Complex Tablets Research Articles

Optimization of formulation and processing of Moringa oleifera and spirulina complex tablets.

Objective: To prepare a more comprehensive nutrition, more balanced proportion of natural nutritional supplement tablets with Moringa oleifera leaves and spirulina the two nutrients which have complementary natural food ingredients. Method: On the basis of research M. oleifera leaves with spirulina nutrient composition was determined on M. oleifera leaves and spirulina ratio of raw materials, and the choice of microcrystalline cellulose, sodium salt of caboxy methyl cellulose(CMC),magnesium stearate excipient, through single factor and orthogonal experiment, selecting the best formula tablets prepared by powder direct compression technology, for preparation of M. oleifera and spirulina complex tablets. Results: The best ratio of raw material for the M. oleifera leaves powder: spirulina powder was 7:3, the best raw materials for the tablet formulation was 88.5%, 8.0% microcrystalline cellulose, CMC 2.0%, stearin magnesium 1.5%, the optimum parameters for the raw material crushing 200–300 mesh particle size, moisture content of 7%, tableting pressure 40 kN. Conclusion: Through formulation and process optimization, we can prepare more comprehensive and balanced nutrition M. oleifera and spirulina complex tablets, its sheet-shaped appearance, piece weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration and other indicators have reached the appropriate quality requirements.

Formulation and Evaluation of Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex Tablets of Carvedilol

Objective: The aim of this series of experiments was to improve the solubility of a poorly soluble drug. Materials and Methods: Binary inclusion complexes of carvedilol and cyclodextrins derivatives were prepared by kneading method. Their solubility and dissolution behavior were compared with that of the pure drug and the marketed formulation of carvedilol. Results: Saturation solubility studies indicate that the solubility of the drug was increased and X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy showed that the crystalline nature of drug was lost or decreased significantly in the inclusion complex, indicating the drug was present in a solubilized form in the formulation. All inclusion complex tablets showed increase in dissolution rate than tablet prepared with pure drug. Formulation FT8 showed faster drug release in comparison to other formulations and data were fitted to various kinetic models. The mechanism of drug release from tablets was found to be Supercase 2 Transport. Stability studies suggested that there was no significant degradation or changes taking place in the tablets during the study period. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the inclusion complexation technique is an effective approach for the dissolution rate improvement of water insoluble drugs such as carvedilol.

Role of oral pentosan polysulphate in the reduction of local side effects of BCG therapy in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a pilot study.

To assess the role of oral pentosan polysulphate (PPS) in the reduction of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-related local side effects in patients with high grade Ta/T1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). A total of 32 symptomatic patients receiving BCG instillation were randomized into three groups: group A received placebo (vitamin B complex tablet) thrice daily; group B received PPS 100mg thrice daily; and group C received PPS 100mg once daily and placebo (vitamin B complex tablet) twice daily for 6weeks. A visual analogue scale (VAS) score for bladder pain, Overactive Bladder-Validated 8 Question Screener (OAB-V8) scores and dysuria were evaluated in the three groups before and during each weekly visit for BCG instillation. The mean ± sd post-treatment VAS scores were significantly lower in groups B (4.4 ± 1.2) and C (5.8 ± 0.8) than in group A (8 ± 0.4). In addition, the post-treatment VAS score was significantly lower in group B than in group C (P<0.01). The mean post-treatment OAB-V8 score was significantly lower only in group B (decreased from 15.5 to 9.7). Dysuria decreased in groups B and C but persisted in group A. The present study shows that oral PPS (100mg) thrice daily is effective in relieving BCG-related local side effects.

Effectiveness of Riluzole as a pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for early cervical myelopathy: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of Riluzole as a pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for early cervical myelopathy using clinical parameters and DTI analysis. Early cervical myelopathy cases with MJOA scores ≥13, were recruited for the double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised control trial. Thirty cases with fifteen cases each in the test and placebo group were studied. Analysis was done using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and clinical evaluation, pre- and post-institution of sodium channel blocker Riluzole for a period of 1month (50mg twice daily). Placebo group was treated with Vitamin B complex tablets. Diffusion co-efficient fractional anisotrophy (FA), apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC), volume ratio (VR), relative anisotrophy (RA) and Eigen vectors were calculated. Outcomes analysis was based on clinical scores of MJOA, Nurick grading, SF-12, NDI, and statistical analysis of DTI datametrics. The mean MJOA score was 15.6 (13-17) with no significant change in the test and control groups. The mean ADC, FA values were 1533.36 (1238-1779) and 494.36 (364-628) and changed to 1531.57 (1312-2091) and 484.86 (294-597), respectively, in the Riluzole group. However, the changes in the values of ADC, FA, and other co-efficients including VR, RA and eigenvectors in the two groups were not statistically significant. The functional scores in the SF-12 and NDI questionnaires did not change significantly. Our study did not show a significant change in the clinical outcome and DTI Indices with the use of Riluzole as a standalone pharmacotherapeutic agent for early cervical myelopathy. More studies may be needed to confirm the usefulness of Riluzole as a treatment option for cervical myelopathy.

Surface-Deacetylated Chitin Nano-Fiber/Hyaluronic Acid Composites as Potential Antioxidative Compounds for Use in Extended-Release Matrix Tablets.

In this study, we examined a possible use of a surface-deacetylated chitin nano-fiber (SDCH-NF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) interpolymer complex (IPC) tablet as a potential antioxidative compound in extended-release matrix tablets. The antioxidant properties of untreated chitin (UCH), SDCH-NF, and HA were examined using N-centered radicals derived from 1,1′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). SDCH-NF and HA had acceptable scavenging abilities and were relatively efficient radical scavengers, but UCH was much less effective. The results suggest that SDCH-NF and HA could serve as scavengers of compounds related to the development of oxidative stress. An SDCH-NF/HA IPC tablet was prepared and evaluated as an extended-release tablet matrix using famotidine (FMT) as a model drug. The release of FMT from the IPC tablet (DCF-NF:HA = 1:1) was slower than that from a SDCH-NF only tablet. Turbidity measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data also indicated that the optimum complexation ratio for IPC between SDCH-NF/HA is 1/1, resulting in a good relationship between turbidity or XRD of the complex and the release ratio of FMT. These results suggest that an SDCH-NF/HA tablet has the potential for use in an extended-release IPC tablet with a high antioxidant activity.

PREPERATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF β-CYCLODEXTRIN INCLUSION COMPLEXES ORAL TABLETS CONTAINING POORLY WATER SOLUBLE GLIMIPIRIDE USING FREEZE DRYING METHOD

Glimepiride is an oral antidiabetic drugs which is practically insoluble in water. The formation of β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex was able to increase the solubility of glimepiride. This study aim to prepare, characterize and formulation of inclusion complex tablets in order to meet the requirement in Pharmacopeia. The inclusion complex were prepared in a molar ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 by freeze drying method, afterthat characterized include FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electro microscope (SEM). Further, it was formulated into tablets by direct compression technique using primogel and crospovidone as superdisintegrants. The tablets were evaluated include weight uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration, and dissolution. The dissolution studies of inclusion complex were performed by using USP II apparatus. The result of FTIR and SEM provided evidence of the formation of complexes after utilizing freeze-drying methods. The tablet evaluation containing inclusion complex glimepiride-β cyclodextrin with primogel and cropovidone as disintegrant showed that increased concentration of disintegrant will increase disintegration time of the tablets. All of formulas meet the requirements in the Pharmacopoeia. The inclusion complex of glimepiride–β cyclodextrin successfully used for enhancing the solubility of glimepiride and the tablets meet the requirement in Pharmacopeia. Keywords: Glimepirid, β -cyclodextrin, primogel, crospovidone

A fast and effective method of quantitative analysis of VB1, VB2 and VB6 in B-vitamins complex tablets based on three-dimensional fluorescence spectra

Scattering signals and partial overlapping of target peaks usually appear in fluorescence determination. In this study, the improved wavelet moment method was proposed and applied to the quantitative determination of multiple target components in real B-vitamins complex tablets based on three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectra. The correlation coefficients (R) were more than 0.9939, and the correlation coefficients of leave-one-out cross-validation (RLOO-cv) were more than 0.9376. The inter-day and intra-day variations were less than 5.8% and 6.1%, respectively. The recovery ranged from 97.6% to 109.4%. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) were less than 0.07μgmL−1 and 0.13μgmL−1, respectively. All the statistical parameters indicated that the method was stable and reliable. The application to the practical samples confirmed that wavelet moment method effectively extracted the features of target components in 3D spectra and the proposed method could be applied to the analyses of food or other complex samples.

Formulation and Evaluation of sustained release matrix tablets of Glipizide

The aim of present investigation was to enhance the solubility of glipizide (BCS Class II). Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic agent with relatively short elimination half life. Inclusion complex of Glipizide with _-cyclodextrin was prepared by kneading method and evaluated for its in-vitro release. Phase solubility studies were performed according to method reported by Higuchi and Connors which was classified as AL type characterized by apparent 1:1 stability constant. The Glipizide and Beta Cyclodextrin found to be compatible which was observed from FTIR spectra of Glipizide _- CD Complex. The dissolution study of Glipizide _- CD complex shows significant increase in the drug release than pure drug. Matrix Glipizide _- CD complex tablet complex equivalent to 10 mg Glipizide were prepared by using Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), Carboxy methyl cellulose sodium (NaCMC) and Microcrytalline cellulose (MCC). The tablets were evaluated for various tests like hardness, friability, disintegration and in-vitro dissolution studies.

Preparation and characterisation of a stable silver colloid for SER(R)S spectroscopy

A method for the reproducible preparation of a silver colloid with strong surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties, good stability with a zeta potential of −55 mV and a shelf life exceeding 1 year is reported. The mean particle size is 20 nm with a narrow size distribution of 10–30 nm. The colloid is produced by the reduction of silver nitrate with hydroxylamine phosphate to give a negatively charged phosphate surface on the silver particles. This is an ultrafast room temperature reaction and with controlled rapid addition and dispersion of reagents, very reproducible batches of colloid can be prepared making it suitable for commercial applications of Surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering(SER(R)S) spectroscopy. The stability of the colloid is attributed to the extremely low solubility product (Ksp) of silver phosphate. Characterisation and stability study data for this colloid have been obtained by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, particle size analysis and SERS analyses using a 514 nm laser on a Raman spectrometer. A SERS method to detect and to identify riboflavin in a vitamin B complex tablet is reported to illustrate a SERS application based upon the use of this silver colloid. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Design and In Vitro Evaluation of Pentoxifylline- Polyelectrolyte Complex Tablets

Abstract: The purpose of present study was to develop once a day sustain release enteric coated tablet of Fluoxetine HCl by direct compression method. Design was prepared for nine batch using fenugreek mucilage at 40%, 50% and 60% concentration ; HPMC at 10%, 15% and 20%; compritol ATO 888 at 10%, 15% and 20% and ethyl cellulose at 2%, 3% and 4% concentration. Fenugreek mucilage was extracted from dried ripe seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fabaceae). Cellulose acetate phthalate was used as enteric coating agent. The tablets were characterized for weight variation, crushing strength, friability, drug content and in vitro drug release study. All the formulations were complied with standard specifications. The Drug excipients compatibility study was performed by DSC and IR Spectroscopy and no incompatibility was found. The results of in vitro dissolution studies indicated that formulations X2, X5 and X8 released 7.03%, 7.03%, 4.75% of Fluoxetine respectively at the end of 2 hour and 98.17%, 78.12%, 65.45% of Fluoxetine respectively at the end of 24 hour. Drug release rate was increased in polymer order HPMC K 100M > ethyl cellulose > compritol ATO 888. Formulation X2 (50% fenugreek mucilage and 15% HPMC K 100M) could extend drug release up to 24 hour and it exhibited satisfactory drug release within first 2 hours and total release pattern was very close to marketed product. The mechanism of drug release was found to be diffusion coupled with erosion. Optimized formulation was found to be stable when exposed to 400C/75 % of relative humidity. Keywords: Delayed release, Fluoxetine HCl, HPMC K 100M, Fenugreek mucilage.

Preparation and Characterization of Phytosomal-Phospholipid Complex of P. Amarus and its Tablet Formulation

Present investigation was aimed at formulation, characterization and evaluation of phytosomal complex tablets for sustained delivery of Phyllanthus amarus complex. Phyllanthin, one of the active lignin present in this plant species was isolated from the aerial parts, by silica gel column chromatography employing gradient elution with hexane −ethyl acetate solvent mixture. It was obtained in high yields (1.23%), compared to reported procedures and the purity was ascertained by HPTLC analysis. Phyllanthin was characterized for M.P, UV −Visible spectrophotometry, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C and NMR analysis. Release kinetics was evaluated by using United States Pharmacopeia (USP)-22 type I dissolution apparatus. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the effect of dissolution medium on matrix tablet surface. HPTLC was carried out for quantitative and qualitative estimation of Phyllanthin in Phyllanthus amarus and Rf of phyllanthin was found to be about 0.25. The content was found to be maximum for phytosomal complex of phyllanthus formed by vaccum drying of 1:1 drug excipient ratio. The in-vitro drug release study revealed that optimized formulation sustained the drug release for 12 hr (88.1% ± 4.1% release). Fitting the in vitro drug release data to Korsmeyer equation indicated that diffusion along with erosion could be the mechanism of drug release.

Chemiluminescence microfluidic system on a chip to determine vitamin B1 using platinum nanoparticles triggered luminol–AgNO3 reaction

A novel and sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method on a microchip has been presented for the determination of vitamin B1 (VB1). The microchip was fabricated by soft lithographic procedure using polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) having four inlets and one outlet with a 200μm wide, 250μm height, 6mm diameter and 100mm long microchannel. The method is based on the enhanced CL intensity of luminol by its oxidation with AgNO3 in the presence of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). It was found that the oxidation of luminol with AgNO3 by PtNPs produced strong CL signal at about 425nm which meant that the luminophore was still 3-aminopthalate. The CL intensity of the luminol–AgNO3–PtNPs system was further increased with the addition of VB1. Under optimum conditions, the CL intensity was increased by increasing the concentration of VB1 in the range of 1.0×10−7 to 4.0×10−5molL−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9992. The limit of detection was found to be 4.8×10−9molL−1 with the relative standard deviation of 1.06%. The method was successfully applied to determine VB1 in vitamin B1 tablets and vitamin B complex tablets. The interaction mechanism of the CL system has been proposed by UV–vis spectra and CL emission spectra.

Multi-functionalized biosensor at WO3–TiO2 modified electrode for photoelectrocatalysis of norepinephrine and riboflavin

Abstract The titanium dioxide (TiO2), mixed different ratio tungsten oxide (WO3) hybrid film WO3–TiO2 was prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. TiO2:WO3 = 9:3 (v/v) group current value was 5.44 mA under irradiation conditions. This group showed highest photocatalytic activity than others, we selected to optimization us in follow-up experiment. In this paper, the electrochemical oxidation and reduction of norepinephrine (NEP) and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) as multi-functionalized biosensor. The TiO2 exhibited a promising enhanced photoelectrocatalytic activity toward analytes. Surface morphology of the modified electrode using atomic force microscopy (AFM), which revealed that WO3 and TiO2 were coated on ITO. The presence of TiO2 enhances the loaded and stability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) applied diffusion coefficient values and some information about the kinetics of electron transfer during the redox reactions. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPVs) were used for the determination of analytes. DPVs not only increased the electrocatalytic current linear concentration range, also lowered the overpotential to oxidation or reduction the interferences in the measurements. We simulated more complex system if both norepinephrine and riboflavin are present simultaneously. It also exhibited oxidation and reduction peaks for norepinephrine injection and B complex tablet's real samples determination in pH 7.0 at WO3–TiO2 modified electrode.

Relationship between Diffusivity of Water Molecules Inside Hydrating Tablets and Their Drug Release Behavior Elucidated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

We reported previously that sustained release matrix tablets showed zero-order drug release without being affected by pH change. To understand drug release mechanisms more fully, we monitored the swelling and erosion of hydrating tablets using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three different types of tablets comprised of polyion complex-forming materials and a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were used. Proton density- and diffusion-weighted images of the hydrating tablets were acquired at intervals. Furthermore, apparent self-diffusion coefficient maps were generated from diffusion-weighted imaging to evaluate the state of hydrating tablets. Our findings indicated that water penetration into polyion complex tablets was faster than that into HPMC matrix tablets. In polyion complex tablets, water molecules were dispersed homogeneously and their diffusivity was relatively high, whereas in HPMC matrix tablets, water molecule movement was tightly restricted within the gel. An optimal tablet formulation determined in a previous study had water molecule penetration and diffusivity properties that appeared intermediate to those of polyion complex and HPMC matrix tablets; water molecules were capable of penetrating throughout the tablets and relatively high diffusivity was similar to that in the polyion complex tablet, whereas like the HPMC matrix tablet, it was well swollen. This study succeeded in characterizing the tablet hydration process. MRI provides profound insight into the state of water molecules in hydrating tablets; thus, it is a useful tool for understanding drug release mechanisms at a molecular level.

Use of propranolol-magnesium aluminium silicate intercalated complexes as drug reservoirs in polymeric matrix tablets

The objective of the present study was to investigate the use of propranolol–magnesium aluminium silicate intercalated complexes as drug reservoirs in hydroxypropylmethylcellulose tablets. The matrix tablets containing the complexes were prepared and characterised with respect to propranolol release and were subsequently compared with those loading propranolol or a propranolol–magnesium aluminium silicate physical mixture. Additionally, the effects of varying viscosity grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, compression pressures and calcium acetate incorporation on the drug release characteristics of the complex-loaded tablets were also examined. The results showed that the complex-loaded tablets have higher tablet hardness than those containing propranolol or a physical mixture. The drug release from the complex-loaded tablets followed a zero-order release kinetic, whereas an anomalous transport was found in the propranolol or physical mixture tablets. The drug release rate of the complex tablet significantly decreased with increasing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose viscosity grade. Increase in the compression pressure caused a decrease in the drug release rate of the tablets. Furthermore, the incorporation of calcium ions could accelerate propranolol release, particularly in acidic medium, because calcium ions could be exchanged with propranolol molecules intercalated in the silicate layers of magnesium aluminium silicate. These findings suggest that propranolol-magnesium aluminium silicate intercalated complexes show strong potential for use as drug reservoirs in matrix tablets intended for modifying drug release.

Comparison of cefpodoxime proxetil release and antimicrobial activity from tablet formulations: Complexation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in the presence of water soluble polymer

This study aims to prove the complexation of cefpodoxime proxetil (CP) by hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) in the presence of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC), and makes a comparison of commercial tablets by dissolution and antimicrobial activity studies. The CP–HP-β-CD complex was prepared by kneading method and characterized by SEM, FTIR and DSC. The solubility method was used to investigate the effect of HP-β-CD and Na CMC on the solubility of CP. The complex tablets were prepared using direct compression method. Dissolution studies were performed with complex tablets and commercial tablets in pH 1.2, 4.5, 6.8 and 7.4 buffer solutions. It was observed that complexation occurred in all formulations, and HP-β-CD is able to increase CP solubility and dissolution rate of CP was improved from complex tablets, when compared with commercial tablets. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity studies revealed that the CP–HP-β-CD complex and complex tablets were shown to have more effective antimicrobial activity than commercial tablets. It is evident from the results that complexation with HP-β-CD in the presence of Na CMC is feasible way to prepare a more efficient tablet formulation with improved dissolution and antimicrobial activity.

Complexation approach for fixed dose tablet formulation of lopinavir and ritonavir: an anomalous relationship between stability constant, dissolution rate and saturation solubility

In the present investigation, cyclodextrin complexation process was explored for development of tablet formulation of WHO approved fixed dose combination of lopinavir and ritonavir with reduced tablet size, shorter disintegration time and higher bio-availability in comparison to reference product. In preliminary studies, we found that lopinavir solubility and dissolution rate is poor into the dissolution medium recommended by FDA, whereas ritonavir solubilized fairly into dissolution medium with adequate dissolution rate. Solid-state cyclodextrin complexation technology was used for enhancement of dissolution rate of lopinavir into dissolution medium. Various cyclodextrins were screened by comparison on basis of enhancement of dissolution rate of lopinavir (LPV) and the order was found as gamma cyclodextrin (γ-CD) > hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) > methyl beta-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) > beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD), with Q120 values (i.e. percentage of dissolved drug at 120 min.) were 10.1 for the pure LPV and 56.3, 51.3, 30.3 and 10.3 for LPV/γ-CD, LPV/HP-β-CD, LPV/M-β-CD and LPV/β-CD, respectively. Anomalous results were found between stability constant, dissolution rate and saturation solubility. It was found that cyclodextrin having higher stability constant value with LPV, provides higher saturated solubility of LPV in aqueous media but at slow dissolution rate and vice versa. The γ-CD was selected for complexation with lopinavir in the stoichiometric ratio 1:1.5 M of LPV to γ-CD. Various processes such as kneading method, milling technique, sonication, freeze drying and autoclaving were tried, from which kneading method was found to give best dissolution results. The corresponding solid complexes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetric, X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy studies. Based on various studies, the complexation phenomenon between LPV and γ-CD was found to follow non-inclusion behavior. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats using cross over design with a 3 day wash out period. The bioavailability of lopinavir was found to be enhanced significantly using cyclodextrin complex tablet formulation.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel immediate release carbamazepine tablets: Complexation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in the presence of HPMC

Carbamazepine (CBZ)–hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) complex in the presence of HPMC was prepared and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometer intended for improving the dissolution rate of CBZ. The phase-solubility method was used to investigate the effect of HP-β-CD and HPMC on the solubility of CBZ. Tablets of the resulting complex were prepared using direct compression method and the bioavailability was evaluated in beagle dogs using a UPLC/MS/MS method. The results showed solubility of CBZ was increased up to 95 times by complexation with HP-β-CD in the presence of 0.1% HPMC. The results of DSC and X-ray diffraction proved a formation of complex between CBZ and HP-β-CD. Dissolution rate of CBZ was notably improved from complex tablets with more than 97.39% released within 10 min; whereas for the commercial tablets, around 60% was released within 30 min. Using commercial tablets as the reference formulation, the bioavailability of complex tablets was considerably increased by 1.5-fold ( P < 0.05) and T max was reduced to 0.88 h compared with 1.25 h for commercial tablets. Furthermore, a lower inter-subject variability (49.9%) was observed compared with that of the commercial tablets (39.7%). It is evident from the results herein that complexation with HP-β-CD in the presence of HPMC is a feasible way to prepare a rapidly acting and better absorbed CBZ oral product.

Wernicke’s encephalopathy because of pancreatitis in a young boy

Editor, W ernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a potentially life-threatening and acute neurological disorder resulting from a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1). Early diagnosis is important to prevent morbidity and mortality. Symptoms are ocular dysfunction, ataxia and changes in consciousness. WE is often associated with alcoholism or malnutrition of the elderly, but can occur in other settings such as hyperemesis gravidarum (Leitner et al. 2006), gastric bypass surgery (Longmuir et al. 2007; Bohnsack & Patel 2010) and other causes of malnutrition (Kesler et al. 2005). WE is suspected to be underdiagnosed in children (Vasconcelos et al. 1999). We wish to present a case where the ophthalmological examination led to the early detection of WE, thereby reducing the patient’s chances of severe complications. An 11-year-old boy was referred to the ophthalmological department with a 1-week history of bilateral eye pain, intermittent diplopia and bilateral temporal headache. The mother had also noted a slight ptosis of the upper left eyelid. The patient had been diagnosed with recurring pancreatitis 5 months prior to presentation at the ophthalmological department and had been experiencing abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting for a long time. He had been discharged from the hospital 2 weeks before the ophthalmological consultation after an episode of pancreatitis, but had been troubled by daily nausea and vomiting since then. The eye examination revealed a mixed horizontal ⁄ vertical end-point nystagmus. The horizontal nystagmus was observed at right gaze and left gaze and was characterized as a coarse, moderate frequency, jerk nystagmus with fast component in the direction of gaze. The vertical nystagmus was only observed at up gaze and had the same characteristics as the horizontal nystagmus, with the exception of a smaller amplitude. In addition, there was a slight ptosis of the upper left eyelid. No malalignment of the eyes was noted. Pupillary reactions were normal, and there was no anisocoria. Funduscopic examination showed symmetrical optic nerve heads with normal appearance, and there were no signs of retinal pathology. Best corrected visual acuity was 0.8 (Snellen chart) in both eyes. The ophthalmologist advised further examination with a cerebral MRI. The images showed bilateral vasogenic brain oedema in the medial thalamus in addition to a pathologically increased and symmetrical signal in both corpora mamillaria (Fig. 1). The radiologist concluded that the changes were consistent with WE. The patient was immediately admitted to the hospital and treated with intravenous thiamine and vitamin B complex tablets. Blood tests taken before commencing treatment confirmed a low serum thiamine level of 72.5 nm (normal range 100–190 nm). One day after the initiation of treatment, the vertical nystagmus had disappeared. At 2 weeks after treatment, the ptosis was no longer apparent, but the patient still had a horizontal nystagmus. Visual acuity was unchanged. A follow-up MRI about 11 weeks after the initial examination was described as normal with complete resolution of the previously observed changes. We wish to publish this case report as a reminder of a potentially lifethreatening diagnosis where the ophthalmologist can be the first to aid in early detection and prevention of the serious consequences that WE entails.

Sustained Release Tablets Containing Soluble Polymethacrylates: Comparison with Tableted Polymethacrylate IPEC Polymers

The objective of this study was to compare a novel sustained release tablet formulation that has the potential to be used for drugs of different physicochemical properties using a binary mixture of polymethacrylate polymers in their salt forms with the polymethacrylate interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) tablets in terms of drug release and compactness. Also, we aimed to compare this formulation with an IPEC tablet in terms of drug release. Tablets prepared using Eudragit E-Citrate and Eudragit L-Sodium were more convenient, easier to prepare, and showed better sustained release and compactness characteristics compared to IPEC tablets of similar concentrations and preparation methods.