Preparation and characterization of nitrendipine solid lipid nanoparticles

Nitrendipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, has very poor oral bioavailability (10-20%) due to first pass effect. Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) delivery systems of nitrendipine have been developed using various triglycerides (trimyristin, tripalmitin and tristearin), soy phosphatidylcholine 95%, poloxamer 188 and charge modifiers stearylamine and dicetyl phosphate. SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization of melted lipids and aqueous phase followed by ultrasonication at temperatures above the melting point of lipids. Optimization studies of process and formulation variables were carried out. Particle size and zeta potential were measured by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) using Malvern zetasizer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies were performed to characterize state of drug and lipid modification. In vitro release studies were performed in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 using modified Franz diffusion cell. Stable nitrendipine SLNs of mean size range 79 to 213 nm and zeta potential -38.2 to +34.6 mV were developed. About 99% nitrendipine was entrapped in SLNs and were stable on storage at 4 and 25 degrees C. DSC and PXRD analyses revealed that nitrendipine is dispersed in SLNs in an amorphous state. The release pattern of drug is analyzed and found to follow Weibull distribution rather than first order and Higuchi equation.

The novel application of tertiary butyl alcohol in the preparation of hydrophobic drug-HPβCD complex

This report describes a novel application of tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) in the preparation of hydrophobic drug-hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) complex. The straightforward, economic preparation procedure consists of dissolving both the hydrophobic drug and HPβCD in TBA, which is subsequently freeze-dried to give the hydrophobic drug-HPβCD complex in the form of a porous powder. TBA was selected as the medium due to it being a good solvent for hydrophobic drug and HPβCD; in addition, it is also a versatile lyophilization medium and is widely used in pharmaceutical processes. In this study, ketoprofen and nitrendipine were used as model drugs and their HPβCD complexes were prepared by lyophilization of the TBA system. Based on the data from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD), the drugs were amorphous in freeze-dried samples. The infra-red (IR) spectrum indicated that a drug-HPβCD interaction took place in the freeze-dried complex. Dissolution experiments showed that the hydrophobic drug dissolved rapidly from the HPβCD complex in both simulated gastric juice and simulated intestinal fluid. These results confirmed that this technique produced a hydrophobic drug-HPβCD complex. TBA was found to be a suitable freeze-drying medium for the preparation of hydrophobic drug-HPβCD complex. This approach is versatile, energy-conserving and can easily be scaled up. It is expected to have further application in modifying the physicochemical characteristics of hydrophobic drugs and improving their absorption and pharmacodynamic properties.

Crystallization rate of amorphous nifedipine analogues unrelated to the glass transition temperature

To examine the relative contributions of molecular mobility and thermodynamic factor, the relationship between glass transition temperature (T(g)) and the crystallization rate was examined using amorphous dihydropyridines (nifedipine (NFD), m-nifedipine (m-NFD), nitrendipine (NTR) and nilvadipine (NLV)) with differing T(g) values. The time required for 10% crystallization, t(90), was calculated from the time course of decreases in the heat capacity change at T(g). The t(90) of NLV and NTR decreased with decreases in T(g) associated with water sorption. The t(90) versus T(g)/T plots almost overlapped for samples of differing water contents, indicating that the crystallization rate is determined by molecular mobility as indicated by T(g). In contrast, differences in the crystallization rate between these four drugs cannot be explained only by molecular mobility, since the t(90) values at a given T(g)/T were in the order: NLV>NTR>NFD approximately m-NFD. A lower rate was obtained for amorphous drugs with lower structural symmetry and more bulky functional groups, suggesting that these factors are also important. Furthermore, the crystallization rate of NTR in solid dispersions with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) decreased to a greater extent than expected from the increased T(g). This also suggests that factors other than molecular mobility affect the crystallization rate.

Development of Nitrendipine Transdermal Patches: In vitro and Ex vivo Characterization

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the investigation was to develop and evaluate matrix type transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) of nitrendipine (NTDP).

EXPERIMENTAL

The matrix type TDDS of NTDP were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. Ten formulations (composed of Eudragit RL 100 and Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose in the ratios of 5:0, 4:1, 3:2, 2:3, 1:4 in formulations A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and Eudragit RS 100 and Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose in the same ratios in formulation B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 respectively) were prepared. All formulations carried 6 % v/w of carvone as penetration enhancer and 15% v/w of propylene glycol as plasticizer in dichloromethane and methanol as solvent system. The prepared TDDS were evaluated for in vitro release, ex vivo permeation, moisture absorption, moisture content and mechanical properties. The physicochemical interactions between nitrendipine and polymers were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The maximum drug release in 24 hrs for A series formulations was 89.29% (A4) and 86.17% for B series (B5), which are significantly (p < 0.01) different to the lowest values (57.58 for A1 and 50.64 for B1). Again formulations A4 (flux 23.51 microg/hr/cm(2)) and B5 (flux 22.98 microg/hr/cm(2)) showed maximum skin permeation in the respective series. The flux obtained with formulation A4 and B5 meets the required flux (19.10 microg/hr/cm(2)). The mechanical properties, tensile strength, elastic modulus (3.42 kg/mm(2) for A4 and 4.25 kg/mm(2) for B5) reveal that the formulations were found to be strong but not brittle. FTIR studies did not show any evidence of interaction between the drug and the polymers.

CONCLUSION

Nitrendipine matrix type transdermal therapeutic systems could be prepared with the required flux having suitable mechanical properties.

Improvement of the Dissolution Rate of Nitrendipine Using a New Pulse Combustion Drying Method

Solid dispersions (SDs) of nitrendipine (NTD), a poorly water-soluble drug, were prepared with the Hypulcon pulse combustion dryer system, and the physicochemical properties of particles were investigated and compared with those of particles prepared with a spray dryer. The SD particles prepared with Hypulcon using Aerosil and Tween 80 as carriers showed improved properties over those prepared with a conventional spray dryer, such as smaller particle size, tighter particle size distribution, and no agglomeration. Powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry evaluation showed that the drug in the NTD-Aerosil SD prepared with 5% (v/v) Tween 80 solution was dispersed in an amorphous state. Fourier transformation IR spectroscopy indicated the presence of hydrogen bonds between NTD and Aerosil. Aerosil had greater ability to improve the dissolution of NTD than Sylysia and other polymers. The highest drug supersaturation concentration was maintained continuously during the dissolution test of the NTD-Aerosil SD prepared with 5% (v/v) Tween 80 solution using Hypulcon. The good hydrophilicity and dispersibility of Aerosil, solubilization of Tween 80, and actions of shock waves and ultrasonic waves might account for the amorphization of NTD and improved dissolution rate of SDs. Pulse combustion drying with low drying costs and high thermal efficiency is a promising method for the preparation of SD particles with improved properties without using organic solvent.

Development and evaluation of nitrendipine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: influence of wax and glyceride lipids on plasma pharmacokinetics

Nitrendipine is an antihypertensive drug with poor oral bioavailability ranging from 10 to 20% due to the first pass metabolism. For improving the oral bioavailability of nitrendipine, nitrendipine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles have been developed using triglyceride (tripalmitin), monoglyceride (glyceryl monostearate) and wax (cetyl palmitate). Poloxamer 188 was used as surfactant. Hot homogenization of melted lipids and aqueous phase followed by ultrasonication at temperature above the melting point of lipid was used to prepare SLN dispersions. SLN were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and crystallinity of lipid and drug. In vitro release studies were performed in phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 using Franz diffusion cell. Pharmacokinetics of nitrendipine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles after intraduodenal administration to conscious male Wistar rats was studied. Bioavailability of nitrendipine was increased three- to four-fold after intraduodenal administration compared to that of nitrendipine suspension. The obtained results are indicative of solid lipid nanoparticles as carriers for improving the bioavailability of lipophilic drugs such as nitrendipine by minimizing first pass metabolism.

Thermal stability of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives in solid state

The effect of temperature and air humidity on the stability of 7 derivatives of 1,4-dihydropyridine (nifedipine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine, nimodipine, nicardipine, felodipine and amlodipine) in solid state has been studied by accelerated testing. Quantitative analysis of the compounds studied was made by UV spectrophotometry, identification of the thermodegradation products and reference to the standard were made by thin layer chromatography (TLC), UV spectra and the reaction with KMnO4. Thermodegradation of the derivatives studied was found not to occur in dry air, whereas at air humidity it occurred according to the first order reaction at a similar rate for all derivatives. The main product of thermodegradation of the derivatives with the nitro substituent was a nitrozoderivative formed as a result of dihydropyridine ring aromatisation accompanied by water molecule elimination.

Preparation and evaluation of solid dispersions of nitrendipine prepared with fine silica particles using the melt-mixing method

Solid dispersions (SD) of nitrendipine (NTD), a poorly water-soluble drug, were prepared using the melt-mixing method with hydrophilic silica particles (Aerosil and Sylysia) with different particle size and specific surface areas as carriers. Powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry evaluation showed that NTD in the SDs treated with the melt-mixing method was dispersed in the amorphous state. FT-IR spectroscopy obtained with the SDs indicated the presence of hydrogen bonding between the secondary amine groups of NTD and silanol groups of silica particles. The dissolution property of NTD in the SDs was remarkably improved regardless of the grade of silica. At the end of the dissolution test (60 min) the concentrations of NTD for the SDs with Aerosil 200 and Sylysia 350 were 8.88 and 10.09 microg/ml, corresponding to 28 and 31 times that of the original NTD crystals, respectively. The specific surface area and the adsorbed water amount of the SDs were also significantly improved. The rapid dissolution rate from the SDs was attributed to the amorphization of drug, improved specific surface area and wettability than the original drug crystals. In the stability test, powder X-ray diffraction pattern indicated that amorphous NTD in the SD with Aerosil 200 was stable for at least 1 month under the humid conditions (40 degrees C/75% RH).

Preparation and Evaluation of Solid Dispersion for Nitrendipine-Carbopol and Nitrendipine-HPMCP Systems Using a Twin Screw Extruder

In the present study, we prepared solid dispersions of the poorly water-soluble drug nitrendipine (NIT) using the twin screw extruder method with high-molecular-weight substances, hydroxypropylmethylcellulosephthalate (HPMCP) and Carbopol (CAR), as carriers. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) evaluation showed that solid dispersions can be formed when NIT-HPMCP and NIT-CAR mixtures are treated with the twin screw extruder method. Fourier Transformation IR Spectroscopy (FT-IR) obtained with NIT-HPMCP and NIT-CAR solid dispersions indicated the presence of hydrogen bonding between the drug and the carriers. NIT-CAR solid dispersions were found to give somewhat higher dissolution than crystalline NIT and physical mixtures, while the dissolution of NIT-HPMCP solid dispersions was markedly decreased compared with the crystalline NIT and physical mixtures. These findings indicated that CAR has a greater ability to improve the dissolution of NIT than HPMCP when a twin screw extruder was employed to prepare the solid dispersions. The twin screw extruder method can be used as a simple and effective method for the preparation of solid dispersions to improve the dissolution properties of poorly water-soluble drugs when choosing proper polymers as carriers.

A novel pH-dependent gradient-release delivery system for nitrendipine

Nitrendipine, a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, was used as a poorly water-soluble model drug. To improve its dissolution rate and extend the therapeutic period in vivo as well, a novel pH-dependent gradient-release drug delivery system for nitrendipine having a solid dispersed matrix structure was developed. Four factors, i.e. the amount of excipients, the pH of the dissolution medium, the rotating speed of the paddle of the dissolution apparatus and the particle size of the microspheres, all of which affect the drug-release behavior of the pH-dependent microspheres of the system were investigated in detail. The release profiles of the pH-dependent drug delivery system under simulated gastrointestinal tract pH conditions were also investigated. The results showed that the release rate of drug from the microspheres increased on increasing the amount of respective pH-dependent polymers formulated. Due to the fact that the active drug was incorporated in pH-dependent polymers and was present in a solid dispersion state in the microspheres, the release rate of the drug from the microspheres depended on the dissolution rate of the polymers, which was mainly influenced by the pH of dissolution medium, whereas the rotating speed of the paddle and the particle size of the microspheres had only a relatively minor effect. The release behavior of the system under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions exhibited obvious gradient-release characteristics, showing that the release rate of the active drug could be controlled efficiently before the microspheres reached the appropriate region of the gut for absorption. These findings suggest that the pH-dependent drug delivery system could be fabricated by using present microspheres.

Oxidation of Hantzsch 1,4-Dihydropyridines of Pharmacological Significance by Electrogenerated Superoxide

PURPOSE

To study the reaction of a series of Hantzsch dihydropyridines with pharmacological significance such as, nifedipine, nitrendipine, nisoldipine, nimodipine, isradipine and felodipine, with electrogenerated superoxide in order to identify products and postulate a mechanism.

METHODS

The final pyridine derivatives were separated and identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The intermediates, anion dihydropyridine and the HO2*/HO2- species, were observed from voltammetric studies and controlled potential electrolysis was used to electrogenerate O2*-.

RESULTS

The current work reveals that electrogenerated superoxide can quantitatively oxidize Hantzsch dihydropyridines to produce the corresponding aromatized pyridine derivatives.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the aromatization of Hantzsch dihydropyridines by superoxide is initiated by proton transfer from the N1-position on the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring to give the corresponding anion dihydropyridine, which readily undergoes further homogeneous oxidations to provide the final aromatized products. The oxidation of the anionic species of the dihydropyridine is more easily oxidized than the parent compound.

Improvement of Dissolution and Bioavailability of Nitrendipine by Inclusion in Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

A significant increase in solubility and dissolution rate of nitrendipine, a slightly soluble calcium channel blocker, was achieved by inclusion complexation with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD). The inclusion complex was prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized by phase solubility method, x-ray diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The solubility of nitrendipine increased linearly as a function of HP-beta-CD concentration, resulting in AL-type phase solubility diagram which revealed a formation of inclusion complex in a molar ratio of 1:1, with the apparent association constant of 108.3M(-1). The in vitro dissolution rate of nitrendipine in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer was in the order of inclusion complex, physical mixture, and nitrendipine powder. These three different forms of nitrendipine were administered orally to rats with a dose of 10 mg/kg equivalent to nitrendipine. The AUC of inclusion complex was significantly larger than that of nitrendipine powder. Tmax of inclusion complex was significantly shorter and Cmax was significantly higher than those of nitrendipine powder. Cmax of physical mixture was higher than that of nitrendipine powder. Tmax of physical mixture, however, remained the same. The results indicated that the bioavailability of nitrendipine could be improved markedly by inclusion complexation, possibly due to an increased dissolution rate.

Design of sustained-release nitrendipine microspheres having solid dispersion structure by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method

To improve the bioavailability of nitrendipine microspheres, a sustained-release microspheres having solid dispersion structure were prepared in one step. Two types of polymer, i.e. solid dispersing and sustained-release polymers, were employed to prepare the microspheres by the spherical crystallization technique, i.e. quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. The factors of effect on micromeritic properties and release profiles of the resultant microspheres were investigated. And the bioavailability of nitrendipine microspheres was evaluated in six healthy dogs. The results showed that the particle size of microspheres was determined mainly by the agitation speed. The dissolution rate of nitrendipine from microspheres was enhanced significantly with increasing the amount of dispersing agents, and sustained by adding retarding agents. The release rate of microspheres could be controlled as desired by adjusting the combination ratio of dispersing agents to retarding agents. The results of X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that the crystalline form of nitrendipine was disordered, suggesting that nitrendipine was highly dispersed in microspheres, so as amorphous state. The release profiles and content of the microspheres stored at a temperature of 40 degrees C and a relative humidity of 75% were unchanged during 3 months of accelerating condition of storage. And the relative bioavailability of the sustained-release microspheres compared with the Baypress tablets and the conventional tablets was 107.78% and 309.82%. In conclusion, the sustained-release microspheres with solid dispersion structure improved the bioavailability of the water insoluble drug and prolonged the Tmax value.

Preparation of sustained-release nitrendipine microspheres with Eudragit RS and Aerosil using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method

Sustained-release nitrendipine microspheres were prepared in liquid system by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method, in which the Aerosil was employed as an inert dispersing carrier to improve the dissolution rate of nitrendipine, and Eudragit RS as a retarding agent to control the release rate. The resultant microspheres were evaluated for the recovery, bulk density, average particle size, drug loading, and incorporation efficiency. And the factors affecting the formation of microspheres and the drug-release rate were investigated. It was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) that the microspheres were finely spherical and uniform, and no entire nitrendipine crystals were observed visually. The results of X-ray diffraction indicated that nitrendipine in microspheres was disordered, suggesting that nitrendipine was highly dispersed in microspheres. The drug loading of microspheres was enhanced with increasing the ratio of drug to excipients, and the incorporation efficiency was always >90%. The formation of microspheres was mainly influenced by the amount of bridging liquid and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in poor solvent. The dissolution profiles could be modulated with adjusting the amount of retarding agent and dispersing carrier formulated.

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of nitrendipine in human plasma using ultraviolet detection and single-step solid-phase sample preparation

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of nitrendipine in human plasma using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultraviolet detection. A 30-microl aliquot of methanol (containing 2 microg/ml of the internal standard, nimodipine) was added to a 1-ml aliquot of biological sample. After vortex-mixing, the mixture was loaded on C(18) SPE cartridge which was conditioned with methanol and distilled water. After washing with distilled water, the SPE cartridge was eluted with 1-ml aliquot of diethyl ether. The organic phase was collected and evaporated under nitrogen gas. The residue was then reconstituted with a 100 microl aliquot of mobile phase, and a 50 microl aliquot was injected onto the C(18) reverse-phased column. The mobile phase, 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 4.5):acetonitrile (50:50, v/v), was run at a flow rate of 1.2 ml/min. The column effluent was monitored using ultraviolet detector at 238 nm. The retention times for nitrendipine and the internal standard were approximately 10.1 and 12.6 min, respectively. The detection limit of nitrendipine in human plasma was 2.0 ng/ml. The coefficients of variation (CV) of the assay were below 16.5% for human plasma, and no interferences from endogenous substances were found. This specific, accurate and precise assay was useful in the study for the pharmacokinetic characteristics of nitrendipine.

Hydrolytic degradation of nitrendipine and nisoldipine

The development of a new HPLC-UV diode array procedure applied to follow the hydrolytic degradation of two well-known 4-nitrophenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives, nitrendipine and nisoldipine is reported. Hydrolysis of each drug were carried out in ethanol/Britton-Robinson buffer at different pHs, stored into amber vials at controlled temperatures of 40, 60 and 80 degrees C and periodically sampled and assayed by HPLC. Nitrendipine degradation in different parenteral solutions was also evaluated. The HPLC procedure exhibited an adequate selectivity, repeatability (<1%) and reproducibility (<2%). The recoveries were higher than 98% with CV of 1.13 and 1.54% for nitrendipine and nisoldipine, respectively. A significant degradation was observed at alkaline pH (>pH 8) with a first order kinetic for both drugs. At pH 12, 80 degrees C, k values of 3.56x10(-2) x h(-1) and 2.22x10(-2) for nitrendipine and nisoldipine, respectively were obtained. Also, activation energies of 16.8 and 14.7 kcal x mol(-1) for nitrendipine and nisoldipine, respectively, were calculated. Furthermore, from the results obtained from hydrolytic degradation in different solutions for parenteral use, we can affirm that solutions significantly increased the degradation of nitrendipine. In conclusion, the HPLC proposed procedure exhibited adequate analytical requirements to be applied to the hydrolytic degradation studies of nitrendipine and nisoldipine. Furthermore, all tested parenteral solutions significantly increased the hydrolytic degradation of nitrendipine, the composition of solution being a relevant factor.

Simultaneous HPLC determination of nitrendipine and impurities of the process of synthesis

A method has been developed for separation of nitrendipine and its impurities of reaction partners and side reaction products by high-performance liquid chromatographic method on a RP-18 column and detection at 238 nm. The mobile phase composition that provided an acceptable nitrendipine resolution, in large excess and possible impurities, in a short elution time, is methanol:water (70:30) and pH 3. Linearity (r> or =0.999), reproducibility (RSD=0.8--1.4%), determination limit (0.5--2%) and recovery (99.8--102.3) were validated and found to be satisfactory. This method enables monitoring of the process of synthesis, as well as the choice of the synthetic design.

Oxidative degradation study of nitrendipine using stability indicating, HPLC, HPTLC and spectrophotometric method

The objective of this study is to develop validated stability indicating HPLC (A), HPTLC (B) and spectrophotometric (C) method for the estimation of nitrendipine. The stability indicating capability of the assays is proved using forced degradation, by exposing drug solution to sunlight, acidic and alkaline medium. The chromatogram and UV spectrum showed nitrendipine well resolved from the degradation product. Degradation of drug is found faster in acidic (0.1 N hydrochloric acid) medium as compared to alkaline (0.1 N sodium hydroxide) medium at 100 degrees C. Also, photodegradation is studied, with special emphasis on the effect of solvents like methanol (1), chloroform (2), dichloromethane (3), acetone (4) and ethyl acetate (5), on the rate of photodegradation. The degradation of title compound followed first order kinetics in all cases. Estimation of the drug is carried out by the stability indicating methods mentioned, using one point standardization within the linearity range of interest. The methods are compared in respect of performance precision and accuracy. Major route of degradation in all cases is found to be oxidation and degradation product is confirmed as dehydronitrendipine by the use of relevant UV, IR and 1H NMR spectrometry.

Effects of manidipine and nitrendipine enantiomers on the plateau phase of K+-induced intracellular Ca2+ increase in GH3 cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the chirality and type of substitution at position 3 of the dihydropyridine ring influences the pattern of voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockade. For this purpose, the effect of R- and S-enantiomers of manidipine and nitrendipine, separated by chiral High-Pressure-Liquid-Chromatography columns, were investigated by fura-2 microfluorimetry during the plateau phase of the intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) increase induced by 55 mM K+ and by patch-clamp recording of Ca2+ channel activity in GH3 cells. R- and S-enantiomers of both nitrendipine and manidipine produced a [Ca2+]i decay of the K+-induced plateau phase that followed a biexponential pattern with a 'fast' and a 'slow' phase. The S-configuration of both nitrendipine and manidipine produced a larger [Ca2+]i decrease during the 'fast phase', and a faster and smaller [Ca2+]i decrease in the 'slow phase' than did the R-enantiomers. The S- and R-enantiomers of manidipine, which possess a longer and more lipophilic side chain at position 3 of the dihydropyridine ring, induced a slower [Ca2+]i decrease than that observed with the respective nitrendipine enantiomers. Accordingly, patch-clamp experiments revealed that the S-enantiomers of both dihydropyridines displayed a faster onset of action and produced a greater blockade than the R-enantiomers. These results suggest that the enantiomeric configuration and a small side chain at position 3 of the dihydropyridine ring are factors in the chemical structure which influence the pattern of blockade of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels.

Differing acute interactions of ethanol with two structurally related dihydropyridines, nitrendipine and felodipine

Previous work showed that while several dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists have protective effects against the ethanol withdrawal syndrome, felodipine differed in lacking this action. Dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists have also been shown to potentiate the acute behavioral actions of ethanol. The present study compares the effects of felodipine on the acute effects of ethanol, with those of nitrendipine, a dihydropyridine previously shown to be effective against the ethanol withdrawal syndrome. Comparison was made at doses of the compounds that have previously been shown to produce similar displacement of dihydropyridine binding in central nervous system (CNS) tissue. Felodipine had a small potentiating effect on the general anesthetic effects of ethanol, but was considerably less effective in this respect than nitrendipine. Some potentiation of the ataxic effect of ethanol was seen after concurrent administration of felodipine, but this was less than that seen after nitrendipine. In the locomotor studies, both felodipine and nitrendipine significantly decreased the locomotor stimulation produced by ethanol; the effects of the two compounds were similar, but dose-dependency was not seen at the doses tested. Chronic administration of felodipine for 2 weeks did not produce tolerance to the sedative effect of felodipine or cross-tolerance to nitrendipine. After chronic administration of the felodipine, administration of an acute dose of ethanol resulted in an increase in locomotor activity, but this was not seen after chronic administration of nitrendipine or vehicle. The results, therefore, suggest that felodipine was considerably less effective in potentiating the acute effects of ethanol than nitrendipine at doses that were equi-effective in displacing central dihydropyridine binding. The interactions of these two calcium channel antagonists with ethanol, therefore, did not parallel their effects on central dihydropyridine binding.

The role of pharmacokinetic modelling and computer simulation in drug formulation design

The purpose of this study is to develop a formulation for a once-a-day peroral application with controlled release of nitrendipine. The second aim of the study is to define by the use of modelling and computer simulation those critical points in the development of the formulation, the knowledge and controlling of which brings a rationalisation in the sense of time and material.

Testing of decomposition of pyridinedicarboxylic acid derivatives in selected pharmaceutical preparations

Decomposition of nifedipine in Adalat tabl. and Cordafen drops and nitrendipine in Nitrendipine tabl. preparations under influence of UV radiation operation and temperature of 50 degrees C was tested. Chromatographic methods of TLC and HPCL and spectrophotometry were used for evaluation of the decomposition processes.

Binary system of (R)- and (S)-nitrendipine--polymorphism and structure

Three monotropically related modifications of (RS)-nitrendipine (RS-NTD) were investigated. With the aid of the optical antipodes of NTD, it was possible to construct a binary phase diagram, from which it is obvious that the thermodynamically stable mod. I of RS-NTD (mp 156-158.5 degrees C, heat of fusion 41.1 +/- 0.2 kJ mol-1) is a racemic compound, while mod. II (mp 130-134 degrees C, heat of fusion 29.4 kJ mol-1) and mod. III (mp 124-126 degrees C, heat of fusion 27.2 kJ mol-1) occur as conglomerates of different modifications of R- and S-NTD. The eutectic points (calculated) are at 150 degrees C and at 19% and 81% molar fraction of an enantiomer, respectively. Two modifications of the enantiomers are characterized (En-mod. I, thermodynamically stable form, mp 156-158 degrees C, heat of fusion 34.5 +/- 1.3 kJ mol-1 and En-mod. III, mp 121 degrees C), whereas a third modification (En-mod. II) must be hypothesized pursuant to the phase diagram (mp ca. 152 degrees C). IR spectra, DSC curves, and X-ray powder diffractograms of the different phases are described. The crystal structure of the enantiomer En-mod. I is reported (monoclinic, P2(1), density 1.346 g cm-3) and compared with the X-ray structure of the racemic compound (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, density 1.356 g cm-3). A comparison with similar studies on nimodipine has been made to emphasize the parallels to a substance of this chemical group.

Antioxidant effects of calcium antagonists on rat myocardial membrane lipid peroxidation

We studied the antioxidant effects of nine calcium antagonists (nisoldipine, benidipine, nilvadipine, felodipine, nicardipine, nitrendipine, nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem) by means of rat myocardial membrane lipid peroxidation with a nonenzymatic active oxygen-generating system (DHF/FeCl3-ADP). The order of antioxidant potency of these agents was nilvadipine > nisoldipine > felodipine > nicardipine > verapamil > benidipine. Their IC50 values (microM) were 25.1, 28.2, 42.0, 150.0, 266.1, and 420.0, respectively. In contrast, nitrendipine, nifedipine, and diltiazem had little inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation. These six calcium antagonists could be divided into four types on the basis of their antioxidant mechanisms. Nilvadipine, nisoldipine, and verapamil, which showed antioxidant effects both before and after the addition of active oxygen, and reduced the dihydroxyfumarate (DHF) auto-oxidation rate, were chain-breaking and preventive antioxidants. Felodipine, which showed antioxidant effects both before and after exposure to active oxygen and increased the DHF auto-oxidation rate, was only a chain-breaking antioxidant. Nicardipine, which showed an antioxidant effect only before exposure to active oxygen and reduced the DHF auto-oxidation rate, was mainly a preventive antioxidant. Benidipine, which showed an antioxidant effect only before exposure to active oxygen and had no appreciable effect on the DHF auto-oxidation rate, could interrupt the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation at the initial step alone. Although these results suggest that the antioxidant properties of some calcium antagonists may be beneficial clinically in protecting against cellular damage caused by lipid peroxidation, further studies are required to establish the antioxidant effects of these agents in vivo.

Enantiomer separation of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists with cyclodextrins as chiral selectors: structural correlation

Native and substituted cyclodextrins (CDs) were used as chiral selectors both in high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electromigration separations (HPCE and MEKC). Chromatographic data of five dihydropyridine calcium antagonists obtained on three beta-CD chiral stationary phases in reversed-phase mode were compared with those of capillary electrophoresis using beta-CDs in the presence and absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Competition of separated compounds with SDS molecules for penetration into the CD cavity can limit their necessary interaction with the chiral selector and consequently even preclude enantiomer separation. Some insight into this problem can be brought about by comparing the experimental data with computer-aided energy minimization of CD-solute and CD-SDS inclusion complexes.

Inclusion complexes of nifedipine and other 1.4-dihydropyridine derivatives with cyclodextrins. IV. The UV study on photochemical stability of the inclusion complexes of nisoldipine, nimodipine, nitrendipine and nicardipine with beta-cyclodextrin in the solution

The results of measurements of photochemical stability of the inclusion complexes formed by nimodipine (NM), nisoldipine (NS), nitrendipine (NR) and nicardipine (NC) with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) are reported. The inclusion complexes were obtained in solution. The formation of inclusion complexes in the liquid phase was estimated from a phase solubility diagram. The analysis of solubility curves in the phase diagram permitted calculation of stability constants of the inclusion complexes formed. Photochemical stability of 1.4-dihydropyridine derivatives obeyed the 1 order kinetic equation. The photodegradation of NM, NR and NC was found to be a single stage reaction. The photodegradation of NS occurred in two stages. In the inclusion complexes the photosensitivity of all studied DHP derivatives decreases. The complexation with beta-CD improved their photostability by 5-10 times. The greatest decrease in the photodegradation rate was observed for the most photosensitive compound NS whose photostability increased 100 times when in inclusion complex with beta-CD.

Stereoselectivity in cardiovascular and biochemical action of calcium antagonists: studies with the enantiomers of the dihydropyridine nitrendipine

OBJECTIVES

The cardiovascular and biochemical effects of R- and S-nitrendipine were studied in six healthy subjects in a single-blind placebo-controlled study.

METHODS

After received oral doses of placebo, 20 mg R-, 80 mg R- (n = 5), 20 mg S-, and 20 mg racemic nitrendipine, heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, leg blood flow, peripheral vascular resistance, plasma renin activity, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and aldosterone plasma levels were measured before and up to 3 hours after administration.

RESULTS

Neither placebo nor 20 or 80 mg R-nitrendipine caused significant changes of cardiovascular and biochemical parameters. After 20 mg S-nitrendipine and 20 mg racemic nitrendipine, significant changes in diastolic blood pressure (-9.1/-7.4 mm Hg), heart rate (+21.9/+17.3 beats/min), leg blood flow (+6.8 ml.min-1.gm tissue-1), peripheral vascular resistance (-16.9 mm Hg.min.gm tissue.ml-1), norepinephrine (+476/+281 ng.L-1), and plasma renin activity (+9.5/+3.6 ng.ml-1.hr-1) were observed. The changes in cardiovascular and biochemical parameters were closely related to the serum S-nitrendipine concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that, after administration of the racemate, the S-enantiomer is responsible for the cardiovascular and biochemical effects observed and that S-nitrendipine is at least an order of magnitude more potent than the R-enantiomer.