microspheres of Glipizide. An anti-diabetic drug, Glipizide, is delivered through the microparticulate system using ethyl cellulose as the controlled release polymer. Microspheres were developed by the emulsion solvent diffusion-evaporation technique by using the modified ethanol,-dichloromethane co-solvent system. The polymer mixture of ethyl cellulose and Eudragit® S100 was used in different ratios (1:0, 1:1, 2:3, 1:4 and 0:1) to formulate batches F1 to F5. The resulting microspheres were evaluated for particle size, densities, flow properties, morphology, recovery yield, drug content, and in vitro drug release behavior. The formulated microspheres were discrete, spherical with relatively smooth surface, and with good flow properties. Among different formulations, the fabricated microspheres of batch F3 had shown the optimum percent drug encapsulation of microspheres and the sustained release of the Glipizide for about 12 h. Release pattern of Glipizide from microspheres of batch F3 followed Korsmeyers-peppas model and zero-order release kinetic model. The value of ‘n’ was found to be 0.960, which indicates that the drug release was followed by anomalous (non-fickian) diffusion. The data obtained thus suggest that a microparticulate system can be successfully designed for sustained delivery of Glipizide and to improve dosage form characteristics for easy formulation.

In vitro Evaluation of Food Effect on The Bioavailability of Nimesulide and Paracetamol from Fixed Dose Combination of Nimesulide and Paracetamol

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro food effect on the bioavailability of Nimesulide and paracetamol from fixed dose combination. In vitro, effect of food on the bioavailability was studied by simulating in vivo conditions in dissolution fluid. In this study, we assessed the effect of hydrodynamic stress in presence of food and meal composition on Nimesulide containing fixed dose combination formulations by carrying out dissolution at different agitation rates (simulation of fasted and fed state) as well as in the presence of different percentage of oil (fatty food). It was concluded that agitation intensity as well as presence of oil indicates that the food can play an important role on the release of Nimesulide and paracetamol. Nimesulide and paracetamol show delayed release behavior as percentage of oil increased. This formulation had shown delayed release characteristics at all the conditions studied, showed agitation rate dependent release and also release was affected in presence of oil. Further, effect of food on the Nimesulide and paracetamol release was a function of dosage form characteristics such as disintegration time and dissolution rate, which will subsequently affect the release behavior of a formulation in presence of food.