Development and Evaluation of Vaginal Suppository Containing Althaea officinalis L. Polysaccharide Extract

Abstract Intrauterine adhesions cause several gynecological problems. Althaea officinalis L. roots known as marshmallows contain polysaccharides (M.P.) which possess anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities also can form a bio-adhesive layer on damaged epithelial membranes prompting healing processes. Vaginal formulations of herbal origin are commonly applied to relieve cervico-uterine inflammation. Herein, we aim to develop and evaluate vaginal suppositories containing polysaccharides isolated from the A. officinalis root. Six formulations (four P.E.G.-based and two lipid-based suppositories containing 25% and 50% M.P.) met standard requirements, which were then subjected to qualitative and quantitative evaluation. All suppositories exhibited acceptable weights, hardness, content uniformity, melting point, and disintegration time, which fall within the acceptable recommended limits. Higher concentrations of M.P. in PEG-bases moderately increased the hardness (p<0.05). PEG-formulations showed content uniformity>90% of the average content while it was 75-83% for suppocire formulations. All formulations disintegrated in<30minutes. In-vitro release test revealed that M.P. release from 25%-MP formulations was higher than that of 50%-M.P. suppositories. Overall, results revealed the feasibility of preparing P.E.G.-or lipid-based suppositories containing M.P., which met the B.P. quality requirement

Separation and determination of impurities in paracetamol, codeine and pitophenone in the presence of fenpiverinium in combined suppository dosage form.

A new HPLC method for separation and determination of impurities in paracetamol, codeine phosphate hemihydrate and pitophenone hydrochloride in the presence of fenpiverinium bromide in combined suppository dosage form was developed and validated. The separation of paracetamol and its impurities 4-aminophenol, 4-nitrophenol, 4-chloracetanilid; codeine and its impurities methylcodeine, morphine, codeine dimer and 10-hydroxycodeine; pitophenone and its impurities 2-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]benzoyl] benzoic acid, 2-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]benzoyl]benzoic acid 2-(1-piperidinyl)-ethyl ester, methyl ester of 2-(4-hydroxybenzoyl) benzoic acid and fenpiverinium was achieved by using ion-pair reversed phase liquid chromatography with UV detection. Validation parameters such as the precision, accuracy, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and robustness were verified for all the mentioned impurities of codeine phosphate hemihydrate and 4-aminophenol and 2-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]benzoyl] benzoic acid as the main degradation products of paracetamol and pitophenone hydrochloride, respectively. The described method was found to be useful for analysis of the stability samples and therefore suitable for routine purity testing of the drug product.

Solid dispersion in pharmaceutical technology. Part II. The methods of analysis of solid dispersions and examples of their application.

In the first part of the article solid dispersions were classified the properties and methods of their preparation were described. This section presents methods of analysis of solid dispersions i.e.: thermoanalytical methods, XRPD, FTIR, microscopic methods, dissolution studies and examples of drug forms where solid dispersions were used.

Validación de métodos analíticos para los estudios de estabilidad del naproxeno en supositorios para uso infantil y adulto / Validation of analytical methods for the stability studies of naproxen suppositories for infant and adult use

En el presente trabajo se realizaron los estudios analíticos y de validación para su aplicación en los estudios de estabilidad de las futuras formulaciones de supositorios de naproxeno para uso infantil y adulto. Se determinaron los factores que más influyeron en la estabilidad del naproxeno; la mayor degradación ocurrió en el medio ácido, oxidante y por acción de la luz. Se evaluó un método por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución, el cual mostró adecuado desempeño para cuantificar naproxeno en supositorios y fue selectivo frente a los productos de degradación. Se obtuvo un límite de cuantificación de 3,480 µg, por lo que fue válido para la realización de dichos estudios. Adicionalmente, se evaluaron los parámetros especificidad para estabilidad, límites de detección y de cuantificación para el método por volumetría ácido-base semiacuosa directa validado anteriormente para control de calidad, lo cual mostró resultados satisfactorios. No obstante, los métodos volumétricos no se consideran indicadores de estabilidad, por lo que este método será utilizado conjuntamente con los métodos cromatográficos de elección para determinar productos de degradación: cromatografía de capa delgada y cromatografía líquida de alta resolución(AU)

Analytical and validating studies were performed in this paper, with a view to using them in the stability studies of the future formulations of naproxen suppositories for children and adults. The most influential factors in the naproxen stability were determined, that is, the major degradation occurred in acid medium, oxidative medium and by light action. One high-performance liquid chromatography-based method was evaluated, which proved to be adequate to quantify naproxen in suppositories and was selective against degradation products. The quantification limit was 3,480 µg, so it was valid for these studies. Additionally, the parameters specificity for stability, detection and quantification limits were evaluated for the direct semi-aqueous acid-base method, which was formerly validated for the quality control and showed satisfactory results. Nevertheless, the volumetric methods were not regarded as stability indicators; therefore, this method will be used along with the chromatographic methods of choice, that is, thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, to determine the degradation products(AU)

Validación de métodos analíticos para los estudios de estabilidad del naproxeno en supositorios para uso infantil y adulto / Validation of analytical methods for the stability studies of naproxen suppositories for infant and adult use

En el presente trabajo se realizaron los estudios analíticos y de validación para su aplicación en los estudios de estabilidad de las futuras formulaciones de supositorios de naproxeno para uso infantil y adulto. Se determinaron los factores que más influyeron en la estabilidad del naproxeno; la mayor degradación ocurrió en el medio ácido, oxidante y por acción de la luz. Se evaluó un método por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución, el cual mostró adecuado desempeño para cuantificar naproxeno en supositorios y fue selectivo frente a los productos de degradación. Se obtuvo un límite de cuantificación de 3,480 µg, por lo que fue válido para la realización de dichos estudios. Adicionalmente, se evaluaron los parámetros especificidad para estabilidad, límites de detección y de cuantificación para el método por volumetría ácido-base semiacuosa directa validado anteriormente para control de calidad, lo cual mostró resultados satisfactorios. No obstante, los métodos volumétricos no se consideran indicadores de estabilidad, por lo que este método será utilizado conjuntamente con los métodos cromatográficos de elección para determinar productos de degradación: cromatografía de capa delgada y cromatografía líquida de alta resolución

Analytical and validating studies were performed in this paper, with a view to using them in the stability studies of the future formulations of naproxen suppositories for children and adults. The most influential factors in the naproxen stability were determined, that is, the major degradation occurred in acid medium, oxidative medium and by light action. One high-performance liquid chromatography-based method was evaluated, which proved to be adequate to quantify naproxen in suppositories and was selective against degradation products. The quantification limit was 3,480 µg, so it was valid for these studies. Additionally, the parameters specificity for stability, detection and quantification limits were evaluated for the direct semi-aqueous acid-base method, which was formerly validated for the quality control and showed satisfactory results. Nevertheless, the volumetric methods were not regarded as stability indicators; therefore, this method will be used along with the chromatographic methods of choice, that is, thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, to determine the degradation products

Optimization and validation of an RP-HPLC method for analysis of hydrocortisone acetate and lidocaine in suppositories.

An RP-HPLC method has been optimized and validated for the simultaneous determination of hydrocortisone acetate and of lidocaine in suppositories. For the method optimization, response surface methodology was applied, and the obtained model was tested using analysis of variance. The optimal separations were conducted on a Beckman-Coulter 150 x 4.6 mm, 5 microm particle-size column at 20 degrees C. The mobile phase was methanol-water (65 + 35, v/v), pH adjusted to 2.5 with 85% orthophosphoric acid, with a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. UV detection was performed at 250 nm. Phenobarbital was used as an internal standard. The method was validated for selectivity, linearity, precision, and robustness.

Optimisation and validation of a rapid and efficient microemulsion liquid chromatographic (MELC) method for the determination of paracetamol (acetaminophen) content in a suppository formulation.

A rapid and efficient oil-in-water microemulsion liquid chromatographic method has been optimised and validated for the analysis of paracetamol in a suppository formulation. Excellent linearity, accuracy, precision and assay results were obtained. Lengthy sample pre-treatment/extraction procedures were eliminated due to the solubilising power of the microemulsion and rapid analysis times were achieved. The method was optimised to achieve rapid analysis time and relatively high peak efficiencies. A standard microemulsion composition of 33 g SDS, 66 g butan-1-ol, 8 g n-octane in 1l of 0.05% TFA modified with acetonitrile has been shown to be suitable for the rapid analysis of paracetamol in highly hydrophobic preparations under isocratic conditions. Validated assay results and overall analysis time of the optimised method was compared to British Pharmacopoeia reference methods. Sample preparation and analysis times for the MELC analysis of paracetamol in a suppository were extremely rapid compared to the reference method and similar assay results were achieved. A gradient MELC method using the same microemulsion has been optimised for the resolution of paracetamol and five of its related substances in approximately 7 min.

In vitro drug liberation and kinetics of sustained release indomethacin suppository.

The aim of this study was to formulate sustained release (SR) suppositories containing indomethacin (IND) microspheres. In the first part of the study, IND microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Ethyl cellulose was used as polymer. Shape and surface characteristics, particle size and size distribution of microspheres were determined. The effect of drug: polymer ratio and stirring rate on microsphere formation, average particle size, drug loading capacity and in vitro IND release were investigated. The highest drug loading capacity was found with 1:1 drug-polymer ratio. Stirring rate caused insignificant effect on drug loading capacity but particle size. Increase in stirring rate resulted in a decrease in particle size. In the second part, SR suppositories were formulated by incorporating IND microspheres having the highest drug loaded. The bases used were PEG mixtures (400:1500:4000) and Witepsol H15. Qualitative controls and IND assay on the suppositories were carried out. The drugs released were evaluated by in vitro dissolution tests. Comparative results of SR suppositories containing IND microspheres with that of conventional ones showed that the former has sustained effect up to 480 min in vitro. Release results were evaluated kinetically and the data was fitted (Bt)(a) kinetics.

Flow-injection spectrophotometric determination of diclofenac sodium in pharmaceuticals and urine samples.

A sensitive and fast flow-injection spectrophotometric method for the determination of diclofenac sodium based on the formation of coloured compound with Ce(IV)-3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride (MBTH) in H2SO4 3 x 10(-2) M medium is proposed. Using the peak height as a quantitative parameter diclofenac was determined at 580 nm over the range 0.20-8.0 micrograms ml-1. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of diclofenac in pharmaceuticals and urine samples.

Electrochemical reduction of metronidazole at activated glassy carbon electrode and its determination in pharmaceutical dosage forms.

A voltammetric method has been developed for the determination of metronidazole in dosage forms. The method is based on the electrochemical reduction of the drug at a glassy carbon electrode activated by applying a new pretreatment. The influence of pH, concentration, scan rate and presence of organic solvent and surfactant has been studied. The current is proportional to the concentration and permits the drug to be determined in the concentration range 2 x 10(-6)-6 x 10(-4) M in Britton-Robinson buffer (pH 10). Furthermore, results obtained by the proposed method have been compared with USP XXIII procedure which involves a HPLC method.

Identification of drugs in pharmaceutical dosage forms by X-ray powder diffractometry.

A simple X-ray powder diffractometric (XRD) method was developed for the identification of the active ingredient in a variety of dosage forms. The method was successfully used to unambiguously identify the active ingredient(s) in tablet, capsule, suppository and ointment formulations. The unique feature of the method is that it provides information about the solid-state of the drug. Thus, a capsule formulation containing anhydrous ampicillin was readily distinguished from that containing ampicillin trihydrate. The USP stipulates the use of the beta-polymorphic form of anhydrous carbamazepine in carbamazepine tablets. Contamination by the alpha-polymorph (down to a level of 1.4% w/w of the formulation) could be detected. In some of the multicomponent formulations, there was a pronounced overlap of the powder patterns of ingredients which made identification difficult. This problem was solved by using a pattern subtraction technique, which permitted selective subtraction of the XRD pattern of the constituents of the formulation from the overall XRD pattern. Such an approach enabled identification of the drug even when it constituted only 5% w/w of the formulation. The method also permitted simultaneous identification of the multiple active ingredients in trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and acetaminophen-aspirin-caffeine formulations.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of bisacodyl in pharmaceutical dosage forms marketed in Australia.

HPLC methods have been developed for the assay of bisacodyl in various pharmaceutical forms. The extraction procedures are simple and the HPLC conditions separate bisacodyl from its degradation products. The chromatography was performed using a Merck LiChrospher RP-select B column, a mobile phase of 55% acetonitrile/45% 0.05 M KH2PO4 and detection by UV at 214 nm.

Effects of two different kinds of silicium dioxide on release of drugs from suppositories: benzydamine hydrochloride.

Silica gel confirmed its function as viscosity agent for lipophylic excipients for suppositories, ensuring homogeneous drug distribution in the suppository mass. The influence on release rate of a water-soluble drug (benzydamine hydrochloride) was clearly different according to type of silica gel. With Aerosil 200 (hydrophylic), after a progressive decrease in release rate at the lowest concentrations, an increase was observed at the highest concentrations, until it reached that of the suppositories without silica gel. With Aerosil R972, release rate decreased progressively with increased silica gel concentration, until release was practically inhibited even at low concentrations.

Identificaçäo de óleos essenciais ou seus componentes isolados em produtos farmacêuticos. Parte I - Pomadas e supositórios / Identification of essential oils or isolated compounds in pharmaceutical preparations. Part I - Ointment and suppository

Oleos essenciais ou seus componentes isolados foram identificados em preparaçöes farmacêuticas semi-sólidas por cromatografia em camada delgada

Preformulation studies on suppositories by thermal methods.

The application of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is described for investigating the interaction between trimethoprim and sulfamethoxypyridazine in suppository formulations containing fat bases (Suppocire, Novata, Witepsol). The thermal behavior of suppositories at various storage times is deeply influenced by the fat base and by interaction between active ingredients. Liquefaction time and dropping temperature were also evaluated for comparison and control purposes.

[The content-uniformity of dispensary-prepared rectal suppositories]. / Untersuchungen zur Wirkstoffverteilung in rezepturmässig hergestellten Zäpfchen.

Rectal suppositories, which are dispensed according prescription in small numbers up to N = 30, do not satisfy the demands in respect of content uniformity, if we consider the last N/10 poured ones. This by sedimentation caused problem is to be solved in increasing the amount of substances by N/10, so that you will get a safety-amount of 15% totally.

Liquid chromatographic determination of miconazole nitrate in creams and suppositories.

A rapid method has been developed for the determination of miconazole nitrate in creams and suppositories. The sample is dissolved in ethanol, diluted in acetonitrile-water (1 + 1), and injected onto a C18 column. The mobile phase consists of 55% acetonitrile, a triethylammonium phosphate buffer, and an ion-pairing agent. The total run time is less than 4 min, and the active ingredient is determined using absorbance detection at 214 nm. The mean recovery of miconazole from spiked placebo samples was 99.7 +/- 0.7% for the cream samples at the 2% level and 98.8 +/- 0.3% for the suppository samples at the 4% level.