Development of an In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation for Sitagliptin and Metformin Prolonged-release Tablet Formulations

Objectives: The objective of this study was to establish and validate an in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC). To investigate the safety of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) versus the reference formulations (Januvia® 100 mg Filmtabletten co-administered with Glucophage® SR 1000 mg prolonged-release tablets), a bioequivalence study was conducted in the fasted and fed states, and the data generated were used to establish the correlation. Materials and Methods: The formulations used in the bioequivalence study were a FDC (sitagliptin hydrochloride equivalent to 100 mg of sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg prolonged release) and Januvia® 100 mg co-administered with Glucophage® SR 1000 mg. The plasma profiles from the bioequivalence study and respective dissolution data were then utilized to establish "level A" IVIVC. The procedure comprises pharmacokinetic modeling to derive the empirical constants for further use in deconvolution and convolution procedures. Levy plots were constructed to understand the relationship between in vitro and in vivo properties. The internal and external predictabilities were evaluated by comparing the predicted pharmacokinetics with the observed values from the bioequivalence study. Results: The formulations showed approximately 91%-95% and 89%-91% dissolution, respectively in fasted and fed-state dissolution media for sitagliptin. The dissolution of metformin was 96%-98% and 89%-95%, respectively, in fasted and fed-state media. The regression coefficients of all the Levy plots were more than 0.900, indicating a linear correlation between in vitro release and in vivo parameters. The prediction error value of internal and external predictabilities was below 10 and met the US Food and Drug Administration criteria. Therefore, it can be stated that the correlation models are validated and can be used for predictions and to setting the dissolution specifications. The safety and tolerability of the FDC was found to be superior to those of the reference formulations, as fewer adverse events occurred following administration of the FDC. Conclusion: Correlation models can be useful for the prediction of FDCs during the management life cycle of the product. The models can also serve as a surrogate for in vivo studies. The FDC was tolerable, and the adverse events were mild and similar to those observed with the reference products. Therefore, the FDC is safe for use in human subjects.

Development and Optimization of a Novel Prolonged Release Formulation to Resist Alcohol-Induced Dose Dumping.

Alcohol-induced dose dumping is a serious concern for the orally administered prolonged release dosage forms. The study was designed to optimize the independent variables, propylene glycol alginate (PGA), Eudragit RS PO (ERS) and coating in mucoadhesive quetiapine prolonged release tablets 200 mg required for preventing the alcohol-induced dose dumping. Optimal design based on response surface methodology was employed for the optimization of the composition. The formulations are evaluated for in vitro drug release in hydrochloric acid alone and with 40% v/v ethanol. The responses, dissolution at 120 min without alcohol (R1) and dissolution at 120 min with alcohol (R2), were statistically evaluated and regression equations are generated. PGA as a hydrophilic polymeric matrix was dumping the dose when dissolutions are carried in 0.1 N hydrochloric acid containing 40% v/v ethanol. ERS addition was giving structural support to the swelling and gelling property of PGA, and thus, was reducing the PGA erosion in dissolution media containing ethanol. Among the formulations, four formulations with diverse composition were meeting the target dissolution (30-40%) in both the conditions. The statistical validity of the mathematical equations was established, and the optimum concentration of the factors was established. Validation of the study with six confirmatory runs indicated high degree of prognostic ability of response surface methodology. Further coating with ReadiLycoat was providing an additional resistance to the alcohol-induced dose dumping. Optimized compositions showed resistance to dose dumping in the presence of alcohol.

Oral transmucosal delivery of domperidone from immediate release films produced via hot-melt extrusion technology.

The objective of the study was to prepare and characterize the domperidone (DOM) hot-melt extruded (HME) buccal films by both in vitro and in vivo techniques. The HME film formulations contained PEO N10 and/or its combination with HPMC E5 LV or Eudragit RL100 as polymeric carriers, and PEG3350 as a plasticizer. The blends were co-processed at a screw speed of 50 rpm with the barrel temperatures ranging from 120-160°C utilizing a bench top co-rotating twin-screw hot-melt extruder using a transverse-slit die. The HME films were evaluated for drug content, drug excipient interaction, in vitro drug release, mechanical properties, in vivo residence time, in vitro bioadhesion, swelling and erosion, ex vivo permeation from HME films and the selected optimal formulation was subjected for bioavailability studies in healthy human volunteers. The extruded films demonstrated no drug excipient interaction and excellent content uniformity. The selected HME film formulation (DOM2) exhibited a tensile strength (0.72 Kg/mm(2)), elongation at break (28.4% mm(2)), in vivo residence time (120 min), peak detachment force (1.55 N), work of adhesion (1.49 mJ), swelling index (210.2%), erosion (10.5%) and in vitro drug release of 84.8% in 2 h. Bioavailability from the optimized HME buccal films was 1.5 times higher than the oral dosage form and the results showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference. The ex vivo-in vivo correlation was found to have biphasic pattern and followed type A correlation. The results indicate that HME is a viable technique for the preparation of DOM buccal-adhesive films with improved bioavailability characteristics.

Effect of pomegranate juice on intestinal transport and pharmacokinetics of nitrendipine in rats.

Pomegranate juice (PJ) is known to be a potent inhibitor of human cytochromes (CYP), particularly CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of oral PJ on the pharmacokinetics of nitrendipine (10 mg/kg) in rats. The effect of PJ was also investigated on the absorption kinetics of nitrendipine in rats using a single-pass intestinal perfusion model. There was a significant increase in effective permeability, absorption rate constant and fraction of drug absorbed in the pretreated group when compared with the control group, probably due to inhibition of the P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of the drug by PJ. In comparison with control, PJ treatment significantly increased the area under the concentration-time curve of oral nitrendipine. The peak plasma concentration of nitrendipine was also significantly increased by PJ. However, elimination half-life of nitrendipine was not altered significantly in both PJ co-administered and pretreated groups. These results suggest that PJ inhibits the intestinal metabolism of nitrendipine without inhibiting the hepatic metabolism in rats. Therefore, the concomitant use of PJ, as food supplement, and nitrendipine should be avoided, although further clinical studies need to be undertaken in order to confirm this finding.

Role of cyclodextrin complexation in felodipine-sustained release matrix tablets intended for oral transmucosal delivery: in vitro and ex vivo characterization.

The objective of the present research was two-fold: To characterize the produced inclusion complex of felodipine (FDP)-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) utilizing lyophilization, and to develop and characterize a complexed sustained-release polymeric matrix tablets intended for buccal delivery. The phase-solubility diagram suggested an A(L) type system with 1:1 stoichiometry. Solid complexes prepared by physical mixing and lyophilization were characterized by thermal and non-thermal analytical techniques to corroborate the fact of complex formation. The sustained-release FDP tablets were produced by direct compression, and these drug or complex-loaded hydrophilic matrices were assessed for in vitro bioadhesion and release modulation, ex vivo permeation, and in vivo residence time. The in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation across the porcine buccal membrane demonstrated that the matrix tablets containing FDP-HPßCD (FH5) solid complex exhibited a complete and sustained drug release pattern, and a significantly higher drug permeation (p < 0.05) compared to all of the other formulations tested. This could be attributed to both, the FDP-HPßCD complexation phenomenon, and the presence of hydrophilic polymer in the formulation. All of the formulations tested, demonstrated good stability in human saliva. Additionally, in vivo mucoadhesive behavior of the optimized formulations was studied in healthy human volunteers and subjective parameters were evaluated.

Transmucosal delivery of domperidone from bilayered buccal patches: in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo characterization.

Bilayered mucoadhesive buccal patches for systemic administration of domperidone (DOM), a dopamine-receptor (D(2)) antagonist, were developed using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose and PVPK30 as a primary layer and Eudragit RLPO and PEO as a secondary layer. Ex vivo drug permeation through porcine buccal membrane was performed. Bilayered buccal patches were developed by solvent casting technique and evaluated for in vitro drug release, moisture absorption, mechanical properties, surface pH, in vitro bioadhesion, in vivo residence time and ex vivo permeation of DOM through porcine buccal membrane from a bilayered buccal patch. Formulation DB4 was associated with 99.5% drug release with a higuchi model release profile and 53.9% of the drug had permeated in 6 h, with a flux of 0.492 mg/h/cm(2) through porcine buccal membrane. DB4 showed 5.58 N and 3.28 mJ peak detachment force and work of adhesion, respectively. The physicochemical interactions between DOM and the polymer were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. DSC and FTIR studies revealed no interaction between drug and polymer. Stability studies for optimized patch DB4 was carried out at 40°C/75% relative humidity. The formulations were found to be stable over a period of 3 months with respect to drug content, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation through porcine buccal membrane. The results indicate that suitable bilayered mucoadhesive buccal patches with desired permeability could be prepared.

Development of bioadhesive buccal tablets for felodipine and pioglitazone in combined dosage form: in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo characterization.

The purpose of the present research was to develop bioadhesive buccal tablets for Felodipine (FDP) and Pioglitazone (PIO), low bioavailability drugs, in a combined dosage form for the management of diabetes and hypertension. Buccal tablets were prepared by direct compression method using bioadhesive polymers hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and carbopol, alone or in combination of two polymers, and were evaluated for physicochemical properties, swelling index, in vitro bioadhesion, in vivo residence time, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo permeation through porcine buccal membrane. Formulation (PF6) showed peak detachment force (3.12 N), work of adhesion (0.72 mJ), swelling index (196%), erosion (10.8%), in vivo residence time of 280 min, in vitro drug release (99.65% and 98.96% in 6 h for FDP and PIO, respectively) with higuchi model release profile and permeated 66.1 and 64.6 % with a flux of 0.118 and 0.331 mg/h/cm(2) of FDP and PIO through porcine buccal membrane. The bioavailability study for optimized formulation (PF6) in pigs showed 2.05- and 2.13-times statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement in bioavailability for FDP and PIO, respectively, after administration of buccal tablets compared to oral suspension. The ex vivo-in vivo correlation was found to have a biphasic pattern and followed type A correlation. The stability of the PF6 was studied and no significant changes were detected in drug content and in vitro release and ex vivo permeation through porcine buccal membrane after 6 months.

Development of a high-performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous determination of pioglitazone and felodipine in pig serum: application to pharmacokinetic study.

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of pioglitazone and felodipine in pig serum. The present method consists of protein precipitation, extraction of analytes from pig serum into dichloromethane and separation using reversed-phase C(18) column. Nitrendipine was used as an internal standard and the eluent was monitored by UV detector at 240 nm. The mobile phase used was acetonitrile and 50 mm ammonium acetate buffer at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The retention times for pioglitazone, felodipine and nitrendipine were found to be 5.12, 10.53 and 7.14 min, respectively. The intraday and inter-day coefficient of variation and percent error values of assay method were less than 7% and mean recovery was more than 94% for each analyte, and the method was found to be precise, accurate and specific during study. The method was successfully applied for pharmacokinetic study of pioglitazone and felodipine from bioadhesive buccal tablet after buccal administration to pigs. The C(Max) , T(Max) , and AUC(0-24) of pioglitazone and felodipine from buccal tablet were found to be 394.6 ng/mL, 5.6 h, 2624.2 ng h/mL and 44.4 ng/mL, 5.5 h, 275.8 ng h/mL, respectively.

Transdermal therapeutic system of isradipine: effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic matrix on in vitro and ex vivo characteristics.

Isradipine (ISDP) is an effective calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension. It undergoes extensive first pass metabolism and bioavailability through the oral route is only about 15 to 24%. Hence we attempted to develop a matrix type controlled transdermal drug delivery system for ISDP. Formulations A1, A2, A3 were composed of Eudragit RL100 and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) in 1:3, 1:1, 3:1 ratios; A4, A5, A6 were composed of Eudragit RS100 and HPMC in 1:3, 1:1, 3:1 ratios. All six formulations carried 5 mg of ISDP/patch area, 5% v/w of D-limonene, 15 % v/w of propylene glycol in methanol:dichloromethane (1:1). The physicochemical compatibility of the drug and the polymers was studied by infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The results suggested no physicochemical incompatibility between the drug and the polymers. The prepared transdermal drug delivery system were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, mainly in vitro release and ex vivo permeation. The ex vivo permeation studies were carried out across excised rat skin using Franz diffusion cell. All the formulations exhibited satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. Cumulative amount of the drug released in 36 h from the six formulations were 1695.32, 1527.89, 1455.54, 1485.65, 1282.81 and 916.88 microg/cm(2) respectively. Corresponding values for the cumulative amounts of drug permeated across the rat skin for the above matrix films were 1456.29, 1284.70, 1182.99, 1212.72, 1046.05, and 782.60 microg/cm(2) respectively. By fitting the data into zero order, first order and Higuchi models, it was concluded that drug release from matrix films followed Higuchi model and the mechanism of drug release was diffusion mediated. Based on the physical evaluation, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation characteristics, it was concluded that for potential therapeutic use, monolithic drug matrix films A1, may be suitable for the development of a transdermal drug delivery system of ISDP.

High-performance liquid chromatography determination of carvedilol in pig serum.

A simple and sensitive analytical method for quantification of carvedilol in pig serum was developed and validated. Carvedilol and internal standard (IS) were extracted into n-hexane-dichloromethane solvent system and separated using an isocratic mobile phase on a Phenomenex C(18) column. The eluent was monitored by spectroflourimetric detector at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The linearity range of proposed method was 1-1000 ng/mL. The intra-day and inter-day coefficient of variation and percent error values of the assay method were less than 15%, and mean recovery was more than 89.95 and 94.27 for carvedilol and IS, respectively. The method is applicable for use in the pharmacokinetic characterization of carvedilol after administration of buccal patch (6.25 mg) in pigs.

Enhanced bioavailability of buspirone from reservoir-based transdermal therapeutic system, optimization of formulation employing Box-Behnken statistical design.

The purpose of the present study was to develop and optimize reservoir-based transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) for buspirone (BUSP), a low bioavailable drug. A three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the TTS. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, D: -limonene and propylene glycol were varied as independent variables; cumulative amount permeated across rat abdominal skin in 24 h, flux and lag time were selected as dependent variables. Mathematical equations and response surface plots were used to relate the dependent and independent variables. The statistical validity of polynomials was established, and optimized formulation factors were selected by feasibility and grid search. Validation of the optimization study with seven confirmatory runs indicated high degree of prognostic ability of response surface methodology. BUSP-OPT (optimized formulation) showed a flux 104.6 microg cm(-2) h(-1), which could meet target flux. The bioavailability studies in rabbits showed that about 2.65 times improvement (p < 0.05) in bioavailability, after transdermal administration of BUSP-OPT compared to oral solution. The ex vivo-in vivo correlation was found to have biphasic pattern and followed type A correlation. Reservoir-based TTS for BUSP was developed and optimized using Box-Behnken statistical design and could provide an effective treatment in the management of anxiety.

Enhanced bioavailability of lacidipine via microemulsion based transdermal gels: formulation optimization, ex vivo and in vivo characterization.

The purpose of the present study was to develop and optimize the microemulsion based transdermal therapeutic system for lacidipine (LCDP), a poorly water soluble and low bioavailable drug. The pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were developed for various microemulsion formulations composed of isopropyl myristate, Tween 80 and Labrasol. The microemulsion was optimized using a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design, the independent variables selected were isopropyl myristate, surfactant mixture (Tween 80 and Labrasol) and water; dependent variables (responses) were cumulative amount permeated across rat abdominal skin in 24h (Q(24); Y(1)), flux (Y(2)), and lag time (Y(3)). Mathematical equations and response surface plots were used to relate the dependent and independent variables. The regression equations were generated for responses Y(1), Y(2) and Y(3). The statistical validity of the polynomials was established, and optimized formulation factors were selected by feasibility and grid search. Validation of the optimization study with 10 confirmatory runs indicated high degree of prognostic ability of response surface methodology. The gel of optimized formulation (ME-OPT) showed a flux of 43.7microgcm(-2)h(-1), which could meet the target flux (12.16microgcm(-2)h(-1)). The bioavailability studies in rabbits showed that about 3.5 times statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in bioavailability, after transdermal administration of microemulsion gel compared to oral suspension. The ex vivo-in vivo correlation was found to have biphasic pattern and followed type A correlation. Microemulsion based transdermal therapeutic system of LCDP was developed and optimized using Box-Behnken statistical design and could provide an effective treatment in the management of hypertension.

Matrix-type transdermal drug delivery system of trandolapril: in vitro and ex vivo characterization.

The purpose of the investigation was to develop and evaluate matrix-type transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) of trandolapril. Matrix-type TDDSs of trandolapril were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. Eight formulations (composed of Eudragit RL 100 and Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose 15 cps at a ratios of 2:8, 4:6, 6:4, 8:2 in formulations A1, A2, A3, A4; and Eudragit RS 100 and Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose 15 cps in the same ratios in formulations B1, B2, B3, B4, respectively) were prepared. All formulations contained 5% w/w menthol as penetration enhancer and 15% w/w propylene glycol as plasticizer in ethanol as solvent. The prepared TDDSs were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation. The physicochemical interactions between trandolapril and polymers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results suggested that there is no physicochemical interaction between drug and polymers. The maximum drug release in 24 h for A series formulations was 95.45% (A1), 95.82% (A2), and it was 95.26% (B1), 95.69% (B2) for B series formulations, which are significantly (P < 0.05) different than the lowest values 78.79% (A3), 66.9% (A4) and 82.64% (B3), 71.67% (B4). The formulations A1 (flux 25.03 ± 0.98 µg/cm(2)/h) and B1 (flux 24.62 ± 0.63 µg/cm(2)/h) showed maximum skin permeation in the respective series. The flux obtained with formulations A1 and B1 meets the required flux (37.04 µg/h/cm(2)) with a minimum patch area (3.9 cm(2)). Matrix-type transdermal therapeutic systems of trandolapril could be prepared with the required flux using menthol as penetration enhancer.

Iontophoretic delivery of lisinopril: Optimization of process variables by Box-Behnken statistical design.

The objective of the investigation was to optimize the iontophoresis process parameters of lisinopril (LSP) by 3 x 3 factorial design, Box-Behnken statistical design. LSP is an ideal candidate for iontophoretic delivery to avoid the incomplete absorption problem associated after its oral administration. Independent variables selected were current (X(1)), salt (sodium chloride) concentration (X(2)) and medium/pH (X(3)). The dependent variables studied were amount of LSP permeated in 4 h (Y(1): Q(4)), 24 h (Y(2): Q(24)) and lag time (Y(3)). Mathematical equations and response surface plots were used to relate the dependent and independent variables. The regression equation generated for the iontophoretic permeation was Y(1) = 1.98 + 1.23X(1) - 0.49X(2) + 0.025X(3) - 0.49X(1)X(2) + 0.040X(1)X(3) - 0.010X(2)X(3) + 0.58X(1)(2) - 0.17X(2)(2) - 0.18X(3)(2); Y(2) = 7.28 + 3.32X(1) - 1.52X(2) + 0.22X(3) - 1.30X(1)X(2) + 0.49X(1)X(3) - 0.090X(2)X(3) + 0.79X(1)(2) - 0.62X(2)(2) - 0.33X(3)(2) and Y(3) = 0.60 + 0.0038X(1) + 0.12X(2) - 0.011X(3) + 0.005X(1)X(2) - 0.018X(1)X(3) - 0.015X(2)X(3) - 0.00075X(1)(2) + 0.017X(2)(2) - 0.11X(3)(2). The statistical validity of the polynomials was established and optimized process parameters were selected by feasibility and grid search. Validation of the optimization study with 8 confirmatory runs indicated high degree of prognostic ability of response surface methodology. The use of Box-Behnken design approach helped in identifying the critical process parameters in the iontophoretic delivery of lisinopril.

Development of ultra fast liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of nitrendipine and carvone in skin diffusate samples.

A simple and sensitive reverse phase ultra fast liquid chromatographic (UFLC) method for simultaneous determination of nitrendipine and carvone in skin diffusate samples and microemulsions was developed and validated. The separation was achieved using a gradient mobile phase, on an Onyx column. The eluents were monitored by photodiode array detection. The linearity ranges of proposed method were 0.125-50 microg mL(-1) and 0.125-30 microg mL(-1) for nitrendipine and carvone respectively. The intra-day and inter-day coefficient of variation and percent error values of the assay method were less than 10%. The method was found to be precise, accurate, and specific during the study. The method was successfully applied for simultaneous estimation of nitrendipine and carvone in ex vivo skin diffusate samples and microemulsions.

Development of high performance liquid chromatography method for buspirone in rabbit serum: Application to pharmacokinetic study.

A simple and sensitive high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for quantification of buspirone (BUSP) in rabbit serum was developed and validated. BUSP and internal standard (IS), diltiazem hydrochloride were extracted into dichloromethane and separated using an isocratic mobile phase, on a Kromasil C(8) column. The eluent was monitored by UV detector at 235 nm and at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1). The linearity range of proposed method was 1-3000 ng mL(-1). The intra-day and inter-day coefficient of variation and percent error values of the assay method were less than 15% and mean recovery was more than 97 and 96% for BUSP and IS, respectively. The method was found to be precise, accurate, and specific during the study. The method was successfully applied for pharmacokinetic study of buspirone after application of reservoir based transdermal therapeutic system of BUSP to rabbits.

Optimization of hydrogels for transdermal delivery of lisinopril by Box-Behnken statistical design.

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined influence of three independent variables on the permeation kinetics of lisinopril from hydrogels for transdermal delivery. A three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the independent variables, Carbopol 971 P (X(1)), menthol (X(2)), and propylene glycol (X(3)). Fifteen batches were prepared and evaluated for responses as dependent variables. The dependent variables selected were cumulative amount permeated across rat abdominal skin in 24 h (Q (24); Y(1)), flux (Y(2)), and lag time (Y(3)). Aloe juice has been first time investigated as vehicle for hydrogel preparation. The ex vivo permeation study was conducted using Franz diffusion cells. Mathematical equations and response surface plots were used to relate the dependent and independent variables. The regression equation generated for the cumulative permeation of LSP in 24 h (Q(24)) was Y(1) = 1,443.3-602.59X(1) + 93.24X(2) + 91.75X(3) - 18.95X(1)X(2) - 140.93X(1)X(3) - 4.43X(2)X(3) - 152.63X(1)(2) - 150.03X(2)(2) - 213.9X(3)(2). The statistical validity of the polynomials was established, and optimized formulation factors were selected by feasibility and grid search. Validation of the optimization study with 15 confirmatory runs indicated high degree of prognostic ability of response surface methodology. The use of Box-Behnken design approach helped in identifying the critical formulation parameters in the transdermal delivery of lisinopril from hydrogels.

Development of novel bioadhesive buccal formulation of diltiazem: in vitro and in vivo characterization.

The aim of the investigation was to develop and evaluate buccoadhesive tablets of diltiazem hydrochloride (DZH) using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) K4M and Carbopol 934 as mucoadhesive polymers. Formulations A1, A2, A3, A4, and B1, B2, and B3, were composed of HPMC K4M and Carbopol 934 at ratios of 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, and 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, respectively. The developed formulations were evaluated for physicochemical, in vitro drug release, in vitro adhesion and in vivo studies in healthy human volunteers. The buccal absorption study in healthy volunteers revealed that about 36.86% of the drug was absorbed. Formulation A3 showed maximum release in 8 h. As the concentration of polymer in the formulation increased, the drug release decreased. The bioavailability of diltiazem from buccoadhesive tablets was 1.57-fold higher than oral tablets. The basic pharmacokinetic parameters, C(Max), T(Max), and the area under the curve, were calculated and showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) when the drug was given by the buccal route compared to that of oral tablet. The results indicate that suitable bioadhesive buccal tablets with improved bioavailability could be prepared.

Transbuccal delivery of chlorpheniramine maleate from mucoadhesive buccal patches.

This article describes buccal permeation of chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) and its transbuccal delivery using mucoadhesive buccal patches. Permeation of CPM was calculated in vitro using porcine buccal membrane and in vivo in healthy humans. Buccal formulations were developed with hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and evaluated for in vitro release, moisture absorption, mechanical properties, and bioadhesion, and optimized formulation was subjected for bioavailability studies in healthy human volunteers. In vitro flux of CPM was calculated to be 0.14 +/- 0.03 mg.h(-1).cm(-2) and buccal absorption also was demonstrated in vivo in human volunteers. In vitro drug release and moisture absorbed were governed by HEC content and formulations exhibited good tensile and mucoadhesive properties. Bioavailability from optimized buccal patch was 1.46 times higher than the oral dosage form and the results showed statistically significant difference.

In vitro permeation of carvedilol through porcine skin: effect of vehicles and penetration enhancers.

This investigation studied the effect of vehicles on the in vitro permeation of carvedilol from saturated solutions across porcine skin and selected appropriate penetration enhancers. Labrasol, Transcutol, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, ethanol, oleic acid, isopropyl myristate, and phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) containing 40% v/v polyethylene glycol 400 as control, were used as vehicles; limonene, carvone, camphor, menthol, Transcutol, and Labrasol at 5% w/v concentrations were used as penetration enhancers. Skin permeation studies were conducted in Franz diffusion cells using excised porcine ear skin. Solubility was highest (369.13 mg/mL) in Transcutol, whereas isopropyl myristate showed the lowest solubility (0.79 mg/mL) among all the vehicles. The flux of carvedilol from Transcutol, Labrasol, polyethylene glycol 400, ethanol, and oleic acid was 10.5, 8.6, 4.2, 2.9, and 1.5 times higher, respectively, than that observed with control. The flux obtained using Transcutol was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the flux obtained using the other vehicles. However, the flux values of carvedilol using isopropyl myristate (P < 0.01) and propylene glycol (P < 0.05) were significantly lower than that of the control. Solutions containing 5% w/v camphor showed maximum permeation (232.54 microg) in 24 h with a flux of 3.19 microg/cm2/h, which was significantly different (P < 0.05) than the flux obtained using other permeation enhancers. The control sample showed lowest permeation (30.50 microg), with a flux of 0.33 microg/cm2/h. The flux of carvedilol from the solutions containing 5% w/v camphor, limonene, Transcutol, carvone, Labrasol, and menthol were 9.7, 7.6, 7.6, 6.3, 4.7, and 2.3 times higher, respectively, than that observed using the control. The present study suggests that Transcutol, Labrasol, and polyethylene glycol 400 may be used as potential vehicles and camphor, limonene, and Transcutol at a 5% w/v level as penetration enhancers.