Formulation development and in vitro evaluation of fast dispersible, taste masked aceclofenac compacted pellets

The objective of this study was to develop Aceclofenac fast dispersible compacted pellets with improved taste and fast drug release. Pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization technique followed by direct compression to make compacted pellets. Formulations were comprised of sucrose, mannitol, ac-di-sol, aspartame, pine apple flavor and magnesium stearate. A mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol [1:1] was used for wet massing. The effect of acdi-sol on the drug release pattern was examined and dissolution profile comparison was established. All formulations followed First order and Weibull models and f2 values indicated dissimilarity with the marketed immediate release product. Taste of compacted pellets was evaluated by a panel of 12 human volunteers. Formulation P5 was found to be an optimized formulation due to satisfactory quality attributes

Formulation development and evaluation of diltiazem HCl sustained release matrix tablets using HPMC K4M and K100M

The aim of this study was to develop a sustained release hydrophilic matrix tablet of Diltiazem HCl and evaluates the effect of formulation variables [e.g. lubricant, binder, polymer content and viscosity grades of HPMC] on drug release. Twelve different formulations [F1-F12] were prepared by direct compression. The results of the physical parameters and assay were found to be within the acceptable range. Rate of drug release was found to be slow as the fraction of the polymer was increased from 20-50%. The drug release rate from tablets containing K4M was effectively controlled by increasing the talc concentration, whereas the burst effect was reduced by increasing binder content. The drug release was higher with K4M as compare to K100M. Model-dependent and independent methods were used for data analysis and the best results were observed for K4M in Higuchi [R[2]=0.9903-0.9962] and K100M in Baker and Lonsdale [R[2]=0.9779-0.9941]. The release mechanism of all formulations was non-Fickian. F7 [50% K4M, 2% talc, 10% Avicel PH101] and F11 [40% K100M] were very close to targeted release profile. F12 [50% K100M] exhibited highest degree of swelling and lowest erosion. The f[1] and f[2] test were performed taking F11 as a reference formulation

Irrational drug use based on self medication for some common clinical conditions in an educated population of Karachi

To assess the irrational treatment approach for some common clinical conditions by females in higher educational institutes of Karachi, Pakistan. The study was conducted in two private sector institutes for higher education in Karachi from Jan 2011-June 2011. A pretested questionnaire containing open-ended and closeended items was administered to female students and teachers. The tendency to self diagnose and self medicate [63.78%] is more than seeking appropriate medical treatment [36.21%]. The most common condition treated by self medication is Headache [96.52%] and the most common condition in which appropriate medical treatment sought, is Respiratory infection[58.70%].Self medication is also reported in fever [80%], GI infections [61.30%], menstrual pain [73.91%], allergies [72.61%], cough [71.30%], minor cuts/wounds [85%] and [54.57%] in anemia/fatigue and general weakness. Irrational drug use of OTC medicines and antibiotics commonly prevail in the educated population instigating the abuse potential and relative hazard. Effective regulation, control and pharmacovigilance in line with core intervention policies of WHO is required

Assessment of self medication in female university students of pharmacy and medicine- a prevalence study

To evaluate the tendency, incidence, relevant awareness, attitude and practice of self-medication in female students of pharmacy and medicine. Self medication is a common trait in those students who are studying medicine, pharmacy or other health sciences. Socio economic features, lifestyle status and awareness about the indications of the medicine are direct factors that affect the practice of self medication. Observational Comparative Study. The study was conducted in three universities of Karachi, two institutes of pharmacy education and one institute of medical sciences from January 2011 to September 2011. A self-developed, pre-validated questionnaire containing open-ended and close-ended items was used for data collection. 460 female students [age 20-25] enrolled for study after informed consent and knowledge of the study purpose, filled in the questionnaire anonymously. The study based on 460 student shows that self-medication prevails for the OTC medicines [76.27%] and Prescription Only medicines [51.30%]. The use of minerals and vitamins by self medication is 54.5%. The most common reason for self medication shown in 306 count is "previous knowledge of drug use". The students of medical and pharmacy practice self medication to varying degree for both the OTC and Prescription Only medications. The easy access to medications promotes such practice, where as large expense of proper health care plays a pivotal role. This tendency with peril signifies the role of an effective and well regulated pharmaceutical care system with its essential components

Correlation of BMI with age and blood pressure in medical and pharmacy female students of Karachi, Pakistan

The study is designed to assess the prevalence of abnormalities in weight and blood pressure in educated females enrolled in professional degree programs of Pharm. D and M.B.B.S. BMI score less than 18.5[underweight] is more frequently reported in students of age 20 [9.8%] and 21 [10.9%] years. Obesity is also reported more frequently in students of age 20 [0. 70%] as compared to other age group. BMI score less than 18.5 [underweight] is seen in 39.8% female students within age group [16-32], whereas 3.90% students are overweight with a BMI score of 25-29.9. Obesity is reported in 2% students. There is no significant correlation between BMI and age within the age bracket 16-32 [p = 0.168]. Although most of the students were normotensive, low systolic B.P was reported in 31.73% and low diastolic B.P was noted in 26.73 students. Prehypertension was assessed in few students [systolic 19.3% / diastolic 10.8%]. Low blood pressure associated with BMI abnormalities are predisposing risk factors assessed in female students of child bearing age