Increased dissolution and physical stability of micronized nifedipine particles encapsulated with a biocompatible polymer and surfactants in a wet ball milling process.

Suspensions of nifedipine, a practically water-insoluble drug, were prepared in the presence of a biocompatible polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, K value 17), and three surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, anionic), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CETAB, cationic), polysorbate 80 (Tween 80, nonionic), by wet milling in ceramic ball mills. Nifedipine powders encapsulated with PVP and the surfactants were recovered from the suspensions after milling and evaluated for changes in particle size, morphology, sedimentation rate in aqueous suspensions, crystal form, and dissolution. Particle size analysis indicated that milling of suspensions in solutions of PVP and surfactants is an efficient method for reducing the particle size of nifedipine to below 10 microm. Furthermore, DSC and XPS analysis indicated that during milling the nifedipine crystals were coated with the PVP or surfactants and that milling with PVP stabilized the nifedipine crystal form during milling while nifedipine was gradually amorphisized when milled in a quaternary nifedipine/PVP/SLS/CETAB system. The decrease in particle size caused a significant decrease in sedimentation rate and increased the dissolution rate of nifedipine in simulated gastric fluid when compared to milled nifedipine and powder mixtures of the drug and the excipients.

Comparison of high sensitivity micro differential scanning calorimetry with X-ray powder diffractometry and FTIR spectroscopy for the characterization of pharmaceutically relevant non-crystalline materials.

In this study, high sensitivity micro differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) in the scanning of dynamic mode was compared to X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD) for quantifying amorphous nifedipine in mixtures crystalline nifedipine. This technique was also compared with FTIR for quantifying polymorph A of chloramphenicol palmitate (CAP) and poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) in pharmaceutical formulations. The limit of determination (LOD) achieved by MDSC were 0.06% compared to 5% for XRPD quantification of amorphous nifedipine and 0.02% compared to 7% for IR quanitfication of polymorph A of CAP. As little as 0.165 mg PLGA could be measured in excipients mixtures. Desirable linearity and repeatability were established in all cases.

Correlation between in vitro release from topical delivery vehicles and microbicidal activity of triclosan.

This study reports the formulation, stability, in vitro release and microbicidal activity of a cream, emulsion, foot gel, cover stick and after sun spray containing triclosan. Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent with activity against a wide range of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria that has found increasing popular use in personal care products. These products were stable for up to 3 months when stored at 5, 25, and 40 degrees C. Antimicrobial zone inhibition tests showed that that was a liner relationship, R2 > 0.92, between the release of triclosan from these products and the size of the inhibition zones. This means the in vitro/in vivo correlation for these products was good and that release studies can be used to predict the antimicrobial activity of triclosan.

Effect of processing variables on the release and particulate properties of sustained release amoxicillin microcapsules prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation.

This study reports the preparation of amoxicillin microcapsules by an emulsion solvent evaporation process. In particular the effect of processing variables including the dimension and position of stirring paddle and container; volume of continuous phase versus dispersion phase; stirring speed and encapsulation temperature on the release and particulate properties of the amoxicillin microcapsules were determined. When the diameter of the paddle was half of that of the container and the clearance between the paddle and the bottom of the vessel was 1/4 of the total volume in the vessel, almost no material stuck to the inside wall of the beaker and uniform microcapsules were prepared. Very uniform, round microcapsules were also prepared with a high yield when V(acetone): V(light mineral oil) = 1 : 3 and 1 : 5 because these systems ensured the formation of uniform emulsions. Physical evaluation of the microcapsules also showed that optimum drug release was achieved when the microcapsules were round, did not aggregate, were protected from the burst effect, the stirring speed for preparation was between 600-800 rpm and evaporation temperature was 25 degrees C. Microcapsules prepared using these ideal conditions achieved constant amoxicillin release for up to 12 h.

Compatibility of sennoside A and B with pharmaceutical excipients.

This study reports the incompatibility of sennoside A and B with the following commonly used pharmaceutical excipients: stearic acid, sodium carbonate, glucose, lactose, propyl paraben, sodium carbonate, stearic acid, citric acid, PEG, and sorbitol. Drug-excipient compatibility was tested using thermal (DSC) and analytical (HPLC) methods of analysis. Compatibility evaluation showed that dry powder mixtures could be used to formulate sennoside A and B products. However, when mixed with water--propyl paraben, sodium carbonate, stearic acid, citric acid, PEG, and sugar derivatives such as lactose, glucose and sorbitol--should not be used in sennoside containing products.

Physical transformation of niclosamide solvates in pharmaceutical suspensions determined by DSC and TG analysis.

This study reports the preparation of four niclosamide solvates and the determination of the stability of the crystal forms in different suspension vehicles by DSC and TG analysis. Thermal analysis showed that the niclosamide solvates were extremely unstable in a PVP-vehicle and rapidly changed to monohydrated crystals. A suspension in propylene glycol was more stable and TG analysis showed that crystal transformation was less rapid. In this vehicle, the crystals transformed to the anhydrate, rather than the monohydrate, since the vehicle was non-aqueous. The TEG-hemisolvate was the most stable in suspension and offered the best possibility of commercial exploitation.

Developing a discriminating dissolution test for three mebendazole polymorphs based on solubility differences.

Mebendazole, a broad spectrum anthelmintic drug, is practically insoluble in water and exists in three polymorphic forms, A, B, and C, of which C is pharmaceutically favoured. Since the dissolution of drugs from solid oral dosage forms can depend on the crystal form of the drug an attempt should be made while developing dissolution tests to set test parameters that are sensitive to changes in the crystal form. USP 24 describes 0.1 M hydrochloric acid containing 1.0% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) as the dissolution medium for mebendazole tablets. Results showed that the high concentration of sodium lauryl sulphate in the USP dissolution medium does not allow the use of this test to distinguish between the solubility differences of the three mebendazole polymorphs. By decreasing the amount of sodium lauryl sulphate in the dissolution medium clear differences in the dissolution rates of the three forms were observed. The most discriminating medium was 0.1 M HCl, containing no sodium lauryl sulphate.

Characterization of the solubility and dissolution properties of several new rifampicin polymorphs, solvates, and hydrates.

Based on reports that tuberculosis is on the increase, this investigation into the physicochemical properties of rifampicin when recrystallized from various solvent systems was undertaken. Rifampicin is an essential component of the currently recommended regimen for treating tuberculosis, although relatively little is known about its solubility and dissolution behavior in relation to its solid-state properties. A rifampicin monohydrate, a rifampicin dihydrate, two amorphous forms, a 1:1 rifampicin:acetone solvate, and a 1:2 rifampicin:2-pyrrolidone solvate were isolated and characterized using spectral, thermal, and solubility measurements. The crystal forms were relatively unstable because except for the 2-pyrrolidone solvate, all the hydrated or solvated materials changed to amorphous forms after desolvation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the favorable three-dimensional organization of the pharmacophore to ensure antibacterial activity in all the crystal forms except the 2-pyrrolidone solvate. In the 2-pyrrolidone solvate, the strong IR signals of 2-pyrrolidone interfered with the vibrations of the ansa group. The 2-pyrrolidone solvate was the most soluble in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. This solvate also had the highest solubility (1.58 mg/ml) and the fastest dissolution in water. In 0.1 M HCl, the dihydrate dissolved the quickest. A X-ray amorphous form (amorph II) was the least soluble and had the slowest dissolution rate because the powder was poorly wettable and very electrostatic.

Structure-solubility relationship and thermal decomposition of furosemide.

Furosemide, a high ceiling diuretic, decomposes on heating and is very sparingly soluble in water. The aim of this study was to identify the thermal decomposition product(s) of furosemide and to calculate the activation energy needed for this reaction. This was done to gain a better understanding of the unusually low water solubility of this drug. The main thermal decomposition product was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and infrared (IR) analysis as 4-chloro-5-sulfamoylanthranilic acid (saluamine), and the activation energy, calculated from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements, for this reaction was 47.7 (+/- 1.93) kcal/mol. The experimentally measured activation energy was well below the normal 59 +/- 4 kcal/mol needed for the cleavage of the C-N bond to form saluamine. This could possibly be explained by the weakening of the C-N bond through the I-effect of the furane ring and the delocalization of the electrons of the aniline nitrogen in the chlorosulfamoyl benzoic acid entity of furosemide. This decomposition of furosemide indicates the breaking of intramolecular bonds before those of intermolecular bonds (separation of individual furosemide molecules). Strong inter- and intramolecular bonds are a probable cause for the poor water solubility of furosemide because, when some of the inter- and intramolecular bonds that form part of the hydrogen bond network disappeared, as in the structurally related decomposition product saluamine, the aqueous solubility increased.

Dissolution properties of piroxicam powders and capsules as a function of particle size and the agglomeration of powders.

The poor dissolution characteristics of relatively insoluble drugs have long been a problem to the pharmaceutical industry. An example is piroxicam, a highly potent anti-inflammatory agent. In many countries, a large number of generic piroxicam products are available to the prescriber. The aim of this study was to investigate the cause of the dissolution problems experienced by manufacturers of generic piroxicam capsules. Two raw material batches and the dissolution properties of several piroxicam capsules were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) results showed that the two raw material samples were identical with respect to polymorphic modification. The particles of powder 1 were smaller than those of powder 2, but the dissolution of powder 1 was much slower than that of powder 2. The dissolution results for the capsules showed a marked difference among different brands, with capsule C not meeting the USP tolerance. Adding surfactant to the dissolution medium increased the dissolution of both powder 1 and capsule C. Failure of powder 1 or capsule C to meet USP dissolution criteria could result in differences in product efficacy, as well as in potential side effects. Such observations should be taken into account along with other relevant considerations when decisions regarding the generic substitution of oral piroxicam products are made.

Characterization of zopiclone crystal forms found among generic raw materials.

This paper deals with the occurrence of polymorphs and pseudopolymorphs and their effect on the solid-state properties of zopiclone, a poorly water soluble nondiazepine sedative and hypnotic drug. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analysis, dissolution studies, and solubility determinations were used to characterize the zopiclone raw materials. An anhydrated form, a dihydrated form, and a mixture of these two crystal forms were found and characterized among the zopiclone powders.

Comparing HPLC and UV spectrophotometric analysis methods for determining the stability of sorbic acid in nonionic creams containing lactic acid.

This paper describes a comparison between ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods of analysis for the determination of sorbic acid in nonionic creams containing lactic acid. Sorbic acid is an antimycotic agent and is used as a preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. UV spectrophotometric analysis was done by calculating the concentration of remaining sorbic acid from the absorbance values and the molar extinction coefficient EM258 = 24,080. A decrease in absorbance at 258 nm was accompanied by a simultaneous increase in total carbonyls and monoaldehyde content and the appearance of a very weak absorption maximum between 215 and 225 nm. HPLC analysis was done with a Hypersil BDS C8 column with detection at 254 nm and employing a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of buffer and methanol (7:3 v/v) at a pH of 2.25. The buffer consisted of 0.85% H2SO4 in 17.5 mM KH2PO4. The validation results, together with statistical treatment of the data, demonstrated the reliability of both procedures. A drawback of the UV methods was, however, its lack of adequate measurement of sorbic acid stability at higher temperatures. For these assays, the HPLC method was found to be adequate, and it should therefore be used to obtain accurate stability data for sorbic acid in creams.

Solubility and dissolution properties of generic rifampicin raw materials.

Rifampicin shows polymorphism; therefore, it is necessary to select a suitable crystal form at an early stage of development to ensure optimum solubility and dissolution rates. This study was an investigation into the crystal properties of several rifampicin raw materials currently being used by manufacturers of generic rifampicin raw materials in South Africa. Powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The solubility in water and dissolution properties in water, buffer pH 7.4 and 0.1 M HCl, were also measured. The main difference between the powders was the amorphous content. XRD, IR, and DSC methods could detect the presence of amorphous rifampicin. In contrast to expectations, an increase in amorphous content significantly reduced the dissolution rate of the powders in water and buffer pH 7.4. This behavior was attributed to the electrostatic properties of the very fine particles in the amorphous powders. The results of this study showed that the physical properties of rifampicin raw materials varied not only among manufacturers, but also among batches from the same manufacturer.

Physicochemical Stability of Compounded Creams Containing a-Hydroxy Acids.

The stability of creams containing the a-hydroxy acids (AHAs), lactic acid and glycolic acid, extemporaneously added to aqueous cream, BP or hydrophilic oinment, USP and subjected to five freeze-thaw cycles ranging form -4 to 40 deg C was studied. The pH, viscosity, spreadability, density, appearance and potency were measured after each freeze-thaw cycle. Compounding with hydrophilic ointment, USP produced the most stable creams; but the addition of the AHAs caused a significant decrease in preservative levels. The preservatives methylparaben and propylparaben were not hydrolyzed in the hydrophilic creams if the AHA ws partially neutralized to pH above 3.5.

The effect of polymorphism on powder compaction and dissolution properties of chemically equivalent oxytetracycline hydrochloride powders.

In South Africa, oxytetracycline is identified as an essential drug; many generic products are on the market, and many more are being developed. In this study, six oxytetracycline hydrochloride powders were obtained randomly from manufacturers, and suppliers were compared. It was found that compliance to a pharmacopoeial monograph was insufficient to ensure the optimum dissolution performance of a simple tablet formulation. Comparative physicochemical raw material analysis showed no major differences with regard to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, powder dissolution, and particle size. However, the samples could be divided into two distinct types with respect to X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and thus polymorphism. The two polymorphic forms had different dissolution properties in water or 0.1 N hydrochloride acid. This difference became substantial when the dissolution from tablets was compared. The powders containing form A were less soluble than that containing form B.

The dissolution and complexing properties of ibuprofen and ketoprofen when mixed with N-methylglucamine.

The objectives of this study were to improve the aqueous dissolution properties of the poorly soluble nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and ketoprofen and to explore the use of N-methylglucamine (meglumine) to enhance the dissolution properties of poorly water-soluble drug powders. Changes in both differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) results indicate that possibly complexes were produced between ibuprofen and N-methylglucamine. Similar changes were not observed for equivalent ketoprofen and N-methylglucamine mixtures. The results of solubility and dissolution studies in water at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C showed that N-methylglucamine, in mixtures and coprecipitates, increased the solubility, intrinsic dissolution, and powder dissolution of ketoprofen and ibuprofen. N-Methylglucamine significantly improved the solubility and dissolution properties of both ibuprofen and ketoprofen even when DSC and XRD behavior did not indicate the formation of complexes.

Preformulation stability screening of ivermectin with non-ionic emulsion excipients.

As an important and complementary step during a preformulation study differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to determine the compatibility between ivermectin and commonly used excipients for preparing non-ionic emulsions. Ivermectin was found to exhibit interactions with 21 excipients, while it was compatible with 25 excipients. HPLC showed a significant decrease in drug amount +20%, when substances interacted with invermectin.