Orodispersible Carbamazepine/Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Tablets Obtained by Direct Compression with Five-in-One Co-processed Excipients

Development of Losartan Orally Disintegrating Tablets by Direct Compression: a Cost-Effective Approach to Improve Paediatric Patient's Compliance

The development of suitable dosage forms is essential for an effective pharmacological treatment in children. Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are attractive dosage forms that avoid swallowing problems, ensure dosage accuracy and are easy to administer as they disintegrate in the oral cavity. This study aimed to develop ODTs containing losartan potassium (LP) for the treatment of arterial hypertension in children. The ODTs, produced by the cost-effective manufacturing process of direct compression, consisted of a mixture of diluent, superdisintegrant, glidant and lubricant. Five superdisintegrants (croscarmellose sodium, two grades of crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate and pregelatinized starch) were tested (at two concentrations), and combined with three diluents (mannitol, lactose and sorbitol). Thus, thirty formulations were evaluated based on disintegration time, hardness and friability. Two formulations, exhibiting the best results concerning disintegration time (< 30 s), hardness and friability (≤ 1.0%), were selected as the most promising ones for further evaluation. These ODTs presented favourable drug-excipient compatibility, tabletability and flow properties. The in vitro dissolution studies demonstrated 'very rapid' drug release. Preliminary stability studies highlighted the requirement of a protective packaging. All quality properties retained appropriate results after 12 months of storage in airtight containers. In conclusion, the ODTs were successfully developed and characterised, suggesting a potential means to accomplish a final prototype that enables an improvement in childhood arterial hypertension treatment.

Novel bioequivalent oral disintegrating tablet of aripiprazole prepared by direct compression technique with shortened disintegration time

Herein, we aimed to formulate a novel oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) of aripiprazole (ARP) capable of rapid disintegration using a direct compression technique. Different ODTs were fabricated with directly compressible excipients, and their disintegration time, wettability (water absorption ratio and wetting time), and mechanical properties (hardness and friability) were evaluated. The optimized ODT comprised F-Melt® type C, Prosolv® SMCC HD90, and Na croscarmellose (10 mg of ARP in a 130 mg tablet). The ODT with 3.1-5.2 kp hardness exhibited rapid disintegration (14.1-17.2 sec), along with appropriate mechanical strength (friability < 0.24%). In a bioequivalent study in Korean healthy subjects (randomized, single-dose, two-period crossover design, n = 37), the novel ODT offered the equivalent pharmacokinetic profile to that of a conventional immediate release tablet (Otsuka, Abilify®, Japan), despite different disintegration and dissolution profiles. The 90% confidence intervals of the geometric mean test to reference ratios considering the area-under-the-curve and maximum plasma drug concentrations were 1.0306-11051 and 0.9448-1.1063, respectively, satisfying FDA regulatory criteria for bioequivalence. The novel ART ODT was physicochemically stable under the accelerated storage condition (40 °C, RH75%) for 24 weeks. Therefore, the novel ARP-loaded ODT is expected to be an alternative to oral ARP therapy, providing improved patient adherence.

Development of Novel Tamsulosin Pellet-Loaded Oral Disintegrating Tablet Bioequivalent to Commercial Capsule in Beagle Dogs Using Microcrystalline Cellulose and Mannitol

In this study, we developed a tamsulosin pellet-loaded orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that is bioequivalent to commercially available products and has improved patient compliance using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and mannitol. Utilizing the fluid bed technique, the drug, sustained release (SR) layer, and enteric layer were sequentially prepared by coating MCC pellets with the drug, HPMC, Kollicoat, and a mixture of Eudragit L and Eudragit NE, respectively, resulting in the production of tamsulosin pellets. The tamsulosin pellet, composed of the MCC pellet, drug layer, SR layer, and enteric layer at a weight ratio of 20:0.8:4.95:6.41, was selected because its dissolution was equivalent to that of the commercial capsule. Tamsulosin pellet-loaded ODTs were prepared using tamsulosin pellets and various co-processed excipients. The tamsulosin pellet-loaded ODT composed of tamsulosin pellets, mannitol-MCC mixture, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate at a weight ratio of 32.16:161.84:4.0:2.0 gave the best protective effect on the coating process and a dissolution profile similar to that of the commercial capsule. Finally, no significant differences in beagle dogs were observed in pharmacokinetic parameters, suggesting that they were bioequivalent. In conclusion, tamsulosin pellet-loaded ODTs could be a potential alternative to commercial capsules, improving patient compliance.

Effect of co-processed excipient type on properties of orodispersible tablets containing captopril, tramadol, and domperidone

An important feature of orodispersible tablets (ODTs) is the convenient administration of the drugs, in some cases, faster onset of action, stability maintenance, and dose precision. This work focused on the preparation of ODTs containing mannitol-based co-processed excipients Prosolv® ODT G2, Ludiflash® and Parteck® ODT in combination with tramadol, captopril, and domperidone by direct compression. Prosolv® ODT G2 showed high energy of plastic deformation due to the content of microcrystalline cellulose. Parteck® ODT provided compact tablets due to the content of granulated mannitol. All drugs decreased tensile strength, increased friability, prolonged disintegration time, and decreased the porosity of tablets. Tablets containing Prosolv® ODT G2 with captopril, domperidone, and tramadol; and Parteck® ODT with domperidone met the requirements for ODTs production, i.e., friability ≤ 1% and disintegration time ≤ 180 s, fast wetting time, high water absorption ratio, and adequate tensile strength. The disintegration time was tested using both the pharmacopeial method and the BJKSN-13 apparatus. The results indicate the significant difference between these methods, with the disintegration time being longer when tested with the BJKSN-13 instrument.

Updates on applications of low-viscosity grade Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in coprocessing for improvement of physical properties of pharmaceutical powders

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is an important polymeric excipient. Its versatility in terms of molecular weights and viscosity grades is the basis for its wide and successful application in the pharmaceutical industry. Low viscosity grades of HPMC (like E3 and E5) have been used as physical modifiers for pharmaceutical powders in recent years due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties (e.g., low surface tension, high T_g, strong hydrogen bonding ability, etc.). Such modification is the co-processing of HPMC with a drug/excipient to create composite particles (CPs) for the purpose of providing synergistic effects of functional improvement as well as of masking undesirable properties of the powder (e.g., flowability, compressibility, compactibility, solubility, stability, etc.). Therefore, given its irreplaceability and tremendous opportunities for future developments, this review summarized and updated studies on improving the functional properties of drugs and/or excipients by forming CPs with low-viscosity HPMC, analyzed and exploited the improvement mechanisms (e.g., improved surface properties, increased polarity, hydrogen bonding, etc.) for the further development of novel co-processed pharmaceutical powders containing HPMC. It also provides an outlook on the future applications of HPMC, aiming to provide a reference on the crucial role of HPMC in various areas for interested readers.

Resin Acids as Raw Material for the Preparation of Cyclodextrin Complexes Loaded with Dehydroabietitoic Acid and Chromenol Hybrid

In this work new methods to obtain complexes from β-cyclodextrin and dehydroabietic acid with chromenol-triazol hybrid with the sizes limits of approximately 0.1-250 μm are reported. Kneading, co-evaporation and co-precipitation for the resolution of racemic 2-tert-butyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-ol for obtaining micro- and nanoparticles have been optimized. In vitro dissolution studies of the synthesized compounds in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) showed an improved dissolution rate of chromenol-triazol hybrid in the inclusion complexes compared to the free form. The obtained β-complexes of β-cyclodextrin loaded with dehydroabietitoic acid and chromenol hybrid showed good antibacterial activity with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.72 to 44.45 μM.

Orally Dispersible Dosage Forms for Paediatric Use: Current Knowledge and Development of Nanostructure-Based Formulations

The paediatric population has always suffered from a lack of medicines tailored to their needs, especially in terms of accurate dosage, stability and acceptability. Orodispersible dosage forms have gone through a resurrection as an alternative to liquid formulations or fractioned solid formulations, although they are still subject to several inconveniences, among which the unpleasant taste and the low oral bioavailability of the API are the most significant hurdles in the way of achieving an optimal drug product. Nanostructures can address these inconveniences through their size and variety, owing to the plethora of materials that can be used in their manufacturing. Through the formation and functionalisation of nanostructures, followed by their inclusion in orodispersible dosage forms, safe, stable and acceptable medicines intended for paediatric use can be developed.

Orodispersible tablets for pediatric drug delivery: current challenges and recent advances

INTRODUCTION

Child appropriate dosage forms are indispensable in modern medicine and are a prerequisite for successful pediatric drug therapy. For years, experts have called for a paradigm shift, from liquid dosage forms to novel oral solid dosage forms. This review aims to shed light on recent developments in Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) and mini-tablets (ODMTs).

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the presentation and critical discussion of current challenges as well as recent advances in ODTs for pediatric drug delivery. Highlighted aspects are the evidence for acceptability by children, e.g. in comparison to other dosage forms, and limitations given by tablet size at different ages, as well as advances in special ODT formulations (taste masking, modified release, enabling formulations).

EXPERT OPINION

It is the authors' belief that OD(M)Ts have significant potential as dosage forms in pediatric therapy that has not yet been fully exploited. The reasons for this are, first, that the number of direct acceptance studies is extremely low and the resulting knowledge is therefore rather anecdotal. Despite the high relevance, there seems to be reluctance both in the therapeutic use and conduction of respective studies in children. However, if one combines the knowledge from the few existing studies, surveys, and from approved products, it becomes apparent that so far there is no evidence on limitations of the use of ODTs in pediatric patients.

A review of controlled release from cyclodextrins: release methods, release systems and application

The controlled release of guest molecules from cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complexes is very important for specific industrial applications in foods, medicine, cosmetics, textiles, agriculture, environmental protection, and chemical materials. The term "controlled release" encompasses several related methods, including those referred to as immediate release, sustained release and targeted release. Many different CD-based controlled release systems are currently used in practical applications. CD inclusion complexes, CD coupling, supramolecular hydrogels, and supramolecular micelles are among the most common. This review systematically introduces the principles and applications of CD-based controlled release systems, providing a theoretical basis for improving the bioavailability of effective substances and broadening their range of application.

Formulation and Evaluation of Baclofen-Meloxicam Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs) Using Co-Processed Excipients and Improvement of ODTs Performance Using Six Sigma Method

Purpose

This study aimed to formulate an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) containing both baclofen and meloxicam together for treating osteoarthritis.

Methods

Direct compression method was used to prepare ODTs using three types of co-processed excipients (Prosolv ODT G2^®, F-melt^®, and Pharmaburst^®500). ODTs were evaluated according to weight variation, thickness, friability, hardness, drug content, wetting time, in-vitro disintegration time, in-vitro dissolution test, and palatability. To enhance the in-vitro dissolution of meloxicam and palatability of ODT, a six sigma methodology was used, and an improvement phase was established where ODTs were prepared using lyophilization and levigation techniques. Finally, a pharmacokinetic study of the improved ODT was accomplished in comparison to the conventional oral tablet.

Results

Pharmaburst-based formula (F4) showed the shortest wetting time and, consequently, the shortest disintegration time and the highest percentage of drug dissolved within 3 min compared to the other formulae. All the improved ODTs had a bitterness taste score vary from (0) palatable and (+1) tasteless. The current sigma level was 3.628 σ and 3.33 σ for palatability and solubility of ODT, respectively, which indicated the process was successfully improved compared with the previous sigma level of 2.342 σ of both processes. Pharmacokinetic study of the improved ODTs showed a significant decrease of T_max to 120 and 30 min instead of 180 and 120 min for meloxicam and baclofen, respectively.

Conclusion

ODTs were successfully improved using the six sigma methodology, the pharmacokinetic parameters of both drugs were enhanced due to rapid absorption through the oral mucosa.

Formulation of Chewable Tablets Containing Carbamazepine-β-cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex and F-Melt Disintegration Excipient. The Mathematical Modeling of the Release Kinetics of Carbamazepine

Due to its low solubility, carbamazepine (CBZ) exhibits slow and incomplete release in the gastrointestinal tract and, hence, variable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effect. Lots of methods have been devised to improve its solubility, the large number of proposed solutions being a sign that the problem is not yet satisfactorily solved. The persistent problem is that predictable release kinetics, an increased rate but within defined limits, are required to avoid high absorption variability. This paper presents a synthesis of a carbamazepine-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (CBZ-β-CD), the characterization of the physical mixture, CBZ, β-CD and the CBZ-β-CD inclusion complex using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, simultaneous thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction, formulation of chewable tablets, determination of the dissolution of carbamazepine in medium containing 1% sodium lauryl sulfate (LSS), and in simulated saliva (SS), mathematical modeling of release kinetics. The kinetics of total CBZ release from tablets containing CBZ-β-CD and super-disintegrant F-Melt in both SS and LSS followed two steps: a burst release in the first minutes and a slower release in intervals up to 60 min. The release in the second phase has been well described by the Higuchi and Peppas models, which advocate a controlled release by combined diffusion and with some phenomena of swelling and relaxation of the matrix generated by the crospovidone component of the F-Melt excipient.

Recent Formulation Advances and Therapeutic Usefulness of Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs)

This review highlights the recent formulation advances (different methods of preparation involving various novel approaches) that have been advancing the use of ODT as a popular dosage form. Furthermore, the important characteristics of ODTs that are required for patient compliance and appropriate therapeutic benefit are discussed. In addition to conventional ODTs, ODTs formulated for controlled release of pharmaceuticals and taste masking are also discussed.