Target-independent prediction of drug synergies using only drug lipophilicity.

Physicochemical properties of compounds have been instrumental in selecting lead compounds with increased drug-likeness. However, the relationship between physicochemical properties of constituent drugs and the tendency to exhibit drug interaction has not been systematically studied. We assembled physicochemical descriptors for a set of antifungal compounds ("drugs") previously examined for interaction. Analyzing the relationship between molecular weight, lipophilicity, H-bond donor, and H-bond acceptor values for drugs and their propensity to show pairwise antifungal drug synergy, we found that combinations of two lipophilic drugs had a greater tendency to show drug synergy. We developed a more refined decision tree model that successfully predicted drug synergy in stringent cross-validation tests based on only lipophilicity of drugs. Our predictions achieved a precision of 63% and allowed successful prediction for 58% of synergistic drug pairs, suggesting that this phenomenon can extend our understanding for a substantial fraction of synergistic drug interactions. We also generated and analyzed a large-scale synergistic human toxicity network, in which we observed that combinations of lipophilic compounds show a tendency for increased toxicity. Thus, lipophilicity, a simple and easily determined molecular descriptor, is a powerful predictor of drug synergy. It is well established that lipophilic compounds (i) are promiscuous, having many targets in the cell, and (ii) often penetrate into the cell via the cellular membrane by passive diffusion. We discuss the positive relationship between drug lipophilicity and drug synergy in the context of potential drug synergy mechanisms.

Development and validation of a rapid stability indicating HPLC-method using monolithic stationary phase and two spectrophotometric methods for determination of antihistaminic acrivastine in capsules.

Simple, rapid and accurate high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and spectrophotometric methods are described for determination of antihistaminic acrivastine in capsules. The first method (method A) is based on accurate, sensitive and stability indicating chromatographic separation method. Chromolith® Performance RP-18e column, a relatively new packing material consisting of monolithic rods of highly porous silica, was used as stationary phase applying isocratic binary mobile phase of ACN and 25 mM NaH2PO4 pH 4.0 in the ratio of 22.5:77.5 at flow rate of 5.0 mL/min and 40°C. A diode array detector was used at 254 nm for detection. The elution time of acrivastine was found to be 2.080±0.032. The second and third methods (methods B and C) are based on the oxidation of acrivastine with excess N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and determination of the unconsumed NBS with, metol-sulphanilic acid (λmax: 520 nm) or amaranth dye (λmax: 530 nm). The reacted oxidant corresponds to the drug content. Beer's law is obeyed over the concentration range 1.563-50, 2.0-20 and 1.0-10 µg mL(-1) for methods A, B and C, respectively. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.40, 0.292 and 0.113 µg mL(-1) and 0.782, 0.973 and 0.376 µg mL(-1) for methods A, B and C, respectively. The HPLC method was validated for system suitability, linearity, precision, limits of detection and quantitation, specificity, stability and robustness. Stability tests were done through exposure of the analyte solution for four different stress conditions and the results indicate no interference of degradants with HPLC-method. The proposed methods was favorably applied for determination of acrivastine in capsules formulation. Statistical comparison of the obtained results from the analysis of the studied drug to those of the reported method using t- and F-tests showed no significant difference between them.

Applicability of total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) as a screening platform for pharmaceutical inorganic impurity analysis.

Palladium (Pd) is extensively used in pharmaceutical small molecule drug substance processes, however it must be removed prior to release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Evaluation of four TXRF instruments and configurations were compared to ICP-MS instrumentation for trace metal analysis, most importantly for Pd. Standards and six pharmaceutical drug substances, triprolidine HCl, diphenhydramine HCl, chlorpheniramine maleate, pseudoephedrine HCl, ephedrine sulfate, and scopolamine HBr, were analyzed to determine linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision for Pd plus Cr, Fe, Cu, Rh, and Pt versus interferences, particularly from Cl, S, and Ar, on the various X-ray fluorescence lines. Irrespective of instrument platform, in general X-ray sources capable of accessing Pd-K lines were found to be most effective in determination of Pd in APIs.

Solubility-modulated asymmetric membrane tablets of triprolidine hydrochloride: statistical optimization and evaluation.

The aim of the present study was to develop asymmetric membrane (AM) tablets for controlled delivery of highly water-soluble antihistaminic drug triprolidine hydrochloride. The solubility of triprolidine hydrochloride was modulated through the incorporation of coated sodium chloride crystals encapsulated with asymmetric membrane coating polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate. Formulation of AM tablets was based on a 2(3) factorial design to study the effect of formulation variables, namely, polymer concentration, level of pore former, and amount of osmogen on the in vitro release. Core tablets prepared by wet granulation and coated with asymmetric membrane by a dip coating method were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done with the Design Expert Software 8.0.2 (USA), and the polynomial equation generated by Pareto charts was used for validation of the experimental design. The interaction chart and response surface plots deduced the simultaneous effect of independent variables on in vitro drug release. The in vitro drug release was inversely proportional and directly related to the level(s) of polymer and pore former in the membrane, respectively. The level of osmogen not only increased the osmotic pressure but also controlled the drug release due to a common ion effect. The drug release of the optimized formulation (F6) followed zero-order kinetics, which would be capable of reducing the administration, and was stable over 3 months. SEM photographs revealed asymmetry in membrane structure.

Chromatographic separation and spectroscopic characterization of the E/Z isomers of acrivastine.

A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed for the separation of two geometric isomers of Acrivastine using crude reaction mixture. The resolution between two isomers was found more than 2.9. The geometric isomers have been isolated by preparative HPLC and characterized by spectroscopic techniques, such as NMR, infrared, and MS. The developed method has been validated for the determination of Z-isomer in Acrivastine. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of the Z-isomer were 0.05 and 0.2 µg/ml, respectively. The developed method is precise, linear, accurate, rugged and robust for its intended use.

Interaction of triprolidine hydrochloride with serum albumins: thermodynamic and binding characteristics, and influence of site probes.

The interaction between triprolidine hydrochloride (TRP) to serum albumins viz. bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) has been studied by spectroscopic methods. The experimental results revealed the static quenching mechanism in the interaction of TRP with protein. The number of binding sites close to unity for both TRP-BSA and TRP-HSA indicated the presence of single class of binding site for the drug in protein. The binding constant values of TRP-BSA and TRP-HSA were observed to be 4.75 ± 0.018 × 10(3) and 2.42 ± 0.024 × 10(4)M(-1) at 294 K, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the hydrogen bond and van der Waals forces played the major role in the binding of TRP to proteins. The distance of separation between the serum albumin and TRP was obtained from the Förster's theory of non-radioactive energy transfer. The metal ions viz., K(+), Ca(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Mn(2+) and Zn(2+) were found to influence the binding of the drug to protein. Displacement experiments indicated the binding of TRP to Sudlow's site I on both BSA and HSA. The CD, 3D fluorescence spectra and FT-IR spectral results revealed the changes in the secondary structure of protein upon interaction with TRP.

Spectrophotometric determination of some antihistaminic drugs using 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ).

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method is suggested for analysis of 3 antihistaminic drugs, acrivastine (I), mequitazine (II), and dimethindene maleate (III). The method is based on reaction of the drugs with 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) in acetonitrile to form highly stable colored products that are measured at 750, 766, and 844 nm for I and II, and 480 and 618 nm for III. Beer's law is obeyed in the ranges of 5-60 microg/mL for 1, 5-50 microg/mL for II, and 10-70 microg/mL for III. The optimum assay conditions and their applicability to the determination of the cited drugs in pharmaceutical formulations are described. The method is statistically analyzed as compared with the European Pharmacopoeia (2001) method for the analysis of dimethindene maleate and reference methods for acrivastine and mequitazine drugs revealing good accuracy and precision.

Transport of hydroxyzine and triprolidine across bovine olfactory mucosa: role of passive diffusion in the direct nose-to-brain uptake of small molecules.

Hydroxyzine and triprolidine have both been reported to reach the CNS following nasal administration. The objective of this study was to investigate their in vitro permeation across bovine olfactory mucosa in order to further characterize the biological and physicochemical parameters that influence direct nose-to-brain transport. In vitro experiments were conducted using Sweetana-Grass (Navicyte) vertical diffusion cells to evaluate the effect of directionality, donor concentration and pH on the permeation of hydroxyzine and triprolidine across excised bovine olfactory mucosa. These studies demonstrated that the Jm-s (mucosal-submucosal flux) and Js-m (submucosal-mucosal flux) of hydroxyzine and triprolidine across the olfactory mucosa were linearly dependent upon the donor concentration without any evidence of saturable transport. Hydroxyzine inhibited the efflux of P-gp substrates like etoposide and chlorpheniramine across the olfactory mucosa. Both hydroxyzine and triprolidine reduced the net flux (Js-m-Jm-s) of etoposide with IC50 values of 39.2 and 130.6 microM, respectively. The lipophilicty of these compounds, coupled with their ability to inhibit P-gp, enable them to freely permeate across the olfactory mucosa. Despite the presence of a number of protective barriers such as efflux transporters and metabolizing enzymes in the olfactory system, lipophilic compounds such as hydroxyzine and triprolidine can access the CNS primarily by passive diffusion when administered via the nasal cavity.

Adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of triprolidine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical tablets.

The electrochemical behavior of antihistaminic drug, viz. triprolidine hydrochloride (TripCl), at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) is investigated. Chemical and electrical parameters affecting the adsorptive voltammetric measurements are optimized. Different modes of sweep, viz. direct current DC, normal pulse NP, differential pulse DP and square wave SW modes, over the potential range from -800 to -1400 mV, are used in the presence of 0.04 M Britton-Robinson buffer pH 11, with accumulation time 30 s, scan rate 50 mV/s and pulse amplitude 50 mV. The reduction process is irreversible and involved the transfer of two electrons and two protons. Their responses are linear over the concentration range 15-157 ng/ml with average correlation coefficient 0.9998, while the detection limit is 2.64, 6.24, 8.80 and 2.12 ng/ml for DC, DP, SW and NP mode, respectively. The differential pulse method has been applied successfully for the determination of the drug in Egyptian pharmaceutical preparation with mean recovery 99.55+/-0.67%.

Evaluation and comparison of five matrix excipients for the controlled release of acrivastine and pseudoephedrine.

For treatment of allergic rhinitis, acrivastine with pseudoephedrine in Semprex-D conventional capsules requires dosing every 6-8 hours. This study was designed to develop a controlled release matrix tablet of acrivastine and pseudoephedrine and evaluate 5 different matrix excipients for their in vitro controlled-release profiles. Compritol 888ATO, Eudragit RS, Methocel K100M, Polyox WSR301 and Precirol ATO5 were used alone or in varying combinations for the formulation of controlled release matrix tablets. In vitro drug dissolution and mathematical modeling were used to characterize drug release rate and extent. All tablet formulations yielded quality matrix preparations with satisfactory tableting properties. Due to the aqueous solubility of pseudoephedrine and the size of the dose, none of the matrix excipients used alone prolonged drug release significantly to meet the desired twice-daily administration frequency. The use of two excipients in combination, however, significantly decreased the dissolution rate of both active ingredients. A combined lipid-based Compritol and hydrophilic Methocel produced optimal controlled drug release for longer than 8 hours for both acrivastine and pseudoephedrine.

Electrochemical behaviour and determination of acrivastine in pharmaceuticals and human urine.

The differential pulse polarography, DC-tast polarography and cyclic voltammetry behaviour of acrivastine was studied in Britton-Robinson buffer solutions (pH 2-11.7). In acidic media, a non-reversible diffusion controlled reduction process involving four electrons takes place. Two reduction waves appear at a E(1/2)=-0.6 and -0.99 V. The reduction mechanism is discussed. The linear relationship between peak current height and acrivastine concentration allowed the differential pulse polarographic determination of acrivastine over a wide concentration range, from 0.35 to 26.1 mg l(-1)at pH 2.5. The procedure was applied to determination of the drug in pharmaceutical formulations and human urine samples.

Controlled release of triprolidine using ethylene-vinyl acetate membrane and matrix systems.

The studies on the permeability of triprolidine through ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer membrane using two-chamber diffusion cell was carried out to develop the controlled delivery system. To evaluate the effect of drug concentration in reservoir, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 was added to saline solution as a solubilizer and a sink condition was maintained in the receptor solution. The permeation rate of drug through EVA membrane was proportional to PEG 400 volume fraction. A linear relationship existed between the permeation rate and the reciprocal of the membrane thickness. Triprolidine-containing matrix was fabricated with EVA copolymer to control the release of the drug. The plasticizers was added for preparing the pore structure of EVA membranes to increase the drug release. The effects of PEG 400, vinyl acetate (VA) contents of EVA, membrane thickness, drug concentration, temperature, and plasticizers, on drug release were studied. The release rate of drug from the EVA matrix increased with PEG 400 volume fraction, increased temperature and drug loading doses. An increased vinyl acetate comonomer content in EVA membrane increased the drug release rate and permeability coefficient. Among the plasticizers used such as alkyl citrates and phthalates, tetra ethyl citrate showed the best enhancing effects showing the enhancement factor of 1.88. The release of triprolidine from the EVA matrix follows a diffusion controlled model, where the quantity released per unit area is proportional to the square root of time. The controlled release of triprolidine could be achieved using the EVA polymer including the plasticizer.

Enhanced bioavailability of triprolidine from the transdermal TPX matrix system in rabbits.

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of triprolidine, antihistamines, were studied to determine the feasibility of enhanced transdemal delivery of triprolidine from the poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (TPX) matrix system containing polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether in rabbits. The triprolidine-TPX matrix (50 mg/kg) was applied to abdominal skin of rabbits. Blood samples were collected via femoral artery for 36 h and the plasma concentrations of triprolidine were determined by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters was calculated using the LAGRAN computer program. The area under the curve (AUC) was significantly higher in the enhancer group (4058 +/- 1420 ng/ml h) than that (1902 +/- 857 ng/ml h) in control group (P<0.05), showing about 235% increased bioavailability. The average Cmax was increased significantly in the enhancer group (216 +/- 44.3 ng/ml) compared with control group (130 +/- 25.8 ng/ml) (P<0.05). The mean Tmax was increased in the enhancer group (8.0 +/- 2.55 h) compared with the control (6.0 +/- 2.28 h) but was not significant. The relative bioavailability was 23.1% in the control group and 49.3% in the enhancer group compared to the oral route. As the triprolidine-TPX matrix containing polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether as an enhancer and tiethyl citrate as a plasticizer was administered to rabbits via the transdermal routes, the relative bioavailability increased by about 2.13-fold compared to the control group, showing a relatively constant, sustained blood concentration with minimal fluctuation. The results of this study shows that triprolidine-TPX matrix could be developed as a transdermal delivery system providing consistent plasma concentration.

Lipophilicity behaviour of the Zwitterionic antihistamine cetirizine in phosphatidylcholine liposomes/water systems.

PURPOSE: The partitioning of cetirizine in a phosphatidylcholine liposomes/water system was compared with that of hydroxyzine and acrivastine to gain insight into the mechanisms of interaction of its various electrical species with membranes. METHODS: The lipophilicity profiles of the compounds were obtained from equilibrium dialysis and potentiometry, and compared with changes in NMR relaxation rates. RESULTS: The neutral form of hydroxyzine interacted mainly via hydrophobic interactions with the bilayer lipid core of the membrane, whereas for the cationic form both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were involved. Zwitterionic and anionic cetirizine were less lipophilic than its cation, which behaved like the corresponding species of hydroxyzine. Zwitterionic cetirizine interacted more by weak electrostatic interactions with the polar headgroups of phospholipids than by hydrophobic interactions with the membrane interior. The lipophilicity of its anion reflected the balance of repulsive electrostatic interactions between the carboxylate and phosphate groups and the hydrophobic interactions with the lipid core. CONCLUSION: The study confirms that various mechanisms influence the interaction of solutes with liposomes. Combining experimental techniques and using suitable reference compounds proves useful.

Kinetic spectrophotometric methods for the quantitation of triprolidine in bulk and in drug formulations.

A kinetic method for the accurate and sensitive determination of triprolidine has been described. The method is based on the alkaline oxidation of triprolidine with KMnO(4). At a fixed time of 20 min, the formed manganate ion is spectrophotometrically measured at 612 nm. The concentration of triprolidine is calculated using the calibration equation for the fixed time method. Beer's law was obeyed from 6 to 40 microg ml(-1) and the R.S.D. (n=10) was 0.97%. Recovery was 99.80%. The method is suitable for quantitative determination of triprolidine in the presence of co-formulated drugs, since pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, which is frequently co-formulated with triprolidine did not interfere with this assay. The intra- and inter-day R.S.D. values indicated the ruggedness of the method. The method has been applied successfully to commercial tablet dosage form. The results obtained agreed with those obtained by the BP method. The determination of triprolidine by the fixed-concentration and rate constant methods is feasible with the calibration equations obtained, but the fixed time method proves to be more applicable.

The histamine H1-receptor antagonist binding site. Part I: Active conformation of cyproheptadine.

The active conformation of several histamine H1-antagonists is investigated. As a template molecule we used the antagonist cyproheptadine, which consists of a piperidylene ring connected to a tricyclic system. The piperidylene moiety is shown to be flexible. The global minimum is a chair conformation but, additionally, a second chair and various boat conformations have to be considered, as their energies are less than 5 kcal/mol above the energy of the global minimum. Two semi-rigid histamine H1-antagonists, phenindamine and triprolidine, were fitted onto the various conformations of cyproheptadine in order to derive the pharmacologically active conformation of cyproheptadine. At the same time, the active conformation of both phenindamine and triprolidine was derived. It is demonstrated that, within the receptor-bound conformation of cyproheptadine, the piperidylene ring most probably exists in a boat form.