Marta Casas

Tapioca starch graft copolymers and Dome Matrix modules assembling technology. I. Effect of module shape on drug release.

This paper studies the Riboflavin release from compressed disc modules of Dome Matrix(R) technology using tapioca starch-ethylmethacrylate (TSEMA) and tapioca hydroxypropylstarch-ethylmethacrylate (THSEMA), graft copolymers produced by two different drying methods. The comparison with the release behaviour of similar HPMC modules was performed. Two different shape modules have been made, identified as female and male modules, in order to obtain their assemblage by interlocking the disc bases. HPMC matrices showed quasi-linear Riboflavin release in case of both female and male modules, with faster drug release than TSEMA modules. In the case of THSEMA modules, a faster release was observed compared to HPMC modules. Furthermore, matrices obtained with TSEMA copolymers remained nearly intact after dissolution process, while matrices containing HPMC experimented a complete dissolution of the modules. Combining these results with the release curve analysis using the Korsmeyer and Peppas exponential equation, HPMC modules controlled the drug release by polymer relaxation or erosion. For TSEMA and THSEMA, the drug release mechanism was controlled mainly by drug diffusion. The pronounced faster releases for the matrices containing THSEMA copolymers compared with the ones with TSEMA were due to a more important erosive support; however, the main structure of the matrix remains coherent. Porosity and tortuosity values and the shape of the modules explained the drug release observed.

Compaction properties, drug release kinetics and fronts movement studies of matrices combining mixtures of swellable and inert polymers. III: effect of polymer substitution type.

Theophylline radial release from cellulose derivatives with different substitution type (HPMC K4M, HPC H, MC A4M) matrix tablets has been modulated by the introduction of a new inert polymeric excipient, at different proportions (75, 50, 25%). The new polymer was hydroxypropylcellulose-methyl methacrylate (HCMMA), which was dried either in a vacuum oven (OD-HCMMA) or freeze-dried (FD-HCMMA). MC A4M and its mixtures presented the best compaction properties results, especially mixed with FD-HCMMA, according to 100% mixtures. Only high levels of HCMMA (75%) in the matrices showed interesting differences to drug release modulation. Also, at this proportion (75:25), the HPC H mixtures presented the highest differences in relation with OD or FD HCMMA respect to the other cellulose polymers. HPMC K4M and HPC H mixtures showed a combination of diffusion and erosion release mechanisms. The last one was nearly negligible in MC A4M mixtures, according with its highest diffusion rate constant values, and the absence of hydroxypropyl substituents. Only HPMC K4M mixtures presented a diffusion front that moves outwards, while HPC H and MC A4M moves inwards. The modulation of theophylline radial release was obtained using a high percentage of HCMMA, and the use of two cellulosic ethers, one of them with just one type of substituent (MC A4M or HPC H) and the other with two types of substituent (HPMC K4M). Another possibility is changing the HCMMA copolymer (OD or FD) in the 75/25 mixture with HPC.

First study of the evolution of the SeDeM expert system parameters based on percolation theory: Monitoring of their critical behavior

The deep understanding of products and processes has become a requirement for pharmaceutical industries to follow the Quality by Design principles promoted by the regulatory authorities. With this aim, SeDeM expert system was developed as a useful preformulation tool to predict the likelihood to process drugs and excipients through direct compression. SeDeM system is a step forward in the rational development of a formulation, allowing the normalisation of the rheological parameters and the identification of the weaknesses and strengths of a powder or a powder blend. However, this method is based on the assumption of a linear behavior of disordered systems. As percolation theory has demonstrated, powder blends behave as non-linear systems that can suffer abrupt changes in their properties near to geometrical phase transitions of the components. The aim of this paper was to analyze for the first time the evolution of the SeDeM parameters in drug/excipient powder blends from the point of view of the percolation theory and to compare the changes predicted by SeDeM with the predictions of Percolation theory. For this purpose, powder blends of lactose and theophylline with varying concentrations of the model drug have been prepared and the SeDeM analysis has been applied to each blend in order to monitor the evolution of their properties. On the other hand, percolation thresholds have been estimated for these powder blends where critical points have been found for important rheological parameters as the powder flow. Finally, the predictions of percolation theory and SeDeM have been compared concluding that percolation theory can complement the SeDeM method for a more accurate estimation of the Design Space.

Physicochemical stability of a new topical timolol 0.5% gel formulation for the treatment of infant hemangioma

Abstract Infant hemangioma (IH) is the most common tumor in infants, which affects 5–10% of white children. It is a tumor of vascular origin that appears in the first months of life. The indication for the treatment of the IH is not approved in the datasheet of the product, however it has been used in the infant hemangioma by topical administration as an alternative to oral propranolol, avoiding the main problems of the oral route (bradycardia and hypotension). The objective of this work is to study the physical and chemical (HPLC stability indicating method) stability of a 0.5% timolol gel for topical application during 60 days (considering the stability limit as 90% of initial concentration of timolol maleate). The gel was prepared with a polyacrylic acid derivative and the physical stability of the system was studied by visual control, rheological and mechanical characterization. The studied formulation guarantees the correct dose administering and stability after 60 days stored at 25 ± 2 °C and light protected (tube of aluminum). We have developed an easy topical gel for the treatment of infant hemangioma with physical and chemical stability higher than those provided by the majority of hospitals.

Physicochemical stability of captopril and enalapril extemporaneous formulations for pediatric patients

Abstract The prevalence of hypertension among children has been increasing. Community and Hospital Pharmacists are often challenged to provide an oral liquid extemporaneous formulation for pediatric patients, because there are no appropriate dosage drugs to the specific needs of the child. The objective of this study is to choose and develop suitable pediatric extemporaneous formulations for captopril and enalapril maleate and to determine their physicochemical stability. A survey was carried out to evaluate the extent of dispensation of these drugs in Hospitals in Spain. Stability studies of formulations have been studied according to ICH normative at 5, 25 and 40 °C. Three samples from each temperature were withdrawn and assessed for stability on days 0, 15, 30, 50 and 90 using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) mass spectrometer assay. Rheological studies were carried out to ensure the maintenance of the physical characteristics of these non-Newtonian fluids. Captopril and enalapril maleate formulations used the pure drug and were stable during 50 days at 5 °C. We have developed easy antihypertensive oral liquid extemporaneous formulations for pediatric patients with physical and chemical stability higher than those provided by the majority of Hospitals.

Characterisation of the Ability of Carbamazepine for Processing It through Direct Compression Applying the New Expert System SeDeM

Background: SeDeM Expert System is an innovative tool which allows preformulation characterization of a powdered substance. This information is used to identify strengths and weaknesses for development of tablets by direct compression. Methods: Rheological studies have been carried out for the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) carbamazepine following the new SeDeM Method and the SeDeM Diagram has been built. Furthermore, the main parameters such as Parametric Profile (IPP) and Good Compression Index (IGC) have been calculated. Results: The results obtained were graphically expressed in form of a SeDeM diagram and the values obtained for the Parametric profile (IPP) and the Good Compression Index (IGC) were 5,55 and 5,28 respectively. These values are considered as adequate for processing carbamazepine by direct compression. Conclusion: Carbamazepine has an appropriate ability to be processed through direct compression. Its profile can be improved adding a small amount of suitable excipients, as Flow Aid materials and Direct Compression fillers. These results provide information to build a database of pharmaceutical ingredients which allows checking the powder properties and enables the design of new formulations or improvement of the already existing in the market.