Nifedipine Powder Research Articles

Preparation and Characterization of Nifedipine-Loaded Dry Medium Internal-Phase Emulsions (Dry MIPEs) to Improve Cellular Permeability.

A nifedipine (NP) dry emulsion was fabricated by the adsorption of medium internal-phase emulsions (MIPEs). Simple homogenizers were first used to mix conventional liquid MIPEs, and then a microfluidizer was used to reduce the resulting emulsions’ droplet sizes. The dry MIPEs (solid) were produced by adsorbing the emulsions onto solid carriers with a high surface area. The dry MIPEs were diluted in a simulated gastric fluid under gentle agitation to form emulsions. The diluted dry MIPEs were divided into three groups based on an NP content of 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7%, with sizes of 5026–5404 nm, 2583–3233 nm, and 1318–1618 nm in diameter, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the physical properties of the dry MIPEs. The samples contained 0.5% or 0.7% drug, 2–4% surfactant, and 8–16% oil (5RH2/8, 7RH2/8, and 7RH4/16) and showed the characteristic peak for NP. No NP peak was observed in formulations with 0.3% NP and any oil-phase content (3RH2/8, 3RH4/16, and 3RH8/32). The formulations with 0.5% drug, 4–8% surfactant, 16–32% oil (5RH4/16 and 5RH8/32) and those with 0.7% drug, 8% surfactant, and 32% oil (7RH8/32) also did not show the peak for NP. These findings demonstrated that microfluidization improved the solubility of NP in the formulations. The subsequent drug dissolution results were consistent with the DSC thermogram and PXRD pattern results. 3RH2/8, 3RH4/16, 3RH8/32, 5RH4/16, 5RH8/32, and 7RH8/32 were completely dissolved and showed higher dissolved NP amounts than 5RH2/8, 7RH2/8, 7RH4/16, and NP powder. The lowest mean dissolution time was for 7RH8/32 (13.31 ± 0.87 min). Caco-2 cells were used to determine drug uptake, and 7RH8/32 showed the maximum intracellular uptake (10.89%). After storage under accelerated and normal conditions (3 and 6 months), the selected formulations remained stable. The developed formulations can be used to improve NP solubility and absorption.

Development of Nifedipine Amorphous Solid Dispersion Composed of Surface-Active Agents

The amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) containing amino methacrylate copolymer and surface-active agents were prepared to improve the nifedipine (NDP) dissolution. The different types of surface-active agent i.e., polysorbates 80, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 were used. In order to evaluate the ASDs formulation,powder X-ray diffractometry and thermal analysis to characterize NDP crystallinity in ASDs and the dissolution study of NDP have been performed to compare the dissolution profiles. The ASDs were kept for 6 months to investigate the stability. In the X-ray diffraction pattern, no peak was observed in all samples of ASDs. No peak was found in sample of all ASDs from the thermograms. These results suggest that the drug may be molecularly dispersed in matrix of amino methacrylate copolymer. The drug dissolution at 120 min, from ASDs without surface-active agent and NDP powder were 58.31% and 17.95%, respectively. The dissolved NDP from ASDs composed of SLS, polysorbate 80 and PEG400 were 96.25%, 88.86% and 75.32%, respectively. These results may occur due to the reduction of surface tension, the addition of the low amount of high efficiency of surface-active agent e.g., SLS (compared with PEG400 and polysorbate 80) provided the higher NDP dissolution. The content analysis of NDP in selected ASDs was studied at the end of 3 and 6 months, the NDP content remained unchanged after storage.

Improvement in Solubility and Absorption of Nifedipine Using Solid Solution: Correlations between Surface Free Energy and Drug Dissolution.

Ternary solid solutions composed of nifedipine (NDP), amino methacrylate copolymer (AMCP), and polysorbate (PS) 20, 60, or 65 were prepared using a solvent evaporation method. The dissolution profiles of NDP were used to study the effect of the addition of polysorbate based on hydrophilic properties. A solid solution of NDP and AMCP was recently developed; however, the dissolution of NDP was <70%. In the present study, polysorbate was added to improve the dissolution of the drug by altering its hydrophilicity. The suitable formulation contained NDP and AMCP at a ratio of 1:4 and polysorbate at a concentration of 0.1%, 0.3%, or 0.6%. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction were used to examine the solid solutions. No peak representing crystalline NDP was observed in any solid solution samples, suggesting that the drug was molecularly dispersed in AMCP. The NDP dissolution from NDP powder and solid solution without PS were 16.82% and 58.19%, respectively. The highest dissolution of NDP of approximately 95.25% was noted at 120 min for the formulation containing 0.6% PS20. Linear correlations were observed between the surface free energy and percentages of dissolved NDP (R2 = 0.7115–0.9315). Cellular uptake across Caco-2 was selected to determine the drug permeability. The percentages of cellular uptake from the NDP powder, solid solution without and with PS20 were 0.25%, 3.60%, and 7.27%, respectively.

Chitin biomass-nifedipine amorphous solid dispersion for enhancement of hydrophobic drug dissolution in aqueous media

Solid dispersions of poorly-water soluble nifedipine using microparticles fabricated from chitin biomass were prepared to improve the drug dissolution in an aqueous medium. After the drug loading and solvent evaporation, the drug loading capacity of 1, 6, and 19 %w/w was obtained. In the microstructure, the drug was dispersed on the porous chitin carrier with minor agglomeration leading to reduced crystallization and improved dissolution, nearly 100%, as compared to the pure nifedipine powder and the physical mixture with chitin. There was an interaction between functional groups of the drug and polymer, consequently the release prolonged for the entire 6 h with the maximum drug solubility of about 300 μg/ml. An in vitro release study showed that nifedipine effectively released from chitin into a simulated gastric releasing medium (pH 1.2). In this case, the release mechanism was best fitted with a Zero-order model based on the Fick's Law in the first 2 h. This research indicated that employing microparticle obtained from chitin biomass in the solid dispersion system lowered the drug recrystallization, facilitated drug release, and provided the sustainability in pharmaceutical science.

Preparation and Evaluation of Solid Dispersion Tablets by a Simple and Manufacturable Wet Granulation Method Using Porous Calcium Silicate.

The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate solid dispersion tablets containing a poorly water-soluble drug using porous calcium silicate (PCS) by a wet granulation method. Nifedipine (NIF) was used as the model poorly water-soluble drug. Solid dispersion tablets were prepared with the wet granulation method using ethanol and water by a high-speed mixer granulator. The binder and disintegrant were selected from 7 and 4 candidates, respectively. The dissolution test was conducted using the JP 16 paddle method. The oral absorption of NIF was studied in fasted rats. Xylitol and crospovidone were selected as the binder and disintegrant, respectively. The dissolution rates of NIF from solid dispersion formulations were markedly enhanced compared with NIF powder and physical mixtures. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) confirmed the reduced crystallinity of NIF in the solid dispersion formulations. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) showed the physical interaction between NIF and PCS in the solid dispersion formulations. NIF is present in an amorphous state in granules prepared by the wet granulation method using water. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and peak concentration (C(max)) values of NIF after dosing rats with the solid dispersion granules were significantly greater than those after dosing with NIF powder. The solid dispersion formulations of NIF prepared with PCS using the wet granulation method exhibited accelerated dissolution rates and superior oral bioavailability. This method is very simple, and may be applicable to the development of other poorly water-soluble drugs.

Spray-dried solid dispersions of nifedipine and vinylcaprolactam/vinylacetate/PEG6000 for compacted oral formulations

The aim of this work was to investigate an alternative processing technology for a new polymeric solubilizer used mainly in hot melt extrusion. Poorly soluble nifedipine was co-processed through spray-drying with poly(vinyl caprolactam-co-vinyl acetate-co-ethylene glycol) (PVCVAEG) in different ratios. The resulting spray-dried powders were formulated and compacted into tablets forms. Spray drying produced reduced smooth spherical particles with PVCVAEG and more rough surfaces without PVCVAEG. Crystallinity of the co-processed nifedipine with the polymeric solubilizer was reduced. Plasticization of the polymeric solubilizer was observed with increasing drug content. Diffraction patterns in the small angle region as well as transmission electron microscopy showed results supporting phase separation throughout the spray dried particles of high drug content. Compaction with PVCVAEG improved cohesiveness of spray-dried compacts. Heckel modeling showed that deformation of PVCVAEG containing powders was more plastic compared than brittle nifedipine powders. Dissolution kinetics of all spray-dried samples was improved compared to original nifedipine crystals. Co-processed nifedipine with PVCVAEG did not show improved dissolution rate when compared to spray drying nifedipine alone. All though PVCVAEG is more commonly co-processed with drugs by hot melt extrusion to produce solid dispersions, the results show that it also can be processed by spray drying to produce solid dispersions. PVCVAEG improved compactibility of formulated spray dried powders.

Photostability of nifedipine in monolaurin solid matrix and micellar solution

Article history: Received on: 26/11/2014 Revised on: 12/12/2014 Accepted on: 26/01/2015 Available online: 27/02/2015 The purpose of this study is to evaluate the photostability of nifedipine (NIF) in solid monolaurin (ML)-based matrix and the micellar solutions thereof. NIF loaded-ML matrices at concentrations of 1:1, 1:4 and 1:9 w/w were prepared using a fusion-high shear homogenization method and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The absence of an endothermic melting peak at 173° C in the 1:4 and 1:9 w/w NIF-ML matrices indicates that NIF is in an amorphous state. The 1:1 w/w NIFML matrix showed an endothermic peak at 154° C indicating the transformation of NIF into polymorph III. Stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated to quantify NIF and its degradation product. Photoexposed 1:1, 1:4 and 1:9 w/w NIF-ML matrices exhibited 2.1, 4.6 and 17 fold slower first-order degradation rates as compared to the NIF powder. After 24 days of exposure, the percent drug remaining in the 1:9 w/w NIF-ML matrix was 85% as compared to only 5% in pure NIF powder. The micellar solutions exhibited 7-fold slower degradation kinetics than the aqueous solution. The results of this study indicate that the stability of nifedipine can be improved by formulation into monoglycerides matrix.

Spontaneous emulsification of nifedipine-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) can be used to improve dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs. The objective of this study was to prepare SNEDDS by using ternary phase diagram and investigate their spontaneous emulsifying property, dissolution of nifedipine (NDP), as well as the pharmacokinetic profile of selected SNEDDS formulation. The results showed that the composition of the SNEDDS was a great importance for the spontaneous emulsification. Based on ternary phase diagram, the region giving the SNEDDS with emulsion droplet size of less than 300 nm after diluting in aqueous medium was selected for further formulation. The small-angle X-ray scattering curves showed no sharp peak after dilution at different percentages of water, suggesting non-ordered structure. The system was found to be robust in different dilution volumes; the droplet size was in nanometer range. In vitro dissolution study showed remarkable increase in dissolution of NDP from SNEDDS formulations compared with NDP powders. The pharmacokinetic study of selected SNEDDS formulation in male Wistar rats revealed the improved maximum concentration and area under the curve. Our results proposed that the developed SNEDDS formations could be promising to improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability of NDP.

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Nifedipine: Impact of Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance and Molecular Structure of Mixed Surfactants

A simple but novel mixed surfactant system was designed to fabricate a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) based on hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value. The impacts of HLB and molecular structure of surfactants on the formation of SNEDDS were investigated. After screening various oils and surfactants, nifedipine (NDP)-loaded liquid SNEDDS was formulated with Imwitor(®) 742 as oil and Tween(®)/Span(®) or Cremophor(®)/Span(®) as mixed surfactant. Droplet size of the emulsions obtained after dispersing SNEDDS containing Tween(®)/Span(®) in aqueous medium was independent of the HLB of a mixed surfactant. The use of the Cremophor(®)/Span(®) blend gave nanosized emulsion at higher HLB. The structure of the surfactant was found to influence the emulsion droplet size. Solid SNEDDS was then prepared by adsorbing NDP-loaded liquid SNEDDS comprising Cremophor(®) RH40/Span(®) 80 onto Aerosil(®) 200 or Aerosil(®) R972 as inert solid carrier. Solid SNEDDS formulations using higher amounts (30-50% w/w) of Aerosil(®) 200 exhibited good flow properties with smooth surface and preserved the self-emulsifying properties of liquid SNEDDS. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies of solid SNEDDS revealed the transformation of the crystalline structure of NDP due to its molecular dispersion state. In vitro dissolution study demonstrated higher dissolution of NDP from solid SNEDDS compared with NDP powder.

Biopolymeric nifedipine powder for acceleration of wound healing

Nine biodegradable polymeric powders of chitosan; with or without gelatin; containing nifedipine (NF), were prepared via spray drying for acceleration of wound healing. The angle of repose of powders ranged from 30° to 40° for F 3 and chitosan/gelatin (C 2), respectively. Upon spray drying, the mean particle size (PS) of chitosan was greatly reduced from 294 to 3.4 μm, while all formulae showed a PS near 3 μm. Specific surface area of the powders ranged from 0.06 × 10 5 to 2.03 × 10 5 cm 2 g. Powders exposure to glutraldehyde (GA) vapors gave smaller particles with higher densities with F 4 showing a mean PS of 0.4 μm. NF dissolution pattern in PBS, was highest from F 2 with 33% released after 30 min while F 3 showed only 4.5% NF released after the same period. Exposure to GA showed a reduction in NF release especially with F 5 showing 30% release after 3 h. Tensile strength of 12 days-post incision wound in rats showed a maximum value of 4.7 kg cm −2 for F 3 compared with 3.3 kg cm −2 for the control. Excision wounds treated with F 3 also showed a fully developed epithelium with normal keratinization, and an average wound contraction of 99% compared with 79.5% for the control.

Development of coated nifedipine dry elixir as a long acting oral delivery with bioavailability enhancement

To develop the long acting nifedipine oral delivery with bioavailability enhancement, a nifedipine dry elixir (NDE) containing nifedipine ethanol solution in dextrin shell was prepared using a spray-dryer, and then coated nifedipine dry elixir (CNDE) was prepared by coating NDE with Eudragit acrylic resin. The physical characteristics and bioavailability of NDE and CNDE were evaluated, and then compared to those of nifedipine powder. NDE and CNDE, which were spherical in shape, had about 6.64 and 8.68-8.75 μm of geometric mean diameters, respectively. The amount of nifedipine dissolved from NDE for 60 min increased about 7- and 40-fold compared to nifedipine powder in pH 1.2 simulated gastric fluid and pH 6.8 simulated intestinal fluid, respectively. Nifedipine released from CNDE was retarded in both dissolution media compared with that from NDE. After oral administration of NDE, the C(max) and AUC(0→8h) of nifedipine in rat increased about 13- and 7-fold, respectively, and the Tmax of nifedipine was reduced significantly compared with those after oral administration of nifedipine powder alone. The AUC(0→8h) and T(max) of nifedipine in CNDE increased markedly and the C(max) of nifedipine in CNDE was significantly reduced compared to those in NDE. It is concluded that CNDE, which could lower the initial burst-out plasma concentration and maintain the plasma level of nifedipine over a longer period with bioavailability enhancement, might be one of potential alternatives to the marketed long acting oral delivery system for nifedipine.

Design and in-vitro evaluation of a modified-release oral dosage form of nifedipine by hybridization of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropylcellulose.

To modify the release rate of nifedipine, a potent calcium channel antagonist, a double-layer tablet was designed, anticipating a more balanced oral bioavailability and a prolonged efficacy than the simple plain tablet. Amorphous nifedipine powders prepared by spray-drying with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD) and nonionic surfactant HCO-60 were employed as a fast-release portion to attain an initial rapid dissolution of nifedipine. Hydroxypropylcelluloses (HPCs) with different viscosity grades (type L, M, and H) were used for a slow-release portion to provide an appropriate sustained-release. Taking into account the physiological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (pH and motility), an optimal formulation of the double-layer tablet was obtained by changing the mixing ratios of each component. For example, the tablet consisting of HP-beta-CyD with 3% HCO-60/(HPC-L:HPC-M) in the weight ratio 1/2(1:1) provided a sufficient slow release of the drug over a wide pH region following an initial rapid dissolution. The release of nifedipine from the double-layer tablets was little affected by pH of the medium and rotation speed of paddle after accelerated storage conditions (60 degrees C, 75% r.h.). The present results suggest that a combination of HP-beta-CyD, HCO-60 and HPCs can serve as a modified-release carrier for poorly water-soluble nifedipine.

Use of hydrophobins in formulation of water insoluble drugs for oral administration

The poor water solubility of many drugs requires a specific formulation to achieve a sufficient bioavailability after oral administration. Suspensions of small drug particles can be used to improve the bioavailability. We here show that the fungal hydrophobin SC3 can be used to make suspensions of water insoluble drugs. Bioavailability of two of these drugs, nifedipine and cyclosporine A (CyA), was tested when administered as a SC3-based suspension. SC3 (in a 1:2 (w/w) drug:SC3 ratio) or 100% PEG400 increased the bioavailability of nifedipine to a similar degree (6 ± 2- and 4 ± 3-fold, respectively) compared to nifedipine powder without additives. Moreover, SC3 (in a 7:1 (w/w) drug:hydrophobin ratio) was as effective as a 20-fold diluted Neoral ® formulation by increasing bioavailability of CyA 2.3 ± 0.3-fold compared to CyA in water. Interestingly, using SC3 in the CyA formulation resulted in a slower uptake ( p < 0.001 in T max) of the drug, with a lower peak concentration ( C max 1.8 mg ml −1) at a later time point ( T max 9 ± 2 h) compared to Neoral ® ( C max 2.2 mg ml −1; T max 3.2 ± 0.2). Consequently, SC3 will result in a more constant, longer lasting drug level in the body. Taken together, hydrophobins are attractive candidates to formulate hydrophobic drugs.

Development of nifedipine-loaded coated gelatin microcapsule as a long acting oral delivery

To develop the long acting nifedipine oral delivery with enhanced bioavailability, nifedipine-loaded gelatin microcapsule containing nifedipine and ethanol in gelatin shell was prepared using a spray-dryer, and then coated microcapsule was prepared by coating the gelatin microcapsule with Eudragit acrylic resin. The dissolution test and the bioavailability of the coated microcapsule in rats were evaluated compared to nifedipine powder. The amount of nifedipine dissolved from gelatin microcapsule for 30 min increased about 5-fold compared to nifedipine powder in pH 1.2 simulated gastric fluid. Nifedipine released from the coated microcapsule was retarded in pH 1.2 simulated gastric fluid compared with that from gelatin microcapsule. Furthermore, the coated gelatin microcapsule maintained the plasma level of nifedipine over 4 h and gave significantly higher AUC of nifedipine than nifedipine powder. Thus, the Eudragit-coated gelatin microcapsule, which could maintain the plasma level of nifedipine over a longer period without the initial burst-out plasma concentration, is a preferable delivery system for poorly water-soluble nifedipine.

Nifedipine nanoparticle agglomeration as a dry powder aerosol formulation strategy

Efficient administration of drugs represents a leading challenge in pulmonary medicine. Dry powder aerosols are of great interest compared to traditional aerosolized liquid formulations in that they may offer improved stability, ease of administration, and simple device design. Particles 1–5 μm in size typically facilitate lung deposition. Nanoparticles may be exhaled as a result of their small size; however, they are desired to enhance the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. Nanoparticles of the hypertension drug nifedipine were co-precipitated with stearic acid to form a colloid exhibiting negative surface charge. Nifedipine nanoparticle colloids were destabilized by using sodium chloride to disrupt the electrostatic repulsion between particles as a means to achieve the agglomerated nanoparticles of a controlled size. The aerodynamic performance of agglomerated nanoparticles was determined by cascade impaction. The powders were found to be well suited for pulmonary delivery. In addition, nanoparticle agglomerates revealed enhanced dissolution of the drug species suggesting the value of this formulation approach for poorly water-soluble pulmonary medicines. Ultimately, nifedipine powders are envisioned as an approach to treat pulmonary hypertension.

Effect of Microencapsulation on Photo-Stability of Nifedipine

Nifedipine (NIF), a 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, undergoes photodegradation to dehydro-nifedipine (DNIF) upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and to the nitroso analogue of dehydro-nifedipine (NDNIF) when exposed to sunlight or some kinds of artificial lights. NIF photo-degradation products do not contribute to clinical activity, thus prevention of photo-degradation of NIF formulations is very important. Large differences in photo-stability between bioequivalent NIF products could potentially result in the therapeutic failure of unstable preparations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microencapsulation on nifedipine photo-stability. Four different microspheres of nifedipine were prepared using ethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose plus titanium oxide, pectin and gelatin. Microspheres were exposed to fluorescent light and the content of NIF, DNIF and NDNIF for each product was measured using a specific and sensitive reversed phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to determine the extent of photo-decomposition. In addition, photo-degradation of pure NIF powder was compared with acidic and buffer solution of NIF. Solution of NIF degraded in one day, while microencapsulation of NIF prevented the photodegradation for up to six days against light exposure. Therefore, it may be concluded that present microencapsulation method without using other compounds such as opaque materials do not provide enough protection.

Stability of nifedipine in an extemporaneously compounded oral solution.

The stability of nifedipine in an extemporaneously compounded oral solution is described. A solution of nifedipine 10 mg/mL was prepared from commercially available nifedipine powder with polyethylene glycol 400, glycerin, and peppermint oil. Four samples were stored in amber glass bottles at room temperature under fluorescent lighting and analyzed in duplicate. Samples were analyzed immediately and at 7, 14, 23, and 35 days. Eight samples were stored in amber oral syringes and eight in amber oral syringes wrapped in aluminum foil; all were stored at room temperature under fluorescent lighting. Samples from foil-wrapped syringes were analyzed at 7 and 14 days; samples not wrapped in foil were analyzed after 7 days. Nifedipine concentrations were measured with a modified stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method. Excessive degradation was defined as a greater than 10% loss of initial drug concentration. There were no detectable changes in color or odor and no visible solids or microbial growth was observed in any sample. Samples in amber glass bottles and amber oral syringes wrapped in aluminum foil retained more than 90% of the initial nifedipine for 35 and 14 days, respectively. Samples packaged in amber oral syringes not wrapped in foil lost over 20% of the initial nifedipine concentration within 7 days. Nifedipine 10 mg/mL was stable in an oral solution prepared from commercially available powder in a peppermint-flavored vehicle for at least 35 days when stored at 22-25 degrees C in amber glass bottles and for at least 14 days when stored in amber oral syringes wrapped in aluminum foil.

Photostability Determination of Commercially Available Nifedipine Oral Dosage Forms in Iran

Nifedipine (NIF) a 1, 4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, undergoes photodegradation to nitroso analogues of dehydronifedipine (NDNIF) when exposed to sunlight. Photodegradation products of NIF have no clinical activity, so different formulations of NIF must remain unchanged. If NIF preparations become unstable in exposure to light, they could cause therapeutic failure. The present study was carried out in order to investigate the photostability of commercially available NIF products, in Iran. Three oral NIF formulations available in Iran were studied using indirect sunlight (daylight) and continuous artificial light exposure extending over a period of 12 weeks. The extent of photodecomposition of NIF was determined using a specific reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. NIF photodegradation was measured using both pure NIF powder as well as a methanolic NIF solution to determine differences in the effectiveness of artificial light and natural indirect sunlight sources used in this study. All the tested NIF formulations were likely to be photostable up to at least 12 weeks of continuous artificial and natural day light exposure, compared with pure NIF powder and methanolic solution. Photodegradation of NIF powder and methanolic solution exposed to indirect sunlight was faster than the artificial light.

Enteral suspension of nifedipine for neonates. Part 1. Formulation of nifedipine suspension for hospital use.

To formulate an oral suspension of nifedipine for paediatric use and to assess its content uniformity as well as the microbiological and physical stabilities of the hypromellose solution that was used in the formulation. Six concentrations (0.5-3.0%) of hypromellose colloids and water as a blank were compounded with nifedipine, both as a powder and as crushed tablets, to a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Four different screening tests were used to find the most homogenous and dose-accurate combination. First, nifedipine suspensions were stored in vials for one month and visual homogenity of the redispersed suspensions was observed. Second, the homogenity of the suspensions was studied by measuring the nifedipine concentration from upper, middle and lower parts of the redispersed suspension. Next, the nifedipine concentration was measured from the suspensions immediately, 1 min and 2 min after shaking to ensure dose accuracy during the administration period. Finally, suspensions were packaged into oral disposable syringes and nifedipine concentrations were determined after one month of storage. Content uniformity of the packaged single-dose syringe suspensions was studied according to a method established by the European Pharmacopoeia. Microbiological stability, density, pH, osmolality, viscosity and surface tension of the hypromellose solution were studied over a 12-month storage period. From the results of the screening tests of hypromellose solution, 1.0% hypromellose was chosen as the vehicle for nifedipine enteral suspensions, made from both crushed tablets and nifedipine powder. Nifedipine suspensions made from hypromellose 1.0% were easiest to redisperse as a homogenous solution, and it also appeared best on visual inspection. The content uniformity of the suspension complied with the test recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia. The 1.0% hypromellose solution was found to be microbiologically stable for 6 months and physically stable for 12 months.

Evaluation of photostability of solid-state dimethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitro-phenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate by using Fourier-transformed reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy

Effect of particle size on the photostability of dimethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitro-phenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (nifedipine) powder and its tablet was investigated using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and Fourier-transformed infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (FT-IR-RAS) under the non-destructive condition. The nifedipine content on the surface of the tablet was determined based on the absorbance at 1682 cm −1 attributable to the CO stretch vibration in FT-IR-RAS spectra before and after irradiation by fluorescent lamp. The photodegradation followed apparently the first-order kinetics for any sample. The apparent photodegradation rate constant of nifedipine powder increased with decrease of the particle size, while that of its tablet was approximately constant irrespective of particle size. Semilogarithmic plots of the apparent degradation rate constant for nifedipine tablet against the reciprocal of illuminance demonstrated a linear relationship similar to that of the Arrhenius-type behavior.