Impact of ferulic acid and resveratrol on the effectiveness and safety of sunscreen

Abstract The combination of avobenzone (AVO) and octyl ρ-methoxycinnamate (OMC) is widely used to ensure broad-spectrum photo-protection because they absorb UVA and UVB, respectively. However, they are thermally and photo unstable because they degrade and undergo photo- tautomerization and trans-cis isomerization, thus reducing their photo-protection efficacy during UV exposure. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of the antioxidants ferulic acid and resveratrol as stabilizing substances in AVO and OMC mixtures in solution or emulsion. The effects of both antioxidants on the thermal/photo-stability and suppression of the filter singlet state, besides skin permeation, were evaluated. Both antioxidants contributed to preserving OMC and AVO during the thermal stability test, which relates to the maintenance of photo-protection even after storing the formulations at high temperatures. Nevertheless, although resveratrol retained part of the OMC trans isomer and suppressed the AVO singlet state when exposed to UV, no contribution to photo-protection stability was observed, contrary to expectations. Regarding the permeation assay, the addition of both antioxidants was accompanied by a reduction of AVO permeation, while resveratrol increased OMC permeation. Thus, the chemical and physicochemical properties of these antioxidants impacted their efficacy and safety profiles; therefore, further studies are required to establish the real cost-benefit ratio for their use in sunscreens.

Development and validation of RP-HPLC method for simultaneous determination of lamivudine, stavudine, and zidovudine in perfusate samples: Application to the Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion (SPIP) studies

A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with ultraviolet detection was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of antiretroviral drugs lamivudine (3TC), stavudine (d4T), and zidovudine (AZT) in perfusate samples obtained from the Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion studies. The chromatographic analysis was performed using a Gemini C18 column and didanosine as internal standard (IS). The following parameters were considered for the validation procedure: system suitability, accuracy, precision, linearity and selectivity. The limits of detection were 0.32 µg/mL for 3TC, 0.11 µg/mL for d4T and 0.45 µg/mL for AZT and the limits of quantification were 1.06 µg/mL for 3TC, 0.38 µg/mL for d4T and 1.51 µg/mL for AZT. Repeatability and intermediate precision ranged from 1.05 to 1.31 and 1.50 to 1.87, respectively, and are expressed as percent of relative standard deviation (RSD). Based on these results, the developed and validated RP-HPLC method can be used for simultaneous determination of 3TC, d4T, and AZT in perfusate samples. Furthermore, this method is simple and adequate for measurements of the antiretroviral drugs in the same sample, since those compounds are mostly co-administered. Besides, this work can be used as an initial base for the development of similar methods in the same conditions presented in our study.

In silico and in vitro prediction of gastrointestinal absorption from potential drug eremantholide C.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of the biopharmaceutical properties of eremantholide C, sesquiterpene lactone with proven pharmacological activity and low toxicity, is required to evaluate its potential to become a drug. METHODS: Preliminary analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of eremantholide C was performed in silico. Equilibrium solubility was evaluated using the shake-flask method, at 37.0 °C, 100 rpm during 72 h in biorelevant media. The permeability was analysed using parallel artificial membrane permeability assay, at 37.0 °C, 50 rpm for 5 h. The donor compartment was composed of an eremantholide C solution in intestinal fluid simulated without enzymes, while the acceptor compartment consisted of phosphate buffer. KEY FINDINGS: Physicochemical characteristics predicted in silico indicated that eremantholide C has a low solubility and high permeability. In-vitro data of eremantholide C showed low solubility, with values for the dose/solubility ratio (ml): 9448.82, 10 389.61 e 15 000.00 for buffers acetate (pH 4.5), intestinal fluid simulated without enzymes (pH 6.8) and phosphate (pH 7.4), respectively. Also, it showed high permeability, with effective permeability of 30.4 × 10-6 cm/s, a higher result compared with propranolol hydrochloride (9.23 × 10-6 cm/s). CONCLUSIONS: The high permeability combined with its solubility, pharmacological activity and low toxicity demonstrate the importance of eremantholide C as a potential drug candidate.

Solubility evaluation of didanosine: a comparison between the equilibrium method and intrinsic dissolution for biopharmaceutics classification purposes

ABSTRACT BCS (Biopharmaceutics Classification System) and BDDCS (Biopharmaceutics Drug Disposition Classification System) were proposed as tools for classifying drugs into four categories. Both systems consider the solubility as an important characteristic for the classification of compounds in drug development and in vivo disposition prediction. Although some results of drug solubility can be found in the literature, the aforementioned characteristic is not entirely clear when considering didanosine (ddI). Based on that, the solubility of ddI was evaluated using equilibrium and intrinsic dissolution methods. For the equilibrium method, excess amount of ddI was added to each media until obtaining a supersaturated solution and the mixture was submitted to agitation at 37 °C. For the intrinsic dissolution method, the drug was compressed into the Wood's apparatus matrix and subjected to dissolution in each media with agitation at 37 °C. The results obtained from the equilibrium method indicated that it was necessary 139.37 mL of pH 1.2 media, 87.72 mL of pH 4.5 media, 12.54 mL of pH 6.8 media, 5.03 mL of pH 7.5 media and 7.65 mL of purified water for drug solubilization. Furthermore, a very fast intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) was obtained for each media: 0.1 mg/min/cm² (pH 1.2), 0.2 mg/min/cm² (pH 4.5), 0.2 mg/min/cm² (pH 6.8), 0.1 mg/min/cm² (pH 7.5) and 0.1 mg/min/cm² (purified water). Based on these results, ddI can be considered as a highly soluble drug for both equilibrium and intrinsic dissolution methods.

Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion (SPIP) and prediction of fraction absorbed and permeability in humans: A study with antiretroviral drugs.

In recent years, the prediction of oral drug absorption in humans has been a challenge for researchers and many techniques for permeability studies have been developed for several purposes, including biowaiver processes. The Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion (SPIP) method performed in rats can provide permeability results closest to in vivo condition. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the intestinal permeability of the antiretroviral drugs lamivudine, stavudine and zidovudine using the SPIP method in rats and to predict their permeability (Peff,humans) and fraction absorbed (Fa) in humans. Metoprolol and fluorescein were used as marker compounds of high and low permeability, respectively. The effective permeability (Peff) results showed that stavudine and zidovudine have high permeability characteristics while lamivudine presented the lowest result. From Peff values obtained in rats, the Peff,humans and Fa were calculated. The use of SPIP in rats and calculations for absorption prediction in humans may indicate the transport mechanisms and/or pre-systemic metabolism involved on permeation processes of drugs, since this model is the closest to in vivo conditions.

Dissolution efficiency and bioequivalence study using urine data from healthy volunteers: a comparison between two tablet formulations of cephalexin / Eficiência de dissolução e estudo de bioequivalência utilizando dados de urina de voluntários saudáveis: uma comparação entre duas formulações de comprimidos de cefalexina

The aim of the present study was to assess the bioequivalence of two cephalexin tablet formulations available in the Brazilian market (product A as reference formulation and product B as test formulation). Dissolution efficiency (DE%) was calculated for both formulations to evaluate their in vitrobiopharmaceutical features. The oral bioequivalence study was performed in twenty-four healthy volunteers in a crossover design. Single oral dose (tablet containing 500 mg of cephalexin) of each product was administered with two weeks of washout period. Urinary concentrations of cephalexin were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and pharmacokinetics parameters were estimated by urinary excretion data. The bioequivalence was determined by the following parameters: the cumulative amount of cephalexin excreted in the urine, the total amount of cephalexin excreted in the urine and the maximum urinary excretion rate of cephalexin. DE values of immediate-release cephalexin tablets (500 mg) were 68.69±4.18% for product A and 71.03±6.63% for product B. Regarding the dissolution test of the two brands (A and B) analysed, both were in compliance with the official pharmacopeial specifications, since the dissolution of both formulations was superior to 80% of the amount declared in the label after 45 minutes of test (A=92.09%±1.84; B=92.84%±1.08). The results obtained indicated that the products A and B are pharmaceutical equivalents. Confidence intervals for the pharmacokinetic parameters were in compliance with the international standards, indicating that products A and B can be considered bioequivalents and, therefore, interchangeable...

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a bioequivalência de duas formulações de cefalexina disponíveis no mercado brasileiro (produto A como formulação referência e produto B como formulação teste). A eficiência de dissolução (DE%) foi calculada para ambas as formulações para avaliar suas características biofarmacêuticas. O estudo de bioequivalência oral foi realizado em vinte e quatro voluntários sadios utilizando um desenho cruzado. Uma dose oral única (comprimido contendo 500 mg de cefalexina) de cada produto foi administrada com um período de washout de duas semanas. Concentrações urinárias de cefalexina foram mensuradas por método de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) e os parâmetros farmacocinéticos foram estimados por dados de excreção urinária. A bioequivalência foi determinada pelos seguintes parâmetros: quantidade acumulada da cefalexina excretada na urina, quantidade total da cefalexina excretada na urina e a taxa de excreção máxima da cefalexina. Os valores de DE dos comprimidos de liberação imediata de cefalexina (500 mg) foram 68,69±4,18% para o produto A e de 71,03±6,63% para o produto B. Com relação ao teste de dissolução das duas marcas analisadas (A e B), ambas apresentaram-se de acordo com as especificações farmacopéicas, uma vez que a dissolução de ambas formulações foi superior a 80% da quantidade declarada após 45 minutos de teste (A=92,09%±1,84; B=92,84% ±1,08). Os resultados obtidos indicaram que os produtos A e B são equivalentes farmacêuticos. Os intervalos de confiança para os parâmetros farmacocinéticos estavam de acordo com os padrões internacionais, demonstrando que os produtos A e B podem ser considerados bioequivalentes e, portanto, intercambiáveis...

Average bioequivalence of single 500 mg doses of two oral formulations of levofloxacin: a randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study in healthy adult Brazilian volunteers

Average bioequivalence of two 500 mg levofloxacin formulations available in Brazil, Tavanic(c) (Sanofi-Aventis Farmacêutica Ltda, Brazil, reference product) and Levaquin(c) (Janssen-Cilag Farmacêutica Ltda, Brazil, test product) was evaluated by means of a randomized, open-label, 2-way crossover study performed in 26 healthy Brazilian volunteers under fasting conditions. A single dose of 500 mg levofloxacin tablets was orally administered, and blood samples were collected over a period of 48 hours. Levofloxacin plasmatic concentrations were determined using a validated HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, Kel, T1/2el, AUC0-t and AUC0-inf were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Bioequivalence was determined by calculating 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) for the ratio of Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-inf values for test and reference products, using logarithmic transformed data. Tolerability was assessed by monitoring vital signs and laboratory analysis results, by subject interviews and by spontaneous report of adverse events. 90% CIs for Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-inf were 92.1% - 108.2%, 90.7% - 98.0%, and 94.8% - 100.0%, respectively. Observed adverse events were nausea and headache. It was concluded that Tavanic(c) and Levaquin(c) are bioequivalent, since 90% CIs are within the 80% - 125% interval proposed by regulatory agencies.

A bioequivalência média de duas formulações de levofloxacino disponíveis no Brasil, Tavanic(c) (Sanofi-Aventis Farmacêutica Ltda, Brasil, produto referência) e Levaquin(c) (Janssen-Cilag Farmacêutica Ltda, Brasil, produto teste) foi determinada por meio da realização de ensaio aleatório, aberto, cruzado, com dois períodos e duas sequências, em 26 voluntários sadios em condições de jejum. Amostras de sangue dos voluntários foram obtidas ao longo de um período de 48 horas após administração de dose única de 500 mg de levofloxacino. As concentrações plasmáticas do fármaco foram determinadas por método cromatográfico validado. Os parâmetros farmacocinéticos Cmax, Tmax, Kel, T1/2el, AUC0-t e AUC0-inf foram calculados por análise não compartimental. A bioequivalência foi determinada pelo cálculo de intervalos de confiança 90% (IC 90%) para as razões entre os valores de Cmax, AUC0-t e AUC0-inf obtidos para os produtos teste e referência, usando dados transformados logaritmicamente. A tolerabilidade foi avaliada pelo acompanhamento dos sinais vitais e resultados de exames laboratoriais, por consultas e por relato espontâneo dos voluntários. ICs 90% para Cmax, AUC0-t e AUC0-inf foram 92.1% - 108.2%, 90.7% - 98.0%, e 94.8% - 100.0%, respectivamente. Os eventos adversos observados foram náusea e cefaleia. Concluiu-se que os produtos Tavanic(c) e Levaquin(c) são bioequivalentes, uma vez que os ICs 90% estão dentro da faixa de 80%-125% proposta pelas agências reguladoras.

A critical review of properties of darunavir and analytical methods for its determination.

Darunavir is a synthetic non-peptidic protease inhibitor that has been shown to be extremely potent against wild-type HIV, and it is an important component of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), which is considered as one of the most significant advances in the field of HIV therapy. However, there are some concerns about darunavir quality control. Darunavir shows pseudo-polymorphism: in different ambient conditions one pseudo-polymorphic form can change to another. This behavior of darunavir is problematic because the dosage form is exposed to different ambient conditions around the world, since HIV/AIDS is prevalent globally. Issues around differences in the solubility and effects that different forms of darunavir can cause are of concern, and a more stable form is preferable. Important investigations of darunavir such as dissolution behavior, polymorphism, stability and degradation studies, and the impact of that on the quality of the product are being conducted by our working group. A cure for HIV/AIDS remains a long-term commitment, and there is much yet to achieve. This article discusses, by a critical review of the literature, the impact of the use of darunavir in the treatment of HIV-infected patients, its physical-chemical properties, the analytical methods to determine it, and challenges that remain in order to ensure the quality and stability of darunavir.

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence evaluation of cyclobenzaprine tablets.

The purpose of this study was to investigate cyclobenzaprine pharmacokinetics and to evaluate bioequivalence between two different tablet formulations containing the drug. An open, randomized, crossover, single-dose, two-period, and two-sequence design was employed. Tablets were administered to 23 healthy subjects after an overnight fasting and blood samples were collected up to 240 hours after drug administration. Plasma cyclobenzaprine was quantified by means of an LC-MS/MS method. Pharmacokinetic parameters related to absorption, distribution, and elimination were calculated. Cyclobenzaprine plasma profiles for the reference and test products were similar, as well as absorption pharmacokinetic parameters AUC (reference: 199.4 ng ∗ h/mL; test: 201.6 ng ∗ h/mL), Cmax (reference: 7.0 ng/mL; test: 7.2 ng/mL), and T(max) (reference: 4.5 h; test: 4.6 h). Bioequivalence was evaluated by means of 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of AUC (93%-111%) and C(max) (93%-112%) values for test and reference products, which were within the 80%-125% interval proposed by FDA. Cyclobenzaprine pharmacokinetics can be described by a multicompartment open model with an average rapid elimination half-life (t(1/2)ß) of 3.1 hours and an average terminal elimination half-life (t(1/2)γ) of 31.9 hours.

Determination of lamivudine and zidovudine permeability using a different ex vivo method in Franz cells.

INTRODUCTION: The major processes that control the absorption of orally administered drugs are dissolution and gastrointestinal permeation. These processes depend on two main properties: solubility and permeability. Based on these characteristics, the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) was proposed as a tool to assist in biowaiver and bioavailability prediction of drugs. METHODS: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the permeability of lamivudine (3TC) and zidovudine (AZT) using a different ex vivo method in Franz cells. A segment of jejunum was inserted in a Franz cells apparatus, in order to assess drug permeability in the apical-basolateral (A-B) and basolateral-apical (B-A) directions. Each drug was added to the donor chamber, collected from the acceptor chamber and analyzed by HPLC. Fluorescein (FLU) and metoprolol (METO) were used as low and high permeability markers, respectively. RESULTS: The apparent permeability (Papp) results for the A-B direction were: Papp FLU A-B=0.54×10(-4)cm·s(-1), Papp METO A-B=7.99×10(-4)cm·s(-1), Papp 3TC A-B=4.58×10(-4)cm·s(-1) and Papp AZT A-B=5.34×10(-4)cm·s(-1). For the B-A direction, the Papp results were: Papp FLU B-A=0.56×10(-4)cm·s(-1), Papp METO B-A=0.25×10(-4)cm·s(-1), Papp 3TC B-A=0.24×10(-4)cm·s(-1) and Papp AZT B-A=0.19×10(-4)cm·s(-1). DISCUSSION: For the A-B direction, the Papp results of fluorescein and metoprolol show low and high permeability, respectively, indicating that the membranes were appropriate for permeability studies. For the A-B direction, the Papp results of 3TC and AZT suggest that these antiretroviral drugs have permeability values close to metoprolol. Nevertheless, for the B-A direction the Papp results do not suggest efflux mechanism for any of the drugs. Thereby, the different ex vivo methods using Franz cells can be successfully applied in drug permeability studies, in particular for drug biopharmaceutical classification.

Equilibrium solubility versus intrinsic dissolution: characterization of lamivudine, stavudine and zidovudine for BCS classification

Solubility and dissolution rate of drugs are of major importance in pre-formulation studies of pharmaceutical dosage forms. The solubility improvement allows the drugs to be potential biowaiver candidates and may be a good way to develop more dose-efficient formulations. Solubility behaviour of lamivudine, stavudine and zidovudine in individual solvents (under pH range of 1.2 to 7.5) was studied by equilibrium solubility and intrinsic dissolution methods. In solubility study by equilibrium method (shake-flask technique), known amounts of drug were added in each media until to reach saturation and the mixture was subjected to agitation of 150 rpm for 72 hours at 37 ºC. In intrinsic dissolution test, known amount of each drug was compressed in the matrix of Wood's apparatus and subjected to dissolution in each media with agitation of 50 rpm at 37 ºC. In solubility by equilibrium method, lamivudine and zidovudine can be considered as highly soluble drugs. Although stavudine present high solubility in pH 4.5, 6.8, 7.5 and water, the solubility determination in pH 1.2 was not possible due stability problems. Regarding to intrinsic dissolution, lamivudine and stavudine present high speed of dissolution. Considering a boundary value presented by Yu and colleagues (2004), all drugs studied present high solubility characteristics in intrinsic dissolution method. Based on the obtained results, intrinsic dissolution seems to be superior for solubility studies as an alternative method for biopharmaceutical classification purposes.

A solubilidade e a taxa de dissolução de fármacos são de grande importância em estudos de pré-formulação de formas farmacêuticas. A melhora na solubilidade permite que os fármacos sejam candidatos potenciais à bioisenção, podendo ser uma boa maneira para desenvolver formulações dose-eficientes. O comportamento de solubilidade da lamivudina, estavudina e zidovudina em solventes individuais (sob faixa de pH 1,2 a 7,5) foi estudado pelos métodos de solubilidade em equilíbrio e dissolução intrínseca. No estudo de solubilidade pelo método do equilíbrio (método de agitação de frascos), conhecidas quantidades do fármaco foram adicionadas em cada meio até atingirem a saturação e a mistura foi submetida à agitação de 150 rpm por 72 horas a 37 ºC. No ensaio de dissolução intrínseca, conhecida quantidade de cada fármaco foi comprimida na matriz do aparato de Wood e submetida à dissolução em cada meio com agitação de 50 rpm a 37 ºC. No método de solubilidade em equilíbrio, a lamivudina e a zidovudina podem ser consideradas como fármacos altamente solúveis. Embora a estavudina apresente alta solubilidade nos meios pH 4,5, 6,8, 7,5 e água, a determinação da solubilidade em pH 1,2 não foi possível devido a problemas de estabilidade. Com relação à dissolução intrínseca, a lamivudina e a estavudina apresentaram alta velocidade de dissolução. Considerando o valor limite apresentado por Yu e colaboradores (2004), todos os fármacos apresentaram características de alta solubilidade no método de dissolução intrínseca. Com base nos resultados obtidos, a dissolução intrínseca parece ser superior para os estudos de solubilidade como um método alternativo para o propósito de classificação biofarmacêutica.

Spectroscopic and thermal characterization of alternative model biomembranes from shed skins of Bothrops jararaca and Spilotis pullatus / Caracterização espectroscópica e térmica de biomembranas modelo alternativo de peles galpão de Bothrops jararaca e Spilotis pullatus

Recently, there has been an interest in the use of shed snake skin as alternative model biomembrane for human stratum corneum. This research work presented as objective the qualitative characterization of alternative model biomembranes from Bothrops jararaca and Spilotis pullatus by FT-Raman, PAS-FTIR and DSC. The employed biophysical techniques permitted the characterization of the biomembranes from shed snake skin of B. jararaca and S. pullatus by the identification of vibrational frequencies and endothermic transitions that are similar to those of the human stratum corneum.

Existe atualmente interesse no uso da muda de pele de cobra como modelos alternativos de biomembranas da pele humana. O presente trabalho apresentou como objetivo a caracterização qualitativa de modelos alternativos de biomembranas provenientes de mudas de pele de cobra da Bothrops jararaca e Spilotis pullatus por espectroscopia Raman (FT-Raman), espectroscopia fotoacústica no infravermelho (PAS-FTIR) e calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC). As técnicas biofísicas FT-Raman, PAS-FTIR e DSC permitiram caracterizar qualitativamente os modelos alternativos de biomembranas provenientes das mudas de pele de cobra da B. jararaca e S. pullatus e identificar freqüências vibracionais e transições endotérmicas similares ao estrato córneo humano.

Bioequivalence assay between orally disintegrating and conventional tablet formulations in healthy volunteers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate bioequivalence of two commercial 8 mg tablet formulations of ondansetrona available in the Brazilian market. In this study, a simple, rapid, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method is described for the determination of ondansetron in human plasma samples. The method was validated over a concentration range of 2.5-60 ng/ml and used in a bioequivalence trial between orally disintegrating and conventional tablet ondansetron formulations, to assess its usefulness in this kind of study. Vonau flash (Biolab Sanus Farmacêutica, Brazil, as test formulations) and Zofran (GlaxoSmithKline, Brazil, as reference formulation) were evaluated following a single 8 mg dose to 23 healthy volunteers of both genders. The dose was administered after an overnight fast according to a two-way crossover design. Bioequivalence between the products was determinated by calculating 90% confidence interval (90% CI) for the ratio of C(max), AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-infinity) values for the test and reference products, using logarithmically transformed data. The 90% confidence interval for the ratio of C(max) (87.5-103.8%), AUC(0-t) (89.3-107.2%) and AUC(0-infinity) (89.7-106.0%) values for the test and reference products is within the 80-125% interval, proposed by FDA, EMEA and ANVISA. It was concluded that two ondansetron formulations are bioequivalent in their rate and extent of absorption.

Bioequivalence study of two oral formulations of cefadroxil in healthy volunteers.

Two different cefadroxil (CAS 50370-12-2) formulations were evaluated for their relative bioavailability in 24 healthy volunteers who received a single 500 mg oral dose of each preparation. An open, randomized clinical trial designed as a two-period crossover study with a 7-day washout period between doses was employed. Plasma samples for assessments of their cefadroxil concentration by HPLC-UV were obtained over 8 h after administration. Values of 48.94 +/- 10.18 pg x h/ml for test, and 48.51 +/- 9.02 microg x h/ml for the reference preparation AUC(0-t) demonstrate a nearly identical extend of drug absorption. Maximum plasma concentration Cmax of 16.04 +/- 4.94 microg/ml and 16.01 + 4.02 microg/ml achieved for the test and reference preparations did not differ significantly. The parametric 90% confidence intervals (CI) of the mean of the difference (test-reference) between log-transformed values of the two formulations were 96.80% to 104.51% and 92.01% to 107.00% for AUC(0-t) and Cmax, respectively. Since for both AUC(0-t) or Cmax the 90% CI values are within the interval proposed by the Food and Drug Administration, the test product is bioequivalent to the reference product for both the rate and extent of absorption after single dose administration.

HPLC-UV determination of metformin in human plasma for application in pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence studies.

In this study, a simple, rapid and sensitive HPLC method with UV detection is described for determination of metformin in plasma samples from bioequivalence assays. Sample preparation was accomplished through protein precipitation with acetonitrile and chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase phenyl column at 40 degrees C. Mobile phase consisted of a mixture of phosphate buffer and acetonitrile at flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. Wavelength was set at 236 nm. The method was applied to a bioequivalence study of two drug products containing metformin, and allowed determination of metformin at low concentrations with a higher throughput than previously described methods.

Avaliação das propriedades de fluxo dos granulados e dissolução de comprimidos de hidroclorotiazida 50 mg obtidos por granulação úmida / Evaluation of the flow and the dissolution of 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide tablets obtained by wet granulation

O processo de granulação úmida ainda encontra larga aplicabilidade junto à moderna indústria farmacêutica para a produção de comprimidos, pois elimina alguns dos principais problemas atribuídos à compressão direta: a tendência de segregação e as baixas propriedades de fluxo dos pós durante o processo. O presente trabalho avalia e compara através de estudos micromeríticos e análise estatística as características de fluxo de granulados destinados ao desenvolvimento de comprimidos de hidroclorotiazida 50 mg. Foram testados três aglutinantes (pasta de amido e as dispersões aquosas, preparadas a frio, de amido pré-gelatinizado e povidone). Avaliou-se ainda a compatibilidade entre o fármaco e os excipientes empregados, através de estudos termoanalíticos (DSC), e a influência da adição extragranular do superdesintegrante crospovidone nos valores de eficiência de dissolução ( por centoED) dos comprimidos obtidos. Os granulados obtidos apresentaram propriedades de fluxo e compressibilidade boas a excelentes, caracterizadas por: valores de índice de compressibilidade situados entre 5 e 15; proporções de Hausner inferiores a 1,25 e ângulos de repouso entre 30 e 35º. A adição de crospovidone não incrementou os valores de por centoED das formulações desenvolvidas, nas condições experimentais empregadas, ainda que tenha reduzido, de forma pouco significativa, os tempos de desintegração das formulações.

The wet granulation process still finds large applicability close to the modern pharmaceutical industry for the production of tablets, because it eliminates some of the main attributed problems of the direct compression: the segregation tendency and the low flow properties of the powders during the process. The present work evaluates and it compares through micromeritical studies and statistical analysis the flow characteristics of granulates destined to the development of tablets of hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg. Three binders were tested (paste of starch and the aqueous dispersions, prepared to cold, of pregelatinized starch and povidone). It was still evaluated the compatibility between the drug and the employed excipients, through termoanalytical studies (DSC), and the influence of the extra granular addition of the "superdisintegrant" crospovidone in the values of dissolution efficiency ( percentDE) of the obtained tablets. The obtained granulates presented good flow and compressibility properties, characterized by: values of compressibility index between 5 and 15; Hausner ratio less than 1,25 and angle of repose between 30 and 35º. The crospovidone addition did not increase the values of percentED of the developed formulations, in the experimental conditions employed, although it has reduced, in way a low significance, the disintegration times of the formulations.

Comparação de perfis de dissolução da cefalexina através de estudos de cinética e eficiência de dissolução (ED por cento) / Dissolution profile comparison of cephalexin by dissolution kinetic studies and dissolution efficiency (ED percent)

O presente estudo reporta os resultados comparativos obtidos através da avaliação da cinética e da eficiência de dissolução da cefalexina a partir de dois lotes (1 e 2) de diferentes produtos contendo tal fármaco disponíveis no mercado brasileiro (A e B) sob a forma de comprimidos de liberação convencional. Os perfis de dissolução foram determinados utilizando as seguintes condições: aparato 1 (cesta, 40 mesh); 100 rpm; 900 mL de água destilada mantida a 37±0,5 °C. Amostras coletadas em: 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 minutos e a concentração de cefalexina foi determinada por espectrofotometria UV (262 nm). A partir dos perfis de dissolução determinou-se: modelo matemático de liberação da cefalexina (primeira-ordem); porcentagem de cefalexina dissolvida em 30 minutos (Q30); constante da velocidade de dissolução (k); meia-vida de dissolução (t50 por cento); eficiência de dissolução (ED por cento). Os valores Q30 obtidos indicaram que os produtos A2 e B2 se apresentaram de acordo com as especificações farmacopéicas. A comparação entre os perfis indicou diferenças estatisticamente significativa entre os produtos A2 e B1 (análise comparativa dos parâmetros cinéticos), A1 e B2 (análise comparativa pelos fatores de diferença - f1 e similaridade - f2) e B1 e B2 (análise comparativa dos parâmetros cinéticos e da ED por cento).

The present study reports the comparative results of the cephalexin dissolution kinetic evaluation and dissolution efficiency (ED percent) considering two brands (1 and 2) of different products (A and B), available within the Brazilian market in the tablet conventional release dosage form. The dissolution profiles have been determined adopting the following conditions: apparatus 1 (basket, 40 mesh); 100 rpm; 900 mL of distilled water kept 37±0,5 °C. Samples have been collected in: 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes and the cephalexin concentration was determined at UV spectrofotometry (262 nm). Through the dissolution profiles it has been determined: (i) the mathematical model of cephalexin released (first-order); (ii) the percentage of cephalexin dissolved at 30 minutes (Q30); (iii) the constant of the dissolution rate (k); (iv) half-life of dissolution (t50 percent); and, (v) the efficiency of dissolution (ED percent). The percentage of cephalexin dissolved at 30 minutes (Q30) has indicated that the products A2 e B2 were in accordance with the presented pharmacopoeia specifications. Dissolution profile comparison has indicated significant statistic difference between: A2 and B1 (comparative analysis of the kinetic parameters), A1 and B2 (comparative analysis by difference factor - f1 and similarity factor - f2), B1 and B2 (comparative analysis of the kinetic parameters and ED percent).

Método analítico para determinação de meloxicam em plasma humano por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) / Determination of meloxicam in human plasma by HPLC

Desenvolveu-se e validou-se método analítico simples, rápido e específico para quantificação de meloxicam (inibidor do COX-2) em plasma humano através da cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, para aplicação em estudos de bioequivalência. Piroxicam foi utilizado como padrão interno. Empregou-se cromotografia em fase reversa com coluna modelo Synergi RP-MAX (150 X 4,6 mn0, à temperatura de 30 ºC e fase móvel constituída por mistura de acetonitrila e tampão fosfato 0,025 mol/L pH 4,5 (40:60, v/c4.v), a um fluxo de 1,0 mL/min. Os analitos foram detectados por UV a 364 nm. As amostras de plasma foram acidificadas com ácido clorídrico 1 mol/L, extraídas utilizando-se éter terc-butil metílico e, após filtração e secagem, o resíduo foi reconstituído em 250 mL de fase móvel para injeção em CLAE...

Avaliaçäo da bioequivalência de comprimidos contendo levofloxacino 500 mg produzidos por Apsen Farmacêutica S/A e Aventis Pharma. Etapas clínica, analítica e estatística / Bioequivalence evaluation of tablets containg levofloxacin 500mg produced by Apsen Pharmaceuticals S/A and Aventis Pahrma. Clinical, analytical and statystical steps

Objetivos: Neste trabalho, se realizam etapas clínicas, analíticas e estatística de ensaio de bioequivalência em formulaçöes contendo levofloxacino produzidos por dois laboratórios farmacêuticos. Os objetivos foram: a) desenvolver e validar o método quantitativo (plasma); b) realizar ensaio clínico em voluntários sadios, adminitrando as duas formulaçöes; c) quantificar o levofloxacino no plasma dos voluntários; d) análise estatística para avaliar a bioequivalência entre os produtos. Material e Métodos: 1) Amostras: formulaçäo " teste" - levoxin ( Apsen Farmacêutica s/a) e formulaçäo referência - tavanic ( Aventis Pharma); 2) Ensaios de bioequivalência : Casuística - voluntários sadios, seguindo normas internacionais e resoluçäo 41/2000 Brasil (2000). Foi assinado termo de consentimento pelos 24 voluntários. Resultados / discussäo : O método analítico para quantificaçäo do levofloxacino em amostras ded plasma demonstrou boa especificidade , recuperaçäo, linearidade, limite de quantificaçäo, precisäo, exatidäo ,sensibilidade, facilidade na purificaçäo das amostras, tempo de análise e estabilidade ( 92 dias a -20 graus C). As curvas médias " concentraçäo plasmática versus tempo" para os produtos " referência" ( Tavanic) e " teste" ( levoxin) apresentaram peris de decaimento plasmático semelhantes, bem como as médias dos parâmetros farmacocinéticos: C max ( referência:6380,66 ng/mL; teste: 6398,03 ng/mL), AUC-0-t (referência :50.535,49 ng.h/mL; teste 50.240,81 ng.h/mL) e a AUC 0 - infinito ( referência:54.325,22 ng.h/mL;teste:53.719,64 ng.h/mL). A análise de variância (ANOVA) para os efeitos do produto, grupo e período em relaçäo aos parâmetros farmacocinéticos demonstrou ausência desses efeitos na Cmax, , AUC 0-t e AUC 0-infinito, comprovando planejamento e execuçäo adequados da etapa clínica. Os intervalos de confiança 90 (por cento) para as razöes dos parâmetros farmacocinéticos dos medicamentos em referência se apresentaram entre 80 (por cento) e 125(por cento), em concordância com os limites na ANVISA ( Brasil 2002), FDA e EMEA, caracterizando-se a bioequivalência entre os produtos avaliados. Conclusäo : Conforme os dados obtidos, ,pode-se considerar que os produtos Tavanic ( Aventis Pharma) e Levoxin ( apsen Farmacêutica S/A) säo bioequivalentes, sem prejuízo do efeito terapêutico.(au)