Influence of pH and phospholipid species on release of acetaminophen from tablets containing phospholipids.

The release of acetaminophen (AAP) from tablets containing phospholipids was examined using hydrogenated soybean phospholipid (HSL) and its main components, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), although the PI was not well purified (PI rich). Tablets compressed with 400 kgf had about 9% porosity and 2-4 kgf hardness. The release patterns of AAP from the tablets were fitted to Higuchi's square root of time law. The release rate was influenced by the pH of the medium, though solubility of AAP did not change with pH. PC tablets showed faster release at pH of less than 3 than that at pH of above 3, whereas PI rich and HSL tablets showed faster release at pH of above 3 than that at pH of less than 3. The release rate from PE tablets was little affected by pH. A linear relationship exists between the release rate of AAP and the rate of water absorption by the tablet. The ionization state of the phospholipids changes with the pH of the medium, and affects the hydration characteristics. The fully ionized state, at pH of less than 3 in the case of PC and above 3 in the case of PI is most effective on hydration. PE does not fully ionize because of intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

Enhancement of erythropoiesis by recombinant human erythropoietin in low birth weight infants: a pilot study.

We randomly assigned eight concurrently symptom-free premature infants (birth weight less than or equal to 1250 gm) at high risk of requiring erythrocyte transfusions for anemia of prematurity to 6 weeks of intensive treatment with either subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO group) or a placebo (control group). Treatment with r-HuEPO was initiated at a dose of 100 units/kg per day 5 days a week, and was increased to 200 units/kg per day after 2 or 3 weeks if target reticulocyte counts were not achieved. All patients were given supplemental oral iron therapy at a dose of 6 mg/kg per day, as tolerated. Mean reticulocyte counts in r-HuEPO-treated and control infants were 64,600 versus 67,500 cells/mm3 at entry; were 245,600 versus 78,000 cells/mm3 after 1 week; and averaged 262,600 versus 136,400 cells/mm3 during the study. Mean reticulocyte counts in r-HuEPO-treated infants were 251,200 cells/mm3 during the week when r-HuEPO, 100 units/kg per day, was given, and were 269,500 cells/mm3 after the dose was increased to 200 units/kg per day. Mean hematocrit values at entry were 33.4% in babies who received r-HuEPO versus 33.6% in the control subjects, and were 31.4% in r-HuEPO-treated and 25.2% in the control subjects at the end of treatment. One r-HuEPO-treated and three control babies received transfusions during the study; the total volume of blood given was 17 ml in the r-HuEPO group and 101 ml in the control subjects. The percentage of hemoglobin F increased in infants not given transfusions. We conclude that r-HuEPO stimulates endogenous erythropoiesis in small premature babies who are receiving supplemental oral iron therapy. A controlled multicenter trial has been undertaken to confirm these promising preliminary observations.