SeDeM expert system with I-optimal mixture design for oral multiparticulate drug delivery: An encapsulated floating minitablets of loxoprofen Na and its in silico physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling.

Introduction: A SeDeM expert tool-driven I-optimal mixture design has been used to develop a directly compressible multiparticulate based extended release minitablets for gastro-retentive drug delivery systems using loxoprofen sodium as a model drug. Methods: Powder blends were subjected to stress drug-excipient compatibility studies using FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, and DSC. SeDeM diagram expert tool was utilized to assess the suitability of the drug and excipients for direct compression. The formulations were designed using an I-optimal mixture design with proportions of methocel K100M, ethocel 10P and NaHCO3 as variables. Powder was compressed into minitablets and encapsulated. After physicochemical evaluation lag-time, floating time, and drug release were studied. Heckel analysis for yield pressure and accelerated stability studies were performed as per ICH guidelines. The in silico PBPK Advanced Compartmental and Transit model of GastroPlus™ was used for predicting in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters. Results: Drug release follows first-order kinetics with fickian diffusion as the main mechanism for most of the formulations; however, a few formulations followed anomalous transport as the mechanism of drug release. The in-silico-based pharmacokinetic revealed relative bioavailability of 97.0%. Discussion: SeDeM expert system effectively used in QbD based development of encapsulated multiparticulates for once daily administration of loxoprofen sodium having predictable in-vivo bioavailability.

Formulation development and optimization studies of mouth dissolving tablets of tizanidine HCl.

The purpose of this research was the development and optimization of mouth dissolving tablets (MDT) of Tizanidine hydrochloride using superdisintegrant. MDTs of Tizanidine (4mg) were manufactured by direct compression method. Formulations comprised of Tizanidine and excipients including croscarmellose sodium, Avicel PH 102, aspartame, orange flavor and magnesium stearate. Blends of powder were assessed for flow characterization and then compressed by direct compression. During post compression stage, a detail evaluation of tablets with respect to weight variation, hardness, thickness, disintegration time, wetting time, friability, drug content analysis, content uniformity, palatability and dissolution studies was carried out. All the formulations complied with the pharmacopeial requirements of weight, disintegration time and assay. Amongst the trial formulations F4 with concentration of croscarmellose sodium i.e. 5% was proved as best optimized due to satisfactory quality attributes such as least disintegration time and sufficient hardness. Hence, it was concluded that manufacturing of mouth dissolving tablets by addition of superdisintegrant is beneficial for treating patients with dysphagia.

Methylphenidate increases the urinary excretion of vanillylmandelic acid in rats that is attenuated by buspirone co-administration.

Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant used for the treatment of (ADHD) attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome in children and adults. After chronic administration it is known to produce behavioral disorders including anxiety. Previous studies demonstrated that co-administration of buspirone can reduce behavioral and cognitive adverse effects produced by methylphenidate. The aim of the present study is to measure the levels vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) excretion in urine following prolong administration of methylphenidate, buspirone and their combination. Samples of urine for the estimation of the urinary VMA excretion were collected from treated and control male Wistar rats. We found significant (P<0.01) raised urinary VMA excretion in methylphenidate group however significant (P<0.01) reduction in VMA levels were seen after buspirone co-administration. Excretion of VMA in urine would allow the monitoring of sympatho-adrenomedullary system activity. This study could be helpful to increase the clinical use of methylphenidate in the treatment of different disoders.

Development and validation of liquidchromatographic method for quantitative determination of Loxoprofen in mobilephase and in human plasma.

A Simple, sensitive and accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for effective and specific analysis of Loxoprofen (LXP) in the mobilephase and human plasma was developed. Effective chromatographic separation was attained on a Mediterranean Sea C18 column (250×4.6mm, 5um) with mobilephase containing acetonitrile and 0.01 M NaH2PO4 buffer (55:45) by adjusting pH 6.5 with sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffer at a flow rate of 1ml/min. Calibration ranges from 0.1ppm to 10 ppm with a coefficient of relation value (R2=0.999) by using a linear regression method and lower limit of quantification was 0.1ppm. The current method showed inter-day and intra-day accuracy and precision within the range of ±10%. % RSD was found to be less than 5 %. Analytical recovery was more than 90% which confirmed the reliability of current method. The proposed method was found appropriate for assessment of LXP in pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence study.

Development and evaluation of immediate release diclofenac sodium suppositories.

The objective of present study was to develop and evaluate polyethylene glycol (PEG) based diclofenac sodium suppositories. This study used water soluble PEG bases (1000, 4000 and 6000) in different combinations to formulate suppositories, which were further subjected for their physicochemical properties evaluation such as weight variation, average melting point, content uniformity and disintegration. Dissolution test was used to perform the in vitro release rate studies of the suppositories. The suppository (P3) containing PEG-6000 (50%) and PEG-4000 (50%) exhibited rapid in vitro release rate of diclofenac sodium. Moreover, homogeneous distribution of diclofenac sodium is found in all six formulations. The in vitro release patterns of diclofenac sodium from the marketed Voltral suppository (100mg) and formulated suppositories were also compared and found in standard limits.

High performance liquid chromatographic method validation for determination of rosuvastatin calcium in tablet dosage forms.

A precise, sensitive and quick High Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of rosuvastatin calcium in bulk and tablet dosage forms has been validated. The chromatographic scheme involved: Sil-20A auto sampler, LC-20A pump, SPD-20A UV/visible detector with separation attained by C18 column at 40ºC temperature through a mobile phase of acetonitrile and buffer (50:50) at a flow rate of 1.0ml/min. The method is precise (%RSD for intra-day and inter-day extended between 1.06-1.54% and 0.103-1.78%) and linear (r2=0.9997). Limit of detection and quantification (LOD & LOQ) of the adopted method were 0.78 and 1.56µg/ml. The proposed HPLC method was established to be sensitive, precise and swift that can be proficiently adopted in quality control/quality assurance laboratories for predictable investigation of the bulk and oral solid dosage forms of rosuvastatin calcium.

Chromatographic method development and validation for the determination of valsartan in biological fluid.

A swift, precise and simple HPLC bioanalytical technique with UV detection was established and validated for quantitative estimation of valsartan in human plasma. The analyte was separated from plasma by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and chromatographically separated on Zorbax SB-C18 (5µm, 4.6mm × 15cm) column. The solvent mixture system consisting of acetonitrile, water and glacial acetic acid (40:59:1 v/v), was pumped using isocratic mode at 1mL/min flow rate. Samples' detection of drug was made spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 264nm. The analyte response was instituted to be linear from 0.06 to 8µg/mL with a regression value of 0.999. The accuracy of the proposed method was ranged between 97.2-100.3% with 5% RSD. The analytical recovery (>95%) was consistently observed and satisfactory sample stability was also found at different environmental conditions. In conclusion the reported bio-analytical method is easy and robust that was successfully utilized in estimation of valsartan in a pharmacokinetic study.

MRSA: Prevalence and susceptibility pattern in health care setups of Karachi.

This assessment aims to determine the prevalence of methicillin resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) among the clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to the frequently prescribed antibiotics in Karachi. Isolates of MRSA, recovered from various clinical samples were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study from Jan 2015 to June 2017. Agar diffusion method was employed according to the protocols of Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. Out of total 346 S. aureus strains, the frequency rate of MRSA was 52% (n = 180). MRSA infection was found higher among the age group 21-30 years i.e. 30% (n=54), followed by 20% (n=36) in 31-40 years. Frequency of MRSA percentage in male and female was and 70% and 30% respectively. MRSA was more frequently observed in blood 20% (n=36). MRSA showed high resistance (100%) to Oxacillin and Cefoxitin while 25% Vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) isolates and 25% Teicoplanin resistance were also reported. MRSA exhibited 16% resistance to Minocycline. It was concluded that MRSA pose a challenging threat to public health in Karachi. In addition, MDR should be periodically checked to avoid treatment failure.

Development & validation of reversed phase HPLC method for quantification of water insoluble API.

In the present work a specific, accurate, precise, and reproducible UV-HPLC method was developed and validated for the analysis of Aceclofenac. This method involved elution of Aceclofenac in a mobile phase which is composed of buffer pH 6.8 (i.e. using 0.01N KH2PO4) and HPLC grade Acetonitrile (60:40). Separation of the analyte was achieved using HPLC isocratic pump attached to the UV-VIS detectorC18, guard column and C18 column. The injection volume was 20µL, detected at 274 nm; flow rate: 1mL/min. Standard calibration curve was measured and found linear from 0.1 to 40µg/ml. The validation parameters were measured according to FDA guidelines and successful results were obtained. The presented analytical method could be employed for pharmacokinetic studies.

Design, Development, and Optimization of Dexibuprofen Microemulsion Based Transdermal Reservoir Patches for Controlled Drug Delivery.

The aim of the study was to develop a reservoir-type transdermal patch for a controlled delivery of dexibuprofen and to evaluate its in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in Albino Wistar rats. In order to develop these patches, six formulations of dexibuprofen microemulsion comprising ethyl oleate, Tween 80: PG (2 : 1), and water were prepared by simplex lattice design and characterized. The reservoir compartment was filled with these microemulsions and in vitro release and skin permeation were assessed. The optimized patch was obtained on the basis of the responses: Q24 and flux. The impact of drug loading, surface area, membrane thickness, adhesive, and agitation speed on drug release and permeation was also studied. The skin sensitivity reaction and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of optimized patch were evaluated. Stability study at three different temperatures for three months was carried out. The result suggests that a membrane based patch with zero-order release rate, Q24 of 79.13 ± 3.08%, and maximum flux of 331.17 µg/cm2h can be obtained exhibiting suitable anti-inflammatory activity with no visible skin sensitivity reaction. The outcomes of stability study recommend storage of patches at 4°C having shelf-life of 6.14 months. The study demonstrates that the reservoir-type transdermal patch of dexibuprofen microemulsion has a potential of delivering drug across skin in controlled manner with required anti-inflammatory activity.

Development and validation of HPLC method for the determination of Cefpodoxime Proxetil in human plasma.

A new, simple, accurate, precise and specific method has been developed for the analysis of Cefpodoxime Proxetil in human plasma. The proposed method was developed and validated with the aim to be used in Bioavailability/Bioequivalence studies for quantification of drug in human plasma. The mobile phase components were acetonitrile, methanol, and water in the ratio of 20:50:30. Ortho phosphoric acid was used to adjust at pH5.0. Flow rate and wavelength were kept 1ml/min and 247nm respectively. The column was C-18 HPLC column 5um particle size, L x 1.d. 25cm x4.6mm. (Supelcosil). Retention time of Cefpodoxime Proxetil was found to be 10.967min. The developed method was validated for selectivity, recovery, accuracy, precision, repeatability, reproducibility, stability and linearity in the range of 0.195mcg/ml to 50mcg/ml. The accuracy and Precision of the proposed method were well within the predefined limits i.e. ±15% for all the calibration standards other than LLOQ (Lower Limit of Quantification) where it was well within ±20% of the nominal value. The analytical recovery was always above 89% showing satisfactory recovery. The coefficient of correlation (R2 ) was 0.999. The developed method was found suitable for the estimation of Cefpodoxime Proxetil in plasma.

HPLC method development and validation for the determination of Cefaclor in human plasma.

Cefaclor was analyzed in the human plasma by developing a simple, precise and accurate assay method which was then validated for its accuracy, specificity and precision. The mobile phase comprised of a mixture of sodium 1-pentanesulfonate, water, triethylamine and methanol. Phosphoric acid was used to adjust the pH to 2.5±0.1. The flow rate was maintained at 1.5ml/min and the wavelength was set at 265 nm. A C-18 HPLC, column 5um particle size, L x 1.D. 25cm x 4.6mm (Supelcosil) was utilized for chromatographic separation. The retention time of Cefaclor was found to be 17min. This method was validated for selectivity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, reproducibility, recovery, linearity, and stability. Calibration curves were found linear were in the range of 0.39µg/ml to50µg/mland the coefficient of correlation (R2) was found to be 0.999. Hence, this method has been found useful for the determination of Cefaclor in plasma.

Perspectives about Pandemic Influenza and Its Prophylactic Measures among Final Year Pharmacy Students in Karachi, Pakistan.

AIMS: In flu pandemics, pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices are critical to save patients life. The objective of study was to determine the knowledge of and attitude toward the pandemic influenza among the pharmacy students of Karachi, Pakistan. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2014 by adopting a prevalidated questionnaire distributed to senior pharmacy students (final year) in seven private and public sector universities of Karachi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 443 pharmacy students responded the survey. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics of the students, perceptions, level of knowledge and attitudes toward influenza, and prophylactic measures were collected. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: To compute the correlation between different variables, data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square statistic method. P < 0.05 was considered statistical significance for all analysis. RESULTS: Influenza was identified as a viral disease (n = 423; 95.48%) and 282 (71.2%) students correctly identified it as disease affecting humans and pigs. Textbooks reported as most common source of knowledge (n = 282; 64%). Most common symptoms identified were fever (81.94%), sore throat (64.1%), and nonproductive cough (43.34%). The most common preventive measures were covering nose and mouth (268; 60.5%) and wearing protective coverings (254; 57.3%). Only half of the students correctly reported about the route of administration (180; 40.6%) and strains in vaccine (186; 41.98%). The best time for administration of such vaccine was known by only 156 pharmacy students (35.34%). The majority of the students (82.6%) had no idea about the manifestation of influenza pandemic. Knowledge regarding influenza differed according to gender and institutions differing in their affiliation with tertiary care hospitals. CONCLUSION: It was observed that knowledge about disease progression, transmission, vaccination, and treatment in pharmacy students, especially those who are not getting clinical training in tertiary care hospitals was limited. There is an urgent need to develop awareness programs to increase knowledge of influenza among clinical pharmacists as they are more susceptible to infections and community as a whole.

Formulation development and comparative in vitro study of metoprolol tartrate (IR) tablets.

The objective of the present work was to develop Immediate Release (IR) tablets of Metoprolol Tartrate (MT) and to compare trial formulations to a reference product. Six formulations (F1-F6) were designed using central composite method and compared to a reference brand (A). Two marketed products (brands B and C) were also evaluated. F1-F6 were prepared with Avicel PH101 (filler), Crospovidone (disintegrant) and Magnesium Stearate (lubricant) by direct compression. Pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial methods were used to assess their quality. Furthermore, drug profiles were characterized using model dependent and independent (f(2)) approaches. Brands B and C and F5 and F6 did not qualify the tests for content uniformity. Moreover, brand B did not meet weight variation criteria and brand C did not satisfy requirements for single point dissolution test. Of the trial formulations, F2 failed the test for uniformity in thickness while F4 did not disintegrate within time limit. Only F1 and F3 met all quality parameters and were subjected to accelerated stability testing without significant alterations in their physicochemical characteristics. Based on AIC and r(2)(adjusted) values obtained by applying various kinetic models, drug release was determined to most closely follow Hixson-Crowell cube root law. F1 was determined to be the optimized formulation.

Formulation design and evaluation of Cefuroxime axetil 125 mg immediate release tablets using different concentration of sodium lauryl sulphate as solubility enhancer

Cefuroxime axetil immediate release tablets were formulated by direct compression method with different percentages of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) such as 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and also without SLS. Resulting batches of tablets were evaluated by both pharmacopeial and non-pharmacopeial methods to ascertain the physico-mechanical properties. Dissolution test were carried out in different medium like 0.07 M HCl, distilled water, 0.1M HCl of pH 1.2 and phosphate buffers at pH 4.5 and 6.8 to observe the drug release against the respective concentration of SLS used. Later, test formulations were compared by f1 (dissimilarity) and f2 (similarity) factors using a reference brand of cefuroxime axetil. Significant differences (p<0.05) in dissolution rate were recorded with the change in concentration of SLS in different media. Test formulation T3 containing 1% SLS was found to be best optimized formulation based on assay, disintegration, dissolution and similarity and dissimilarity factors.

Formularam-se comprimidos de liberação imediata à base de cefuroxima axetil, pelo método de compressão direta, com diferentes percentagens de lauril sulfato de sódio (LSS), tais como 0,5, 1,0, 1,5, e também sem SLS. Os lotes resultantes dos comprimidos foram avaliados por ambos os métodos da farmacopeia e não farmacopeicos para determinar as propriedades físico-mecânicas. O teste de dissolução foi realizado em meios diferentes, como HCl 0,07 M, água destilada, HCl 0,1 M com pH 1,2 e os tampões fosfato (pH 4,5 e 6,8) para observar a liberação do fármaco contra a correspondente concentração de LSS utilizado. Em seguida, as formulações de teste foram comparadas por fatores f1 (dissimilaridade) e f2 (similaridade), utilizando uma marca de referência de cefuroxima axetil. Diferenças significativas (p<0,05) na taxa de dissolução foram registradas com a mudança na concentração de LSS em diferentes meios de dissolução. A formulação T3 contendo LSS a 1% foi considerada a melhor formulação otimizada com base nos ensaios de desintegração, dissolução e fatores de semelhança e dissimilaridade.

A medical resident post-discharge phone call study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have identified the post-discharge period as a time of vulnerability for patients, and an opportunity exists to improve patient care. Adverse drug events are the most common events leading to complications during the post-discharge period. Recent studies have shown that using a scripted medication reconciliation process improves the quality of patient care. OBJECTIVE: Does a phone call from a medical resident within 72 hours after hospital discharge improve patient satisfaction and quality of care? Does this exercise result in improved attitudes and competence for practice-based learning, and improvement and system-based practice of participating residents? MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study comparing 1 group of patients that received a medication reconciliation phone call from a medical resident within 72 hours after discharge with a control group that did not receive a call. Adult patients aged ≥ 18 years on a medical resident service for ≥ 2 days and being discharged to home were invited to participate. The primary endpoint of the study was patient satisfaction. Secondary endpoints included readmission rates, emergency department visits, follow-up with the primary care provider, and resident attitudes and competence. RESULTS: The primary and secondary endpoints did not reach statistical significance. However, a medication reconciliation error occurred in 48% of patients, and 93% of residents agreed that the phone call was beneficial to patient care. CONCLUSION: Although patient satisfaction was not improved from this exercise, a follow-up call to patients after hospital discharge can identify otherwise missed medication reconciliation errors. Medical residents found the phone call to be worthwhile and gained valuable insight into their own discharge practices as demonstrated by self-reflection and intended change in discharge practices.