Effect assessment of "film coating and packaging" on the photo-stability of highly photo-labile antihypertensive products

The Use of Novel, Rapid Analytical Tools in the Assessment of the Stability of Tablets—A Pilot Analysis of Expired and Unexpired Tablets Containing Nifuroxazide

In the analysis of finished pharmaceutical products, numerous innovative analytical techniques are often used, i.e., Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, computer microtomography, directional hemispherical reflectance, and hyperspectral analyses. These techniques allow for the identification of changes in solid phases. Many advantages over other techniques can be attributed to these techniques, e.g., they are rapid, non-destructive, and comprehensive. They allow for the identification of changes occurring in solid phases. However, the above-mentioned methods are still not standard procedures in pharmaceutical research. The present study aimed to assess the possible usefulness of total directional hemispherical reflectance (THR), hyperspectral imaging, and computer microtomography to evaluate the stability of tablets containing nifuroxazide during storage. In the study, expired and unexpired coating tablets containing nifuroxazide (n = 10 each) were analyzed. In addition, four unexpired tablets were stored at 40°C over 3 months (stressed tablets). Reflectance was determined with seven wavelength bands from 335 nm to 2500 nm using an SOC-410 Directional Hemispherical Reflectometer (Surface Optics Corporation, San Diego, CA, USA). A Specim IQ hyperspectral camera (Spectral Imaging Ltd., Oulu, Finland) was used with a wavelength range of 400–1030 nm. Tablets were also scanned using X-ray microtomography (Phoenix vǀtomeǀx, GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH, Wunstorf, Germany). The results indicated that total reflectance was lower in expired tablets than in unexpired tablets in all spectral bands, except for 700–1100 nm and 1700–2500 nm. In turn, the stressed tablets showed higher THR values than expired tablets in all spectral bands, except for 1000–1700 nm. In addition, hyperspectral analysis of the homogeneity of the tablets, as well as X-ray microtomographic analysis of tablet density and coating thickness, indicated that these parameters differed significantly between the analyzed tablets.

A Comprehensive Review on Pharmaceutical Film Coating: Past, Present, and Future

Pharmaceutical film coating is considered a key part in the production of solid pharmaceutical dosage forms since it gives superior organoleptic properties products. In addition, it can improve the physical and chemical stability of dosage forms, and modify the release characteristics of the drug. Several troubleshooting problems such as twinning mottling, chipping, etc., may arise during or after or even during the shelf life of the film coated dosage forms. These troubleshooting problems may be due to tablet core faults, coating formulation faults and/or coating process faults. These problems must be overcome to avoid unnecessary product problems. Film coating as well as other parts of the pharmaceutical technology is subjecting to continuous innovation. The innovation may be at different levels including pharmaceutical excipients, processes, software, guidelines and equipment. In fact, of particular note is the growing interest in process analytical technology, quality by design, continuous coating processing and the inclusion of new ready for use coating formulations. In this review, we tried to explore and discuss the status of pharmaceutical film coating, the challenges that face this manufacturing process and the latest technological advances in this important manufacturing process.

Stability of 5 mg/mL Nitrendipine Oral Suspension in Syrspend® SF PH4

Background

Nitrendipine is prescribed to children for the treatment of primary hypertension (off-label use). Available specialties (Nidrel®, Baypress® and others generic drugs) are only marketed in tablet form, which is unsuitable for pediatric use. A hospital preparation of nitrendipine oral suspension at 5 mg/mL was developed. The aim of the study was to determine physicochemical and microbiological stability of the nitrendipine oral suspension in order to set a shelf life for the preparation.

Methods

A validated high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the assay of nitrendipine. Nitrendipine oral suspensions were prepared using 20 mg Nidrel® tablets and suspending vehicle Syrspend® SF PH4. These preparations were packaged in amber glass bottles and stored at room temperature. The physicochemical (pH, osmolality, nitrendipine concentration, macroscopic changes) and microbiological stability of the preparation was tested over 90 days. Nitrendipine concentration at day 0 was considered as 100 % and nitrendipine concentration in subsequent samples greater than 95 % were considered stable.

Results

The developed HPLC method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision and specificity. After 90 days, no significant pH and osmolality variation was observed. No microbial growth was noted. Concentrations of nitrendipine were found to be always higher 95 % of the initial concentration.

Conclusions

Nitrendipine oral suspensions 5 mg/mL are stable for at least 90 days when stored at temperature room and in amber glass bottles. This suspension is more suitable for children than tablets and allows obtaining accurate doses based on patient’s body weight.