Pure Drug Powder Research Articles

Design, Optimization and Characterization of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems of Bilastine

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems are innovative methods that have the potential to resolve a variety of drug formulation issues, including solubility, stability and bioavailability. Bilastine is a potent and highly selective H1-antihistamine. The aim of this study is to develop bilastine as an oral self-nanoemulsion to enhance its permeability from prepared formulas and possibility of lymphatic transport. Based on the solubility investigations of bilastine in some oils, surfactants and cosurfactants, fifteen formulae of liquid SNEDDS were created utilizing oleic acid, tween 60 and transcutol as oil, surfactant and co-surfactant respectively. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were used to evaluate the component phase behavior and the area of the nanoemulsion. The prepared formulas were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, zetapotential, self-emulsification time, drug content, and robustness to dilution. When compared to the pure drug powder, the produced SMEDDS formulations showed enhanced drug release. This study's findings showed that a formula 8 with a 20% oleic acid, 40% tween 60, and 40% transcutol composition exhibited lower particle size and higher zetapotential with acceptable drug content compared to other formulas and better in-vitro drug release characteristics than pure bilastine powder. All of these criteria favor the development of self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems as a potential approach to enhance the bioavailability of drugs like bilastine that are poorly soluble. Keywords: Bilastine, SNEDDS

Enteric-coating film effect on the delayed drug release of pantoprazole gastro-resistant generic tablets.

Background: Enteric coating films in acidic labile tablets protect the drug molecule from the acidic environment of the stomach. However, variations in the excipients used in the coating formulation may affect their ability to provide adequate protection. This study is the first to investigate the potential effects of coating materials on the protective functionality of enteric coating films for pantoprazole (PNZ) generic tablets after their recall from the market. Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted between generic and branded PNZ products, using pure drug powder for identification. The in vitro release of the drug was evaluated in different pH media. The study also utilized various analytical and thermal techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and confocal Raman microscopy. Results: The in vitro assessment results revealed significant variations in the release profile for the generic product in acidic media at 120 min. DSC and TGA thermal profile analyses showed slight variation between the two products. XRD analysis exhibited a noticeable difference in peak intensity for the generic sample, while SEM revealed smaller particle sizes in the generic product. The obtained spectra profile for the generic product displayed significant variation in peaks and band intensity, possibly due to impurities. These findings suggest that the excipients used in the enteric coating film of the generic product may have affected its protective functionality, leading to premature drug release in acidic media. Additionally, the presence of polysorbate 80 (P-80) in the brand product might improve the properties of the enteric coating film due to its multi-functionality. Conclusions: In conclusion, the excipients used in the brand product demonstrated superior functionality in effectively protecting the drug molecule from acidic media through the enteric coating film, as compared to the generic version.

Preparation and Characterization of Carvedilol Solid Dispersion by Kneading Method

Solid dispersion using hydrophilic carrier is one of the approaches that has a potential to increase solubility, dissolution rate and consequently the oral bioavailability of poorly-water soluble drugs. In this study, class II drug "Carvedilol" (CVD) was used because of its poor solubility, it serves as a model drug that contributes to irregular dissolution and limited bioavailability. CVD: PVP K30 solid dispersion formulations SD1, SD2 and SD3 were prepared by kneading method at different weight ratios ,1:1; 1:2 and 1:4 respectively and evaluated for drug content, solubility and dissolution rate. Kneading method enhances the stability of drugs and suitable for processing thermolabile substances. The optimum solid dispersion ratio was characterized also for drug-carrier interaction by FTIR spectroscopy, and crystallinity by SEM and PXRD and compared with physical mixture and pure drug powder.
 The results showed that the solubility of carvedilol increased by increasing the proportion of PVP K30 used in the dispersion of the drug. On the other hand, dissolution study revealed a significant enhancement in the dissolution rate of the drug using solid dispersion compared to pure drug and physical mixture. X-ray diffraction of the solid dispersion suggest that the drug's transformation from crystalline to amorphous form may be responsible for the observed improvement in dissolving rate. The carvedilol solid dispersion improved the solubility and dissolution, which depend on the carrier concentration ratio. The dissolution of drugs increased with an increase in carrier content. The studies of PXRD, SEM, and FTIR revealed the amorphous nature of the drug in solid dispersion. The solid dispersion by kneading approach using PVP K30 as a carrier is a potential method for improving CVD's solubility and dissolution rate.

Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-based solid dispersed granules: A prospective alternative to conventional solid dispersion

The purpose of the present study was to develop hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD)-based solid dispersed granules as a superior system to solid dispersion. The solid dispersed granules and solid dispersion were compared in terms of powder property improvement, solubility increment and oral bioavailability enhancement of poorly water-soluble dexibuprofen. Solid dispersion (drug/HP-β-CD/Tween80 = 1:7:0.1, weight ratio) and solid dispersed granules (drug/HP-β-CD/Tween80/Microcrystalline cellulose = 1:7:0.1:4) were fabricated using a spray-dryer and fluid bed granulator, respectively. The HP-β-CD-based solid dispersed granules significantly improved solubility, dissolution profile and oral bioavailability of dexibuprofen compared to pure drug powder. Moreover, the solid dispersed granules maximised the oral bioavailability of dexibuprofen to the same extent as the solid dispersion. However, considerable improvements of powder and tablet properties were observed in solid dispersed granules as compared with solid dispersion. Therefore, HP-β-CD-based solid dispersed granules would be a prospective alternative to solid dispersion.

Development and in vitro Evaluation of Atazanavir Microcrystals for Intranasal Delivery

Abstract: Background: Nasal route of drug administration has gained popularity nowadays specially for drugs acting on nasopulmonary area. Atazanavir is an antiviral drug which has proved efficacy in different viral infection including COVID-19. Therefore the hypothesis is, if given through intra nasal route this formulation will be able to prevent the viral infection like COVID-19 by directly acting on the virus at its entry point. Objectives: This study aims to prepare a stable mucoadhesive microcrystal formulation of this antiviral drug with good permeation for intra nasal delivery. Materials and Methods: The formulation was prepared by high-speed homogenization process. Prepared microcrystals were estimated for in vitro drug release and permeation, drug excipient interaction study by DSC, FTIR and in vitro mucoadhesiveness study on agar gel plate. A short-term stability study was conducted on all formulations for 6 months. Results: The melting point and absorbance maxima of atazanavir were found as 200.9°C and 248 nm. The DSC and FTIR study results confirmed no drug excipient interaction was there in the formulation. The particle size of the formulations was found as 5-11 μm in range. Drug release was better and faster from the microcrystals as compare to pure powder drug. The flux for microcrystal formulation was found to be 100 whereas flux for the pure drug powder was 24. Formulations had sufficient mucoadhesive strength due to incorporation of HPMC 400 polymer and they were found stable after six months stability study. Conclusion: Lastly, it can be concluded that this formulation would be a promising system for the delivery through intra nasal route as it showed good drug release and permeation during a short time span in in vitro nasal condition with a particle size range suitable for intranasal delivery. However, further in vivo studies are required to confirm the hypothesis. Key words: COVID-19, Atazanavir, Protease inhibitor, Naso-pulmonary, Intranasal, Antiviral.

Quality-by-Design-Based Development of a Voxelotor Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug-Delivery System with Improved Biopharmaceutical Attributes.

Low aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability are limiting factors in the oral delivery of voxelotor, an antisickling agent. To overcome these limitations, a voxelotor self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system was developed. Various oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants were screened for their solubilization potential for the drug. The area of nanoemulsification was identified using a ternary phase diagram. An experimental mixture design and a desirability function were applied to select SNEDDSs that contain a maximum amount of lipids and a minimum amount of surfactant, and that possess optimal emulsification properties (i.e., droplet sizes, polydispersity index (PDI), emulsification time, and transmittance percentage). The optimized SNEDDS formulation was evaluated for the self-emulsifying time (32 s), droplet size (35 nm), and zeta potential (−8 mV). In vitro dissolution studies indicated a 3.1-fold improvement in drug solubility from the optimized SNEDDS over pure drug powder. After 60 min of in vitro lipolysis, 88% of the voxelotor loaded in the SNEDDS remained in the aqueous phase. Cytotoxicity evaluation, using Caco-2 cells, indicated the safety of the formulation at 0.9 mg/mL. The transport of the voxelotor SNEDDS across Caco-2 monolayers was significantly enhanced compared to that of the free drug. Compared to the drug suspension, the developed SNEDDS enhanced the oral bioavailability (1.7-fold) of voxelotor in rats. The results suggest that further development of SNEDDSs for the oral delivery of voxelotor is needed.

Comparison of the physicochemical properties, aqueous solubility, and oral bioavailability of rivaroxaban-loaded high-pressure homogenised and Shirasu porous glass membrane emulsified solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems

This study aimed to compare high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification for enhancing the oral bioavailability of rivaroxaban using a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). The effects of two different solidifying agents (calcium silicate and colloidal silica), used in SNEDDS, on the nanoemulsion system were investigated. Liquid SNEDDS comprised 30/25/45 (w/w/w) Peceol/TPGS/Solutol HS15. The optimised HPH conditions were 1500 bar with one cycle. The SPG emulsifying time and agitation speed were set at 30 min and 100 rpm, respectively. Three different liquid SNEDDS formulations (untreated, HPH, and SPG membrane emulsified) were suspended with calcium silicate and colloidal silica and spray-dried to fabricate six solid SNEDDS formulations. The crystalline state of the drug changed to an amorphous state in all SNEDDS. The formulations solidified with calcium silicate had a finer droplet size and higher aqueous solubility than those solidified with colloidal silica. Comparing two techniques, HPH exhibited a superior nanoemulsion property, aqueous solubility and dissolution rate (%) to SPG membrane emulsification. Therefore, high-pressure homogenised SNEDDS solidified with calcium silicate was selected as the appropriate solid SNEDDS. Subsequently, an in vivo study was performed using a rat model, and the selected solid SNEDDS significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of rivaroxaban than that of the pure drug powder. In conclusion, HPH and calcium silicate are suitable emulsifying techniques and solidifying agents for producing fine nanoemulsions and enhancing the oral bioavailability of rivaroxaban in SNEDDS.

Formulation and Characterization of Felodipine as an Oral Nanoemulsions

Felodipine is a calcium-channel blocker with low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Lipid dosage forms are attractive delivery systems for such hydrophobic drug molecules. Nanoemulsion (NE) is one of the popular methods that has been used to solve the dispersibility problems of many drugs. Felodipine was formulated as a NE utilizing oleic acid as an oil phase, tween 80 and tween 60 as surfactants and ethanol as a co-surfactant. Eight formulas were prepared, and different tests were performed to ensure the stability of the NEs, such as particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, dilution test, drug content, viscosity and in-vitro drug release. Results of characterization showed that felodipine nanoemulsion (F3) with (oleic acid 10%) ,(Smix 60% of tween80 :ethanol in a ratio of 3:1), (DDW 30%) was selected as the best formula, since it has a particle size of (17.01)nm, low PDI (0.392), zeta potential (-22.34mV), good dilution without drug precipitation , higher percent of drug content (99.098%) with acceptable viscosity , and complete release of the drug after (45 min.) with significantly higher (P<0.05) dissolution rate in comparison with the pure drug powder. The selected formula (F3) subjected to further investigations as drug and excipient compatibility study by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) The outcomes of the (FTIR) explain that the distinctive peaks for felodipine were not affected by other components and displayed the same functional group's band with very slight shifting. This indicates that there was no interaction between felodipine and other NE components. Therefore, these excipients were found to be compatible with felodipine. In conclusion, the NE was found to be an efficient method to enhance the dispersibility and permeatioins of drugs that have poor water solubility (lipophilic drugs).

Formulation and Characterization of Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Tacrolimus

Abstract
 The present investigation aimed to formulate a liquid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) of tacrolimus to enhance its oral bioavailability by improving its dispersibility and dissolution rate. Four liquid SMEDDS were prepared using maisine CC as oil phase, labrasol ALF as surfactant and transcutol HP as co-surfactant based on the solubility studies of tacrolimus in these components. The phase behavior of the components and the area of microemulsion were evaluated using pseudoternary phase diagrams. The formulations were also assessed for thermodynamic stability, robustness to dilution, self-emulsification time, drug content, globule size and polydispersity index. The prepared SMEDDS formulations exhibited improved drug release compared to the pure drug powder. From this study, it was concluded that using a composition of 10% maisine CC, 67.5% labrasol ALF and 22.5% transcutol produced a liquid SMEDDS with good thermodynamic stability and enhanced in-vitro drug release profiles compared with pure tacrolimus powder. All which supports the use of self-micro emulsifying drug delivery systems as a promising approach to improve solubility, dissolution and stability of poorly soluble drugs like tacrolimus.

Formulation and Investigation of Lacidipine as a Nanoemulsions

Many pharmaceutical molecules have solubility problems that until yet consist a hurdle that restricts their use in the pharmaceutical preparations. Lacidipine (LCDP) is a calcium-channel blocker with low aqueous solubility and bioavailability.
 Lipid dosage forms are attractive delivery systems for such hydrophobic drug molecules. Nanoemulsion (NE) is one of the popular methods that has been used to solve the solubility problems of many drugs. LCDP was formulated as a NE utilizing triacetin as an oil phase, tween 80 and tween 60 as a surfactant and ethanol as a co-surfactant. Nine formulas were prepared, and different tests performed to ensure the stability of the NEs, such as thermodynamic stability, particle size, Polydispersity index, zeta potential, dye solubility test, dilution test, drug content test and in-vitro drug release. Results of characterization showed that LCDP NE (F-5) with (oil: Smix (3:1):DDW (10:60:30)) ratio was selected as a best formula, since it have excellent thermodynamic stability with a particle size of 13.42, low PDI 0.234 , zeta potential (-14.5mV), efficient electrical conductivity 0.241ms/cm , good pH value (5.9), good percent of light transmittance (99.10%) , with acceptable viscosity , higher percent of drug content (99.14%) and complete release of the drug after (30 min.) with significantly higher (P<0.05) dissolution rate in comparison with pure drug powder.
 From the results obtained NE was found to be an efficient method to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of drugs that have poor water solubility (lipophilic drugs).
 

Formulation and Evaluation of Atenolol Nanocrystals Using 3(2) Full Factorial Design

Background: Atenolol is a commonly used antihypertensive drug of class III BCS category. It suffers from the problem of poor intestinal absorption or permeability thus low bioavailability. The objective of the present study was to enhance the permeability of atenolol by using a suitable technique, which is economical and devoid of using any organic solvent. Methods: The nanocrystal technology by high-pressure homogenization was chosen for this purpose, which is a less expensive and simple method. In this technique, no organic solvent was used. The study was further aimed to characterize prepared nanocrystals in the solid state by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) patterns, particle size, zeta potential, %yield and drug permeation study through isolated goat’s intestine. An in-vivo study was carried out to determine the pharmacokinetic property in comparison to pure drug powder using rats as experimental animals. The formulation design was optimized by a 3(2) factorial design. In these designs, two factors namely surfactant amount (X1) and speed of homogenizer (X2) were evaluated on three dependent variables namely particle size (y1), zeta potential (y2) and production yield (y3). Results: PXRD study indicated the presence of high crystal content in the prepared formulation. These nanocrystal formulations were found with a narrow size range from 125 nm to 652 nm and positive zeta potential of 16-18 mV. Optimized formulations showed almost 90% production yield. Permeability study revealed 90.88% drug release for optimized formulation in comparison to the pure drug (31.22%). The FTIR study also exposed that there was no disturbance in the principal peaks of the pure drug atenolol. This confirmed the integrity of the pure drug and its compatibility with the excipients used. A significant increase in the area under the concentration-time curve Cpmax and MRT for nanocrystals was observed in comparison to the pure drug. The higher values of the determination coefficient (R2) of all three parameters indicated the goodness of fit of the 3(2) factorial model. The factorial analysis also revealed that speed of homogenizer had a bigger effect on particle size (-0.2812), zeta potential (-0.0004) and production yield (0.0192) whereas amount of surfactant had a lesser effect on production yield (-370.4401), zeta potential (-43.3651) as well as particle size (-6169.2601). Conclusion: It is concluded that the selected method of nanocrystal formation and its further optimization by factorial design was effective to increase the solubility, as well as permeability of atenolol. Further, the systematic approach of factorial design provides rational evaluation and prediction of nanocrystals formulation on the selected limited number of smart experimentation.

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate based nanovesicles: A promising platform for drug delivery and bioavailability enhancement

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate based nanovesicles (SBN) were designed to enhance the Ticagrelor poor bioavailability (36%). SBN were formulated with different ratios of sucrose acetate isobutyrate and Poloxamer 407 and tested for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. The desirable formula composed of 5.52:1 surfactant: drug ratio and 0.1:1 sucrose acetate isobutyrate: Poloxamer 407 ratio with 0.77 desirability value as determined by the Design-Expert® software. Then, the optimized formula was lyophilized and compressed into tablets to maintain its physical stability and facilitate the oral administration. The lyophilized formula and the compressed nanostructed tablets were tested for the in vitro drug release versus the pure drug powder and the marketed product (Brilique®), where a significant enhancement in the drug dissolution rate and extent was observed, either in the sink or non-sink conditions. Based on the pharmacokinetic study conducted on rabbits, the nanostructured tablets showed a significant increase in the drug absorption extent expressed by an area under the plasma concentration-time curve of 4163.52 ng h/mL where the latter for the marketed product was only 2824.16 ng h/mL. In conclusion, the prepared nanostructed tablets achieved 150% relative bioavailability assuring the enhancement of TR solubility and absorption after being loaded into the optimized SBN formula.

Formulation of gastroretentive sustained release floating in situ gelling drug delivery system of solubility enhanced curcumin-soy lecithin complex

Novel dry suspension based on floating in situ gelling systems of curcumin was formulated to assist in locally treating gastric ulcers. Curcumin is sparingly soluble in both water and lipophilic compounds and is very poorly absorbed in the small intestine where a pH of 7–8 makes it unstable. Solubility enhancement studies for curcumin were carried out considering three approaches (i) solid dispersion by fusion method (ii) solid dispersion by solvent evaporation method and (iii) complexation with soy-lecithin. The soy lecithin complexation method was found to improve the solubility of curcumin from 0.05 μg/ml to 130.9 μg/ml in pH 1.2 buffer. The in vitro release studies of curcumin: soy lecithin (1:4) complex showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0049) in release profile compared to that of curcumin alone. This complex was further incorporated in a gelling system containing gellan gum, calcium carbonate and sodium citrate which formed the basis of a floating in situ gelling system. The reconstituted dry suspension was evaluated for physical characteristics like viscosity, floating lag time, gel residence time and sedimentation volume. The system extended the release of curcumin in pH 1.2 buffer up to 12 h with an f2 value 36.24 indicating a significant difference as compared to pure drug powder.

A Validated HPTLC Densitometric Method for Quantitative Determination of Zanamivir in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Formulation

The main purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for quantitative determination of an antiviral agent, zanamivir in pure drug and diskhaler powder formulation. Chromatography was performed on aluminum TLC plates pre-coated with silica gel 60F254, employing a mixture of chloroform:methanol:ammonia (9.5:3.2:0.2,v:v:v) as mobile phase. The TLC scanner was operated in the absorbance mode at a wavelength of 230 nm for evaluation of chromatograms. The system has given well resolved peak of zanamivir (Rf = 0.56). The linearity of the method was established in the range of 20-300 ng/spot; correlation coefficient (r) was 0.9995. The low values of limit of detection and limit of quantification (12.4 and 37.5 ng/spot, respectively) have demonstrated the sensitivity of the developed method. The reported method was precise in both intra-day as well as inter-day analysis; % RSD of peak area was found to be less than 2%, and has an accuracy within 100 ± 2%. The developed method has a potential to quantify zanamivir from its diskhaler formulation without any interference from other components. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by excellent recovery of analyte (99.8%) from diskhaler formulation. The current analytical method can be applied for routine analysis of zanamivir in pure form and pharmaceutical formulation in quality control laboratories.

Three dimensional macroporous hydroxyapatite/chitosan foam-supported polymer micelles for enhanced oral delivery of poorly soluble drugs.

In the current study, a novel three-dimensional macroporous hydroxyapatite/ chitosan foam (HA/CS)-supported polymer micelle (PM/HA/CS) was developed, and its potential as an oral drug delivery system to enhance the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble compounds was systemically studied. Candesartan cilexetil (CC) was selected as a poorly soluble model drug. Firstly, HA/CS foam was synthesized using a wet chemical co-precipitation approach and poly-(methyl methacrylate) colloidal crystals as a macropore template. Subsequently, the CC-loaded polymer micelles were efficiently encapsulated into the macropores of the HA/CS foam and freeze-dried to produce powdery CC-loaded PM/HA/CS composites (CC-PM/HA/CS). The resulting CC-PM/HA/CS particles were then characterized in terms of porous structure, morphology, angle of repose, crystallinity, drug loading, dissolution profiles, and physical stability. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that CC-PM/HA/CS was present in an amorphous form and has an excellent physical stability. Under both simulated gastric and intestinal conditions, the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of the PM/HA/CS-based CC formulation were significantly increased compared with the pure drug powder. In addition, PM/HA/CS is almost completely non-cytotoxic. The PM/HA/CS-based CC formulation produced approximately 1.9-fold increased bioavailability when compared to the marketed tablets (Blopress®) administered to fasted Sprague-Dawley rats. On the whole, PM/HA/CS benefits from the advantages of three dimensional macroporous HA/CS foam and polymer micelles, and exhibits great potential as a drug delivery system for increasing the solubility and oral bioavailability of a poorly soluble compound, like CC.

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of prazosin conjugated PLGA nanoparticles for drug delivery of flutamide

In the current work, a sustained drug delivery system of flutamide (FLT) was developed using Poly(D,L‑lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) decorated bypoly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted prazosin (PLGA-PEG-Praz) as a targeting moiety. In a multi-step reaction, PLGA was linked to PEG and prazosin. The structure of the synthesized polymers was confirmed by FTIR and 1 H-NMR. Flutamide-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique. The nanoparticles were evaluated for size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, drug crystallinity, loading efficiency, and release properties. Also, the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and Powder X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD). The particle size of nanoparticles was ranged between 191 and 249 nm. Loading efficiency of nanoparticles was about 43%-69%. Results showed a steady release rate for nanoparticles compared to that of a pure drug powder. SEM characterization confirmed that particles were in nanosize range. DSC and XRPD results verified a decrease in drug crystallinity in the prepared formulations. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that PLGA-PEG-Praz nanoparticles could be a good choice to improve the physicochemical properties of the drug and these formulations can increase Flutamide efficacy

Studying furosemide solubilization using an in vitro model simulating gastrointestinal digestion and drug solubilization in neonates and young infants

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to study the oral performance of furosemide in neonates and young infants using a newly developed in vitro model simulating digestion and drug solubilization in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the human neonate and young infant population (age 0–2months). MethodsThe utilized in vitro model was designed to mimic the digestion and drug solubilization processes occurring in the stomach, and the small intestine of the neonate and young infant population, using physiologically relevant media, volumes and digestive enzymes. Overall the experimental model setup was based on the dynamic in vitro lipolysis model previously described by Fernandez et al. (2009). The amount of furosemide solubilized in the aqueous phase during a digestion study was used as an estimate for the amount of drug available for absorption in vivo. By varying different factors in the model setup, e.g. presence of food (food-effect), effect of digestion (tested with and without addition of digestive enzymes), and properties of the dosage form, it was possible to estimate the importance of these factors in vivo. Key findings and conclusionsThe present in vitro data suggest that the oral performance of furosemide in neonates and young infants will be increased by the presence of food (frequent feedings) due to increased drug solubilization, however, not influenced by the GI digestion of this food. The properties of the dosage form (immediate release tablets) did not affect the drug solubilization as compared to administration of the pure drug powder.

Synergistic role of solid lipid and porous silica in improving the oral delivery of weakly basic poorly water soluble drugs

Oral absorption of weakly basic drugs (e.g. cinnarizine (CIN)) is limited by their pH dependent precipitation in intestinal conditions. To overcome this challenge, a novel drug delivery system composed of solid lipid and porous silica, namely silica encapsulated solid lipid (SESL) particles, was developed via hot homogenization of melted lipid dispersion, followed by ultra-sonication of the silica stabilized homogenized melted lipid dispersion. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the SESL formulation revealed non-spherical and aggregated hybrid particles, with rough exterior and structured nanoparticles visible on the surface. A 1.5, 2.2 and 7-fold improvement in the dissolution of CIN was observed for the SESL particles, under simulated intestinal non-digesting conditions, in comparison to the drug loaded in solid lipid (CIN-SL) matrix, drug loaded in porous silica (CIN-PS) and pure drug powder. Under simulated intestinal digestive condition, significant improvement in the drug solubilization was reported for the SESL formulation in compared to the individual drug loaded systems i.e. CIN-PS and CIN-SL. Thereby, silica encapsulated solid lipid system provides a promising oral delivery approach for poorly water soluble weakly basic drugs.

Simvastatin Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery: Formulation Development and In vivo Evaluation.

Solid lipid nanoparticles have been increasingly utilised for improving oral bioavailability of drugs. Simvastatin is biopharmaceutical class 2 drug with poor oral bioavailability of 5%. In the present study, simvastatin solid lipid nanoparticles were successfully prepared by hot melt emulsification process and optimised with respect to surfactant and lipid concentration, and drug loading. The nanoparticles were characterised for entrapment efficiency, particle size, morphology, crystallinity and thermal behavior. Optimised formulations prepared from solid lipids glyceryl behenate and glyceryl palmitostearate containing Tween 80 as surfactant exhibited satisfactory entrapment efficiencies above 96% and mean particle size below 200 nm. The electron micrographs indicated that lipid nanocarriers were almost spherical in appearance. X-ray diffraction and differential calorimetric studies proved that the drug was amorphised in the lipid matrix and did not crystallise out. To improve the physical as well as chemical stability of formulations, dry adsorbed nanoparticles were prepared by evaporative drying method using a carrier. The adsorbed nanoparticles demonstrated good flow properties and satisfactory reconstitution properties. Pharmacodynamic studies of simvastatin solid lipid nanoparticles revealed improved reduction in total cholesterol values as compared to pure drug powder indicating improved bioavailability.

Evaluation of stability of melatonin in extemporaneously compounded oral suspensions

AbstractBackgroundMelatonin is commonly used to treat insomnia, sleep disturbance or hyperactivity disorders. It can be administered in paediatric patients as oral formulations prepared using either bulk powder or commercial products. Few studies have evaluated the stability of these oral formulations, but some storage conditions information may be lacking and a need has been identified for additional stability studies.AimThe aim of this research was to study the stability of extemporaneously prepared oral suspensions of melatonin (2 mg/mL), prepared from pure drug powder or commercial tablets using a proprietary dye‐free oral vehicle: Oral Mix SF (Medisca Pharmaceutique Inc.).MethodTwo melatonin oral liquid preparations were formulated: (a) tablets in Oral Mix SF and (b) pure drug powder in Oral Mix SF. Preparations were stored at room temperature (23–27°C) as well as under refrigeration (3–5°C) in amber plastic syringes (PreciseDose Dispenser™, Medisca Pharmaceutique Inc.) and amber polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with appropriate closures for a period of 90 days. Preparations were assessed using a validated stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography method. Beyond use dates were evaluated by statistical analysis of the overall degradation trend.ResultsAll preparations were physically and chemically stable for at least 90 days in all storage conditions at room temperature and under refrigeration.ConclusionResults showed that compared to other vehicles, these suspensions had equivalent stability, indicating that Oral Mix SF is a viable dye‐free and sugar‐free alternative for extemporaneous compounding of melatonin.