Co-Processed Crystalline Solids of Ivermectin with Span® 60 as Solubility Enhancers of Ivermectin in Natural Oils.

Despite being discovered over five decades ago, little is still known about ivermectin. Ivermectin has several physico-chemical properties that can result in it having poor bioavailability. In this study, polymorphic and co-crystal screening was used to see if such solid-state modifications can improve the oil solubility of ivermectin. Span® 60, a lipophilic non-ionic surfactant, was chosen as co-former. The rationale behind attempting to improve oil solubility was to use ivermectin in future topical and transdermal preparations to treat a range of skin conditions like scabies and head lice. Physical mixtures were also prepared in the same molar ratios as the co-crystal candidates, to serve as controls. Solid-state characterization was performed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR spectra of the co-crystal candidates showed the presence of Span® 60's alkyl chain peaks, which were absent in the spectra of the physical mixtures. Due to the absence of single-crystal X-ray data, co-crystal formation could not be confirmed, and therefore these co-crystal candidates were referred to as co-processed crystalline solids. Following characterization, the solid-state forms, physical mixtures and ivermectin raw material were dissolved in natural penetration enhancers, i.e., avocado oil (AVO) and evening primrose oil (EPO). The co-processed solids showed increased oil solubility by up to 169% compared to ivermectin raw material. The results suggest that co-processing of ivermectin with Span® 60 can be used to increase its oil solubility and can be useful in the development of oil-based drug formulations.

Phenolic and physicochemical stability of a functional beverage powder mixture during storage: effect of the microencapsulant inulin and food ingredients.

BACKGROUND: The need for a convenience herbal iced tea product with reduced kilojoules merited investigation of the shelf-life of powder mixtures containing a green Cyclopia subternata Vogel (honeybush) extract with proven blood glucose-lowering activity and alternative sweetener mixture. RESULTS: Prior to long-term storage testing, the wettability of powder mixtures containing food ingredients and the compatibility of their components were confirmed using the static sessile drop method and isothermal microcalorimetry, respectively. The powders packed in semi-sealed containers remained stable during storage at 25 °C/60% relative humidity (RH) for 6 months, except for small losses of specific phenolic compounds, namely mangiferin, isomangiferin, 3-ß-d-glucopyranosyliriflophenone, vicenin-2 and 3',5'-di-ß-d-glucopyranosylphloretin, especially when both citric acid and ascorbic acid were present. These acids drastically increased the degradation of phenolic compounds under accelerated storage conditions (40 °C/75% RH). Accelerated storage also caused changes in the appearance of powders and the colour of the reconstituted beverage solutions. Increased moisture content and aw of the powders, as well as moisture released due to dehydration of citric acid monohydrate, contributed to these changes. CONCLUSION: A low-kilojoule honeybush iced tea powder mixture will retain its functional phenolic compounds and physicochemical properties during shelf-life storage at 25 °C for 6 months. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Amorphous Sulfadoxine: A Physical Stability and Crystallization Kinetics Study.

Poor aqueous solubility of drugs and the improvement thereof has always been a challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. With this, one of the focuses of the pharmaceutical research scientist involves investigating possible metastable forms of a given drug to be incorporated into solid dosage forms. The rationale being, the improved solubility offered by the metastable solid-state forms of drugs. Solubility remains a major challenge for formulation scientists, especially with antimicrobial agents where the emergence of resistance is directly dependent on the concentration and duration of the parasite exposed to the drug. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combination therapies are still the recommended treatments for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The aim of this study was to prepare an amorphous form of sulfadoxine and to investigate the stability and recrystallization behavior thereof. The amorphous form was prepared by the well-known quench cooling of the melt. The physico-chemical properties and stability of amorphous sulfadoxine were studied using hot-stage microscopy (HSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as microcalorimetry. The recrystallization kinetics were studied isothermally by applying the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami model and non-isothermally by applying the Kissinger model. The physical stabilization of the amorphous form was investigated using physical mixtures of amorphous sulfadoxine with polyvinylpyrrolidone-25 (PVP-25). It was proved that sulfadoxine is a good glass former with relative high physical stability; however, water acts as a strong plasticizer for amorphous sulfadoxine, detrimentally affecting the stability during exposure to high moisture conditions.

Amorphous azithromycin with improved aqueous solubility and intestinal membrane permeability.

Azithromycin (AZM) is a poorly soluble macrolide antibacterial agent. Its low solubility is considered as the major contributing factor to its relatively low oral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to improve the solubility of this active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) by preparing an amorphous form by quench cooling of the melt and to study the influence of the improved solubility on membrane permeability. The amorphous azithromycin (AZM-A) exhibited a significant increase in water solubility when compared to the crystalline azithromycin dihydrate (AZM-DH). The influence that the improved solubility could have on membrane permeability was also studied. The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) values of AZM-A were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) than crystalline AZM-DH at pH values of 6.8 and 7.2. The results therefore indicated that the improved solubility of AZM in the amorphous form also produced improved permeability across excised intestinal tissue at physiological pH values found in the small intestine.

The Stabilization of Amorphous Zopiclone in an Amorphous Solid Dispersion.

Zopiclone is a poorly soluble psychotherapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize an amorphous form of zopiclone as well as the characterization and performance of a stable amorphous solid dispersion. The amorphous form was prepared by the well-known method of quench-cooling of the melt. The solid dispersion was prepared by a solvent evaporation method of zopiclone, polyvinylpyrrolidone-25 (PVP-25), and methanol, followed by freeze-drying. The physico-chemical properties and stability of amorphous zopiclone and the solid dispersion was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hot-stage microscopy (HSM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), solubility, and dissolution studies. The zopiclone amorphous solid-state form was determined to be a fragile glass; it was concluded that the stability of the amorphous form is influenced by both temperature and water. Exposure of amorphous zopiclone to moisture results in rapid transformation of the amorphous form to the crystalline dihydrated form. In comparison, the amorphous solid dispersion proved to be more stable with increased aqueous solubility.

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-mediated synthesis and stabilization of silver sulfonamide nanoparticles with increased antibacterial activity.

Silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) is a topical antibiotic with limited aqueous solubility. In this study, it was shown that poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimer complexes with SD (SDZ) and silver (Ag) could be used for a bottom-up approach to synthesize highly-soluble AgSD nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs were stabilized against crystal growth by electrostatic layer-by-layer (LBL) coating with various PAMAM dendrimers. Additionally, AgNPs can be incorporated in the dendrimer shells that augmented AgSD release. NP formulation in a cream base provided a topical drug-delivery platform with enhanced antibacterial properties against burn-wound infections, comprising three nanostructures i.e., nano-AgSD, AgNPs as well as PAMAM dendrimers, in one efficient, elegant nanosystem. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: In this paper an elegant silver sulfadiazine-based nanoparticle complex is demonstrated with enhanced antibacterial properties and improved solubility for the treatment of burn-wound infections in a topical crème formulation.

Investigation and Evaluation of the Transdermal Delivery of Ibuprofen in Various Characterized Nano-Drug Delivery Systems.

The aim was to assess the suitability of three nano-based transdermal drug delivery systems containing ibuprofen: a nano-emulsion, a nano-emulgel, and a colloidal suspension with ibuprofen-loaded nanoparticles. Understanding the transdermal delivery of ibuprofen using nano-based drug delivery systems can lead to more effective pain relief and improved patient compliance. Characterization tests assessed the suitability of the developed drug delivery systems. Membrane release and skin diffusion studies, along with tape stripping, were performed to determine drug release and skin permeation of ibuprofen. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on HaCaT cells were conducted using MTT and neutral red assays to evaluate the safety of the developed drug delivery systems. Characterization studies confirmed stable drug delivery systems with ideal properties for transdermal delivery. Membrane release studies demonstrated the successful release of ibuprofen. In vitro skin diffusion experiments and tape stripping, detecting ibuprofen in the receptor phase, stratum corneum-epidermis, and epidermis-dermis, indicating successful transdermal and topical delivery. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies observed only minor cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells, indicating the safety of the developed drug delivery systems. The investigation demonstrated promising results for the transdermal delivery of ibuprofen using the developed drug delivery systems, which contributes to valuable insights that may lead to improved pain management strategies.

Comparative study on the topical and transdermal delivery of diclofenac incorporated in nano-emulsions, nano-emulgels, and a colloidal suspension.

Transdermal delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) can be challenging, since the skin possesses a rate-limiting barrier, which may be overcome when APIs possess certain ideal physicochemical properties. The lack thereof would require that APIs be included in drug delivery vehicles to enhance skin permeation. Hence, diclofenac was incorporated into various drug delivery vehicles (i.e., nano-emulsions, nano-emulgels, and a colloidal suspension containing drug-loaded nanoparticles) to investigate the transdermal delivery thereof, while nano-emulsions and nano-emulgels had varying concentrations of evening primrose oil (EPO). The aim of the study was to compare the topical and transdermal diclofenac delivery from the different types of vehicles and to investigate the influence the different EPO concentrations had on diclofenac delivery. After characterization, membrane release studies were performed (to determine whether the API was successfully released from the vehicle) followed by in vitro skin diffusion studies and tape stripping (to establish whether the vehicles assisted the API in reaching the target site (transdermal delivery)). Lastly, cytotoxicity studies were conducted via methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and neutral red (NR) assays on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Results showed minimal cytotoxic effects at concentrations equivalent to that which had permeated through the skin, while the membrane release and in vitro skin diffusion studies indicated that the nano-emulsions and the 10% EPO vehicles increased API release and diffusion when compared to the other vehicles. However, the colloidal suspension had the highest concentrations of API within the skin. Hence, all the vehicles were non-toxic and effectively delivered diclofenac through the transdermal route.

Physicochemical properties of amorphous roxithromycin prepared by quench cooling of the melt or desolvation of a chloroform solvate.

Roxithromycin is a poorly soluble antibacterial drug. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize an amorphous form of roxithromycin. The amorphous form was prepared by desolvation of its chloroform solvate, and by quench cooling a melt of the crystalline monohydrated solid. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern of the desolvated chloroform solvate was indistinguishable from that of the glass prepared by melting, which indicated that it was amorphous. The roxithromycin glass was determined to be a fragile glass, but due to its high Kauzmann temperature (approximately 8°C), it should remain fairly stable upon refrigeration or even at room temperature. It was also determined that this glass remains stable in the presence of moisture with no indication of crystallization.

Crystallization of toxic glycol solvates of rifampin from glycerin and propylene glycol contaminated with ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol.

This study was initiated when it was suspected that syringe blockage experienced upon administration of a compounded rifampin suspension was caused by the recrystallization of toxic glycol solvates of the drug. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and gas chromatography were used to identify the ethylene glycol in the solvate crystals recovered from the suspension. Controlled crystallization and solubility studies were used to determine the ease with which toxic glycol solvates crystallized from glycerin and propylene glycol contaminated with either ethylene or diethylene glycol. The single crystal structures of two distinct ethylene glycol solvates of rifampin were solved while thermal analysis, GC analysis and solubility studies confirmed that diethylene glycol solvates of the drug also crystallized. Controlled crystallization studies showed that crystallization of the rifampin solvates from glycerin and propylene glycol depended on the level of contamination and changes in the solubility of the drug in the contaminated solvents. Although the exact source of the ethylene glycol found in the compounded rifampin suspension is not known, the results of this study show how important it is to ensure that the drug and excipients comply with pharmacopeial or FDA standards.

Optimal 10-Aminoartemisinins With Potent Transmission-Blocking Capabilities for New Artemisinin Combination Therapies-Activities Against Blood Stage P. falciparum Including PfKI3 C580Y Mutants and Liver Stage P. berghei Parasites.

We have demonstrated previously that amino-artemisinins including artemiside and artemisone in which an amino group replaces the oxygen-bearing substituents attached to C-10 of the current clinical artemisinin derivatives dihydroartemisinin (DHA), artemether and artesunate, display potent activities in vitro against the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). In particular, the compounds are active against late blood stage Pf gametocytes, and are strongly synergistic in combination with the redox active drug methylene blue. In order to fortify the eventual selection of optimum amino-artemisinins for development into new triple combination therapies also active against artemisinin-resistant Pf mutants, we have prepared new amino-artemisinins based on the easily accessible and inexpensive DHA-piperazine. The latter was converted into alkyl- and aryl sulfonamides, ureas and amides. These derivatives were screened together with the comparator drugs DHA and the hitherto most active amino-artemisinins artemiside and artemisone against asexual and sexual blood stages of Pf and liver stage P. berghei (Pb) sporozoites. Several of the new amino-artemisinins bearing aryl-urea and -amide groups are potently active against both asexual, and late blood stage gametocytes (IC50 0.4-1.0 nM). Although the activities are superior to those of artemiside (IC50 1.5 nM) and artemisone (IC50 42.4 nM), the latter are more active against the liver stage Pb sporozoites (IC50 artemisone 28 nM). In addition, early results indicate these compounds tend not to display reduced susceptibility against parasites bearing the Pf Kelch 13 propeller domain C580Y mutation characteristic of artemisinin-resistant Pf. Thus, the advent of the amino-artemisinins including artemiside and artemisone will enable the development of new combination therapies that by virtue of the amino-artemisinin component itself will possess intrinsic transmission-blocking capabilities and may be effective against artemisinin resistant falciparum malaria.

Development of microporous drug-releasing films cast from artificial nanosized latexes of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) or poly(styrene-co-ethyl methacrylate).

Two sets of copolymers comprising of styrene and either methyl or ethyl methacrylate as comonomer were conveniently synthesized by microemulsion copolymerization. The purified materials were characterized by GPC-MALLS and were shown to form artificial nanolatexes in THF. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed differences in copolymer composition and based on the copolymer properties, a selection of copolymers was chosen to cast drug-loaded, microporous films that exhibit microencapsulation of drug agglomerates. The contact angles of the copolymers suggested potential applications in medical devices to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms that commonly result in infections. Additionally, the different copolymeric films showed two phases of drug release characterized by a rapid initial drug release followed by a zero-order phase. Depending on the application, one could select the copolymer films that best suited the application i.e. for short-term drug release applications such as urinary catheters or long-term applications such as artificial implants.

Effect of para-sulfonato-calix[n]arenes on the solubility, chemical stability, and bioavailability of a water insoluble drug nifedipine.

This study reports the use of para-sulphonato calix[8]arene to produce stable complexes with improved bioavailability for nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocker that is practically insoluble in water. Thermal analysis and electrospray ionisation mass spectroscopy confirmed that nifedipine formed complexes with the calixarenes in a size dependent way. The most stable, soluble complexes was formed with para-sulphonato calix[8]arene. Complexation was weakest with the calix[4]arene while complexation with the calix[6]arene was intermediate. However, the calix[4 and 6]arenes changed the chemical stability of the drug in solution because significant amounts of the nitroso-pyridine derivative was produced, proposing an interaction between the nifedipine bearing a H substituent at the N-1 position and the calixarenes. This oxidative degradation of the drug was greatest when combined with the calix[6]arene. Simultaneous oral ingestion of the calix[6 or 8]arenes significantly increased the bioavailability of the drug after oral administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats while not influencing CYP3A activities in the liver. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the nifedipine: para-sulfonato calix[8]arene complexes showed it was bioequivalent to a nifedipine PEG-solution. The absolute bioavailability for both formulations was ca. 60 %.

Nanoparticle multilayers: surface modification of photosensitive drug microparticles for increased stability and in vitro bioavailability.

The results of this study report the novel use of electrostatic layer-by-layer nanoassembly of biocompatible nanoparticulate TiO2 multilayers to coat irregular nifedipine (NF) microcrystals to increase the photostability of the drug when exposed to simulated sunlight and to increase the dissolution rate and possibly the bioavailability of the drug after oral administration. The photostability of NF microcrystals (35 microm) coated with multiple bilayers of positively charged PDDA and negatively charged nanosized TiO2 particles (20-25 nm) was measured when exposed to an illuminance of 12 W/m2 corresponding to a light dose of 30 k lux or 25 W/m2 corresponding to light dose of 60 k lux. The dissolution rate of nifedipine from the coated microcrystals was measured in simulated gastric fluid containing 0.05% w/v polysorbate 80. Coating with one TiO2 layer increased the shelf life of nifedipine by 30 hours independent of the intensity of the light exposure. With an increase in the number of TiO2 layers; the photostability of the drug was enhanced even more. A TiO2 monolayer decreased the contact angle by 20 degrees for water and 33 degrees for the dissolution medium as compared with uncoated NF surfaces. This increase in wettability due to a decrease in contact angle increased the dissolution rate of nifedipine microcrystals coated with 1 PDDA/TiO2 bilayer 13-fold after 10 minutes, 5-fold after 1 hour, and 2-fold after 12 hours when compared to uncoated microcrystals. It is assumed that TiO2 increased the photostability because the nanoparticulate multilayers acts as a potential filter protecting the drug from damaging light rays reaching the drug crystals. The dissolution rate was increased because the hydrophilic TiO2 nanoparticles increased the aqueous wettability of the drug crystals thereby preventing aggregation in the dissolution medium. This ensured that the maximum drug surface area was exposed to the dissolution medium.

Different amorphous solid-state forms of roxithromycin: A thermodynamic and morphological study.

The striking impact that different preparation methods have on the characteristics of amorphous solid-state forms has attracted considerable attention during the last two decades. The pursuit of more extensive knowledge regarding polyamorphism therefore continues. The aim of this study was firstly, to investigate the influence of different preparation techniques to obtain amorphous solid-state forms for the same active pharmaceutical ingredient, namely roxithromycin. The preparation techniques also report on a method utilizing hot air, which although it is based on a melt intermediary step, is considered a novel preparation method. Secondly, to conduct an in-depth investigation into any physico-chemical differences between the resulting amorphous forms and thirdly, to bring our findings into context with that of previous work done, whilst simultaneously discussing a well-defined interpretation for the term polyamorphism and propose a discernment between true polyamorphism and pseudo-polyamorphism/atypical-polyamorphism. The preparation techniques included melt, solution, and a combination of solution-mechanical disruption as intermediary steps. The resulting amorphous forms were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, hot-stage microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and vapor sorption. Clear and significant thermodynamic differences were determined between the four amorphous forms. It was also deduced from this study that different preparation techniques have a mentionable impact on the morphological properties of the resulting amorphous roxithromycin powders. Thermodynamic properties as well as the physical characteristics of the amorphous forms greatly governed other physico-chemical properties i.e. solubility and dissolution.

Comparison of the aqueous solubilization of practically insoluble niclosamide by polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers and cyclodextrins.

This study is the first report of the solubilization of niclosamide by cyclodextrin complexation or the interaction between the drug and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. Half generation dendrimers with more polar carboxylate surface functional groups did not increase the solubility of niclosamide. From the phase solubility studies, when the fold enhancement in solubility of niclosamide combined with full generation amine terminated PAMAM dendrimers was compared with that obtained when the drug was combined with beta- or hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, the results showed that, except for G-0 dendrimer at pH 7, the solubility of niclosamide was significantly higher in the presence of the dendrimers. In addition, higher equilibrium stability constants and complexation efficiency showed that the dendrimers formed stronger more stable complexes than the CDs. However, the strong interaction between the amine surface functional groups and the niclosamide molecule complexes caused a decrease in dissolution rate compared to the CDs because the interaction retarded the release of the drug from the dendrimers. In addition to increasing the solubility, PAMAM dendrimers therefore also offer the possible for the controlled release of the drug from solid dosage forms.

Variable-temperature X-ray powder diffraction analysis of the crystal transformation of the pharmaceutically preferred polymorph C of mebendazole.

Mebendazole is a common benzimidazole anthelmintic that is water insoluble. It is reported to exist in three different polymorphic forms in the solid state, i.e. polymorph A, B and C. Form C is the pharmaceutically preferred form because of its increased aqueous solubility. This paper deals with the use of variable-temperature X-ray powder analysis (VTXRPD) to study the transformation of Form C. Results showed that Form C was stable and transformed to the more stable polymorph A at high temperature (>180 degrees C). This transformation is a first-order process with activation energy of 238 +/- 16 kJ/mole. Further studies showed that compression did not cause any significant changes in the crystal structure of polymorph C.

Effect of viscosity and concentration of wall former, emulsifier and pore-inducer on the properties of amoxicillin microcapsules prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation.

This study reports the laboratory optimization for the preparation of sustained release amoxicillin (AMX) ethylcellulose microcapsules by an emulsion solvent evaporation process by adjusting the viscosity and concentration of ethylcellulose, ratio of amoxicillin to ethylcellulose, and concentration of emulsifier and pore inducer. When ethylcellulose with a viscosity of 45 mPa.s was used, almost no material stuck to the inside wall of the beaker and uniform microcapsules were prepared. The average diameter of microcapsules increased and yield and release rate decreased as the concentration of ethylcellulose increased from 1% to 8%. The release of amoxicillin from microcapsules was influenced by the ratio of the weight of drug to that of ethylcellulose and ratios of 2:1 and 4:1 were most suited for optimum amoxicillin release. The average diameter of microcapsules decreased and the release rate increased as the concentration of the emulsifier increased from 1.5% to 6.0%, however, the size distribution became significantly wider with the increase in the concentration of sorbitan monooleate. Addition of small amounts of a water-soluble agent sucrose improved the release of active ingredient from the microcapsule matrix without influencing the morphology and particulate properties of the microcapsules.

Quality evaluation of generic drugs by dissolution test: changing the USP dissolution medium to distinguish between active and non-active mebendazole polymorphs.

Mebendazole is practically insoluble in water and studies of its polymorphism has led to the identification and characterization of three polymorphic forms (A, B, C) displaying solubility and therapeutic differences that show that polymorph C is therapeutically favored. The objective of this study was to adjust the USP dissolution test for mebendazole so that it was able to distinguish between the dissolution properties of three mebendazole polymorphs. This would provide generic manufacturers with one more test to ensure that the therapeutically active polymorph C is used. The results obtained in this study show that the USP dissolution test conditions were not able to distinguish between the dissolution properties of completely dispersed mebendazole polymorphs with comparable particle sizes. When sodium lauryl sulfate was removed from the dissolution medium, the percentage dissolved versus time profiles changed so that polymorph C dissolved faster (70% within 120 min) compared to polymorph B (37% within 120 min) and polymorph A (20% within 120 min).

Structural characterization, physicochemical properties, suspension stability, and adsorption properties of four solid forms of amitraz.

This paper reports the identification and preparation of three crystalline (A-C) and one metastable form (D) of amitraz. These were identified by their crystal morphology, crystal structures, aqueous solubility, and thermal properties. Form C was the least soluble (7 mug/mL) and had the highest melting point (115 degrees C). The differences in melting point (82 vs 72 degrees C) and solubility (20 vs 23 mug/mL) of forms A and B were not significant. The metastable noncrystalline form D (Tg = 38 degrees C, transition temperature = 62 degrees C, and melting point = 78 degrees C) was obtained by deposition on the surface of activated carbon from acetonitrile solutions. When the anionic surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate was added to the solubility medium, the solubilities of forms A and B were increased 10-11-fold and that of form C was increased 28-fold. Changing the crystal form had an effect on the stability of amitraz suspensions. Form C was the most stable with a t(1/2) of 136 days, and form B was the least stable with a t(1/2) of 28 days. The stability correlated with solubility differences. The addition of sodium lauryl sulfate to the suspensions increased the rate of hydrolysis (mean t(1/2) = 17 h), and because of increased solubility, there was no difference in the stability of the crystal forms in the anionic surfactant solution.