Formulation and Evaluation of Polysaccharide Microparticles for the Controlled Release of Propranolol Hydrochloride.

Propranolol hydrochloride, a non-cardio-selective beta blocker, is used to treat several conditions in children, including hypertension, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, hemangiomas, etc. Commercial liquid formulations are available in Europe and the US, but they have disadvantages, such as limited stability, bitter taste, and the need for multiple daily doses due to the drug's short half-life. Considering these limitations, controlled-release solid formulations, such as microparticles, may offer a better solution for pediatric administration. The main objective of this study was to formulate an encapsulation system for propranolol hydrochloride, based on sodium alginate and other polysaccharide polymers, to control and prolong its release. Microparticles were prepared using the ionotropic gelation method, which involves instilling a polymer solution into a solution of gelling ions via the extrusion technique. Physicochemical characterization was conducted by assessing the entrapment efficiency, drug loading, swelling index, microparticle size, rheological properties, and surface tension. In order to improve the characteristics of the tested microparticles, selected formulations were coated with chitosan. Further experimental work included differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, and SEM imaging. This in vitro release study showed that chitosan-coated microparticles demonstrate favorable properties, suggesting a novel approach to formulating pediatric dosage forms, although further optimization is necessary.

Synergism of polysaccharide polymers in antihistamine eye drops: Influence on physicochemical properties and in vivo efficacy.

The incorporation of polymers into drug delivery vehicles has been shown to be a useful approach to prolong the residence time of drugs in the precorneal tear film and to improve penetration into biological membranes. The main objective of this research was to formulate novel viscous eye drops with ketotifen as the active ingredient, containing the polysaccharides: chitosan (MCH), hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG) and hyaluronic acid (SH) alone and in combination as functional polymers. DSC and FT-IR techniques showed the compatibility between ketotifen and polymers. Physicochemical and rheological analysis at ambient and simulated physiological conditions, as well as the evaluation of mucoadhesive properties showed that vehicles containing combinations of polymers have suitable physicochemical and functional properties with demonstrated synergism between combined polymers (MCH and HPG i.e. SH and HPG). The drug permeability was successfully estimated in vitro using HCE-T cell-based models. MTT cytotoxicity assay demonstrates that the tested formulations were non-toxic and well tolerated. In vivo preclinical study on mice revealed that both vehicles containing mixed polymers enhanced and prolonged the antipruritic/analgesic-like effect of ophthalmic ketotifen. Based on these results, both combinations of polysaccharide polymers, especially SH-HPG, could be considered as potential new carriers for ketotifen for ophthalmic use.

Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Covid-19 Vaccination among Medical and Non-medical Students in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate students' knowledge, attitudes and hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among a total of 1282 medical students and 509 non-medical students at four public universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Tuzla, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar. RESULTS: A significantly higher rate of vaccination was observed in the group of medical students as well as a higher level of knowledge about vaccination in general and vaccines against the COVID-19 disease. Students who received the COVID-19 vaccine had a higher level of knowledge about vaccination in general and COVID-19 vaccines in particular compared to the non-vaccinated students in the medical and non-medical groups, respectively. Furthermore, vaccinated students, regardless of the course they are taking, showed generally stronger positive attitudes compared to non-vaccinated students, regarding the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. Both groups of students believe that the rapid development of the vaccine is contributing to refusal or hesitancy to receive a vaccine against COVID-19. Social media/networks were the main sources of information about the COVID-19 vaccine. We did not find any contribution of social media to the reduced level of COVID-19 vaccine coverage. CONCLUSION: Education of students about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine will lead to its better acceptance as well as the development of more positive attitudes towards vaccination in general, especially having in mind that students are the future population of parents, who will make decisions about vaccinating their children.

Biopolymers in Mucoadhesive Eye Drops for Treatment of Dry Eye and Allergic Conditions: Application and Perspectives.

Dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis are the most common inflammatory disorders of the eye surface. Although eye drops are the most usual prescribed dosage form, they are characterized by low ocular availability due to numerous barrier mechanisms of the eye. The use of biopolymers in liquid ophthalmic preparations has numerous advantages, such as increasing the viscosity of the tear film, exhibiting bioadhesive properties, and resisting the drainage system, leading to prolonged retention of the preparation at the site of application, and improvement of the therapeutic effect. Some mucoadhesive polymers are multifunctional excipients, so they act by different mechanisms on increasing the permeability of the cornea. Additionally, many hydrophilic biopolymers can also represent the active substances in artificial tear preparations, due to their lubrication and moisturizing effect. With the modification of conventional ophthalmic preparations, there is a need for development of new methods for their characterization. Numerous methods for the assessment of mucoadhesiveness have been suggested by the literature. This review gives an overview related to the development of mucoadhesive liquid ophthalmic formulations for the treatment of dry eye and allergic conditions.

Interchangeability of medications and biopharmaceutical implication of taking drugs with fluids other than water: ibuprofen case study

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the dissolution properties of ibuprofen solid oral dosage forms commercially available in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to estimate the influence of dissolution medium composition on the drug release. Eight products (A-H) were subjected to in vitro dissolution test using experimental conditions described in USP42-NF37. Dissolution properties of one selected product were examined in the presence of alcohol (22.2% v/v) and fruit juice (22.2% v/v). Products marked B-H complied with the pharmacopeial criteria. Dissolution profile of product B was similar with dissolution profiles of products D, E, F and G and similarity was also found between products A-D, C-G, D-G and E-F. Drug release from most of the examined preparations fitted best to the Weibull kinetic model. In the presence of alcohol in the medium, higher amount of ibuprofen was dissolved. Contrary, ibuprofen dissolved in the presence of fruit juice was significantly lower. Differences in the dissolution profiles of investigated preparations suggest that their interchangeability should be additionally considered and demonstrated with in vivo bioequivalence studies. Presence of different substances in the medium can affect dissolution properties of ibuprofen, emphasizing the importance of the patient's compliance.