ABSTRACT
Preliminary studies were undertaken on poloxamers to investigate their suitability for liquid-fill formulations for hard gelatin capsules. Poloxamers with viscosity in the range (0.32-2.8 Pa s) and melting point 48-58 degrees C were used as the continuous phase, with alpha-lactose monohydrate of negligible solubility in the molten poloxamers, as a model insoluble disperse phase. Physicochemical characterization by rheology, melt solidification and moisture uptake indicated that poloxamers were suitable excipients for liquid-filling in hard gelatin capsules. 10% w/w lactose/poloxamer dispersions were thixotropic and shear thinning and exhibited good capsule-filling properties, disperse-phase uniformity and satisfactory apparent viscosity at 70 degrees C.
Subject(s)
Capsules , Poloxamer/chemistry , Technology, Pharmaceutical , Drug Stability , Excipients , Gelatin , Particle Size , Viscosity , Water/analysisABSTRACT
Lactose/poloxamer dispersions were prepared by mixing under vacuum to achieve a de-aerated mix with good capsule filling properties and disperse phase uniformity at 70 degrees C. Satisfactory capsule filling of molten dispersions was achieved up to a limiting concentration of disperse phase, dependent on particle size distribution and continuous phase viscosity. Lactose/poloxamer dispersions exhibited thixotropic shear thinning behaviour with an abrupt increase in apparent viscosity above a limiting concentration of disperse phase. There was a good correlation between satisfactory filling of molten dispersions into capsules and apparent viscosity of the formulation, whereas, the pronounced increase in apparent viscosity resulted in unsatisfactory filling above a critical concentration of disperse phase. The rheological data was analysed in detail using empirical models and also used to identify capsule filling problems at extrudate shear rates for flow from hopper to pump (12 s(-1)) and from nozzle to capsule (340 s(-1)).
Subject(s)
Drug Compounding , Gelatin/chemistry , Lactose/chemistry , Poloxamer/chemistry , Capsules , Drug Compounding/instrumentation , Drug Compounding/methods , Rheology , ViscosityABSTRACT
A candidate optical technology for characterisation of the value and quality of the drug dose delivered to a patient from an inhaler is examined. The theoretical reasoning behind the design of this technology is presented with reference to the optical scattering of the drug cloud. A technical implementation is presented; based upon the light obscuration signature, observed in the delivery path during drug delivery. Dose evaluation studies are reported, performed on different types of drug formulations using regulatory testing procedures and the proposed optical sensing system. Further applications of this technology are discussed in relation to the identification and evaluation of inhaler-drug formulation combinations, which are most suitable for particular patients.
