Clarithromycin laurate salt: physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics after oral administration in humans.

OBJECTIVE: To prepare and characterize the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of clarithromycin laurate (CLM-L), a fatty acid salt of clarithromycin (CLM). METHODS: CLM-L was prepared by a simple co-melting process. The formation of CLM-L was confirmed using FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Solubility, intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR), and partitioning properties of CLM-L were determined and compared to those of CLM. Bioavailability of CLM from CLM-L tablets was evaluated in healthy volunteers and compared to immediate release CLM tablets. RESULTS: CLM-L showed lower aqueous solubility, higher partitioning coefficient, and slower dissolution rate. Tablets of CLM-L also showed a significantly slower in vitro release in comparison to CLM tablets. Cmax, Tmax and AUC0→∞ of CLM-L tablets and immediate release CLM tablets did not show a significant difference. However, the AUC0→∞ for the CLM-L tablets tended to be higher than that of CLM tablets at all-time points. CONCLUSION: CLM-L was successfully prepared and its formation was confirmed. CLM-L was more hydrophobic than CLM. It exhibited a slight in vivo absorption enhancement in comparison to CLM. However, its pharmacokinetic behavior was comparable to that of CLM.

Efficacy, Biodistribution, and Nephrotoxicity of Experimental Amphotericin B-Deoxycholate Formulations for Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

An experimental micellar formulation of 1:1.5 amphotericin B-sodium deoxycholate (AMB:DCH 1:1.5) was obtained and characterized to determine its aggregation state and particle size. The biodistribution, nephrotoxicity, and efficacy against pulmonary aspergillosis in a murine model were studied and compared to the liposomal commercial formulation of amphotericin B after intravenous administration. The administration of 5 mg/kg AMB:DCH 1:1.5 presented 2.8-fold-higher lung concentrations (18.125 ± 3.985 µg/g after 6 daily doses) and lower kidney exposure (0.391 ± 0.167 µg/g) than liposomal commercial amphotericin B (6.567 ± 1.536 and 5.374 ± 1.157 µg/g in lungs and kidneys, respectively). The different biodistribution of AMB:DCH micelle systems compared to liposomal commercial amphotericin B was attributed to their different morphologies and particle sizes. The efficacy study has shown that both drugs administered at 5 mg/kg produced similar survival percentages and reductions of fungal burden. A slightly lower nephrotoxicity, associated with amphotericin B, was observed with AMB:DCH 1:1.5 than the one induced by the liposomal commercial formulation. However, AMB:DCH 1:1.5 reached higher AMB concentrations in lungs, which could represent a therapeutic advantage over liposomal commercial amphotericin B-based treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis. These results are encouraging to explore the usefulness of AMB:DCH 1:1.5 against this disease.

Novel solid dispersions of benznidazole: preparation, dissolution profile and biological evaluation as alternative antichagasic drug delivery system.

Solid dispersions (SD) of benznidazole (BNZ) in sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) or low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC) were developed by freeze-drying process to improve the solubility of this low water-soluble drug and consequently, its trypanocidal activity. Although the dissolution studies showed a progressive decrease in the release rate of BNZ when formulated in the presence of NaDC, the increase in the surfactant concentration resulted in a better trypanocidal profile on epimastigotes, as well as in an enhancement of the unspecific cytotoxicity. However, such an effect was not so evident on amastigotes and in vivo (blood-trypomastigotes), where high concentrations of surfactant (BNZ:NaDC ≥ 1:6) experimented a loss of activity, correlating this fact with the minor cession of BNZ these formulations accomplished in acidic locations (i.e., dissolution test medium). According to the in vitro results, we reformulated the promising SD-1:3 (IC50 epimastigotes = 33.92 ± 6.41 µM, IC50 amastigotes = 0.40 ± 0.05 µM and LC50 = 183.87 ± 12.30 µM) replacing NaDC by L-HPC, which achieved the fastest dissolution profile. This fact, together with the safety this carrier ensures (LC50 > 256 µM), prompted us to evaluate the cellulose SD in vivo, improving the effectiveness of its NaDC equivalent (%AUPC = 96.65% and 91.93%, respectively). The results compiled in the present work suggest these solid dispersions as alternative drug delivery systems to improve the limited chemotherapy of Chagas disease.

Effect of Clindamycin on Intestinal Microbiome and Miltefosine Pharmacology in Hamsters Infected with Leishmania infantum.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania donovani and L. infantum (Kinetoplastida), affects humans and dogs, being fatal unless treated. Miltefosine (MIL) is the only oral medication for VL and is considered a first choice drug when resistance to antimonials is present. Comorbidity and comedication are common in many affected patients but the relationship between microbiome composition, drugs administered and their pharmacology is still unknown. To explore the effect of clindamycin on the intestinal microbiome and the availability and distribution of MIL in target organs, Syrian hamsters (120-140 g) were inoculated with L. infantum (108 promastigotes/animal). Infection was maintained for 16 weeks, and the animals were treated with MIL (7 days, 5 mg/kg/day), clindamycin (1 mg/kg, single dose) + MIL (7 days, 5 mg/kg/day) or kept untreated. Infection was monitored by ELISA and fecal samples (16 wpi, 18 wpi, end point) were analyzed to determine the 16S metagenomic composition (OTUs) of the microbiome. MIL levels were determined by LC-MS/MS in plasma (24 h after the last treatment; end point) and target organs (spleen, liver) (end point). MIL did not significantly affect the composition of intestinal microbiome, but clindamycin provoked a transient albeit significant modification of the relative abundance of 45% of the genera, including Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Ruminococcus 2; Bacteroides and (Eubacterium) ruminantium group, besides its effect on less abundant phyla and families. Intestinal dysbiosis in the antibiotic-treated animals was associated with significantly lower levels of MIL in plasma, though not in target organs at the end of the experiment. No clear relationship between microbiome composition (OTUs) and pharmacological parameters was found.

Leishmania infantum infection does not affect the main composition of the intestinal microbiome of the Syrian hamster.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe form of all leishmanial infections and is caused by infection with protozoa of Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. This parasitic disease occurs in over 80 countries and its geographic distribution is on the rise. Although the interaction between the intestinal microbiome and the immune response has been established in several pathologies, it has not been widely studied in leishmaniasis. The Syrian hamster is the most advanced laboratory model for developing vaccines and new drugs against VL. In the study reported here, we explored the relationship between the intestinal microbiome and infection with L. infantum in this surrogate host. METHODS: Male Syrian hamsters (120-140 g) were inoculated with 108 promastigotes of a canine-derived L. infantum strain or left as uninfected control animals. Infection was maintained for 19 weeks (endpoint) and monitored by an immunoglobulin G (IgG) enyzme-linked immunosorbent assay throughout the experiment. Individual faecal samples, obtained at weeks 16, 18 and 19 post-inoculation, were analysed to determine the 16S metagenomic composition (the operational taxonomic units [OTUs] of the intestinal microbiome and the comparison between groups were FDR (false discovery rate)-adjusted). RESULTS: Leishmania infantum infection elicited moderate clinical signs and lesions and a steady increase in specific anti-Leishmania serum IgG. The predominant phyla (Firmicutes + Bacteriodetes: > 90%), families (Muribaculaceae + Lachnospiraceae + Ruminococcaceae: 70-80%) and genera found in the uninfected hamsters showed no significant variations throughout the experiment. Leishmania infantum infection provoked a slightly higher-albeit non-significant-value for the Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio but no notable differences were found in the relative abundance or diversity of phyla and families. The microbiome of the infected hamsters was enriched in CAG-352, whereas Lachnospiraceae UCG-004, the [Eubacterium] ventriosum group and Allobaculum were less abundant. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of extensive significant differences between hamsters infected and uninfected with L. infantum in the higher taxa (phyla, families) and the scarce variation found, which was restricted to genera with a low relative abundance, suggest that there is no clear VL infection-intestinal microbiome axis in hamsters. Further studies are needed (chronic infections, co-abundance analyses, intestinal sampling, functional analysis) to confirm these findings and to determine more precisely the possible relationship between microbiome composition and VL infection.

In Vitro and In Vivo Characteristics of Olive Oil as Excipient for Topical Administration.

Oily excipients are vital components of dermatological products. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of Wild Olive Oil (WOO) were compared with two other types of olive oils: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Virgin Olive Oil (VOO). This work has also included Liquid Paraffin (LP) and Rosehip Oil (RO) as reference oils. Melatonin was used in the study as a model drug to demonstrate the antioxidant capacity of the oils. The melatonin carrier capacity and antioxidant performance was related to the degree of unsaturation of the oils and was highest for RO and WOO and lowest for LP. However, the most stable oil to oxidation was LP. The in vivo performance of the oils in the skin of eight healthy volunteers was investigated with a dermoanalyser. The highest increment of oil and hydration in the skin was obtained with RO. The lowest perception of oiliness was described for WOO, which produced the highest increase in elasticity of the skin area where it was applied. An in vitro-in vivo correlation was therefore performed through multivariable analysis (MVA).

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the analysis of 19-nor-4-androstenediol and metabolites in human plasma: application to pharmacokinetic studies after oral administration of a prohormone supplement.

19-Nor-4-androstenediol is a prohormone of nandrolone. Both substances are included in the WADA list of prohibited classes of substances. The aim of this study is to determine the plasma levels of 19-nor-4-androstenediol and its metabolites after oral administration of a nutritional supplement containing the drug. Two capsules of Norandrodiol Select 300 were orally administered to six healthy male volunteers. Plasma samples were collected up to 24h. Samples were extracted to obtain free and glucuronoconjugated metabolic fractions. Trimethylsilyl derivatives of both fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method was validated to determine linearity, extraction recovery, limit of detection and quantification, intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy. After administration of 19-nor-4-androstenediol, the main metabolites detected were norandrosterone and noretiocholanolone, mainly in the glucuronide fraction. Nandrolone, norandrostenedione and 19-nor-4-androstenediol were also detected at lower concentrations.

Improvement of gentamicin poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for treatment of osteomyelitis induced by orthopedic procedures.

Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) biodegradable microspheres with gentamicin for local treatment of microbial bone infection were prepared and characterized. Gentamicin was assayed spectrophotometrically at 332 nm after derivation with the o-phthalaldehyde; biodegradable polymers studied did not interfere with this method of gentamicin analysis. PLGA microspheres were made by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method with modifications. The first W(1)/O emulsion was obtained by ultrasonication or high-speed homogenization, and a large aqueous phase W(2) (200 ml) was used. The ultrasonication method increases the microsphere percentage observed in the 20-40 microm size range and, in all cases SEM-microphotographs revealed homogeneous and spherically shaped particles with smooth surfaces. The method including ultrasonication proposed in the present work improved the encapsulation efficiency of gentamicin by nearly 100% (97.94%). Several mathematical models based on heterogeneous hydrolytic degradation were applied to evaluate their suitability in describing gentamicin released from PLGA microspheres. Two models, one of them including an autocatalytic process, were finally proposed to contribute to understand the mass transport mechanism involved in drug release from these microspheres.

Improvement of the surface hydrophilic properties of naproxen particles with addition of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and sodium dodecyl sulphate: In vitro and in vivo studies.

In this study, a new surface-modified naproxen was developed to enhance brain concentration in acute migraine treatment. Fast-dissolving naproxen granules were made by mixing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium croscarmellose with micronized naproxen particles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding proportions of SDS to the HPMC film caused changes in the polymer chains of the HPMC, producing a new hydrophilic HPMC-SDS structure. These formulations with different HPMC/SDS ratios were characterised using electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). SDS 10% (w/w) produced a highly hydrophilic HPMC-SDS structure on the surface of the naproxen microparticles. The fast dissolution granules (SF-10%) showed a significant improvement in the dissolution rate of naproxen. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with mice, showing an improvement of Cmax (1.38 and 1.41-fold) and AUC0-2h (30% and 10% higher) for plasma and brain samples compared to the reference naproxen suspension. The faster Tmax ratio for SF-10% may be related to increased hydration in the gastrointestinal environment, enabling the drug to permeate the gastrointestinal hydration layer more easily due to the presence of the hydrophilic HPMC-SDS structure in the formulation.

Chitosan-poly(acrylic) acid polyionic complex: in vivo study to demonstrate prolonged gastric retention.

The aim of this study was to develop a chitosan-poly(acrylic) acid based controlled drug release system for gastric antibiotic delivery. Different mixtures of amoxicillin (A), chitosan (CS), and poly(acrylic) acid (PAA) were employed to obtain these polyionic complexes. A non-invasive method was employed for determining the gastric residence time of the formulations. It was studied the swelling behavior and drug release from these complexes. Gastric emptying rate study was performed by means of the [13C]octanoic acid breath test. The gastric emptying rates of two different formulations (conventional and gastric retentive system) were studied. Swelling studies indicated that the extent of swelling was greater in the polyionic complexes than in the single chitosan formulations. The amoxicillin diffusion from the hydrogels was controlled by the polymer/drug interaction. The property of these complexes to control the solute diffusion depends on the network mesh size, which is a significant factor in the overall behavior of the hydrogels. The gastric half-emptying time of the polyionic complex was significantly delayed compared to the reference formulation, showing mean values of 164.32+/-26.72 and 65.06+/-11.50min, respectively (P<0.01). The results of this study suggest that, these polyionic complexes are good systems for specific gastric drug delivery.

Interpolymer complexes of poly(acrylic acid) and chitosan: influence of the ionic hydrogel-forming medium.

Non-covalent polyionic complexes were developed for localized antibiotic delivery in the stomach. Freeze-dried interpolymer complexes based on polyacrylic acid (PAA) and chitosan (CS) were prepared in a wide range of copolymer compositions by dissolving both polymers in acidic conditions. The influence of hydrogel-forming medium on the swelling and drug release was evaluated. The properties of these complexes were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic swelling/eroding and release experiments in enzyme-free simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The electrostatic polymer/polymer interactions generate polyionic complexes with different porous structures. In a low pH environment, the separation of both polymer chains augmented as the amount of cationic and carboxilic groups increased within the network. However, the presence of higher amount of ions in the hydrogel-forming medium produced a network collapse, decreasing the maximum swelling ratio in SGF. PAA:CS:A (1:2.5:2)-1.75 M complexes released around 54% and 71% of the amoxicillin in 1 and 2 h, respectively, in acidic conditions. A faster drug release from this interpolymer complex was observed when the ionic strength of the hydrogel-forming medium increased. Complexes with a high amount of both polymer chains within the network, PAA:CS:A(2.5:5:2), showed a suitable amoxicillin release without being affected by an increased amount of ions in the hydrogel-forming medium. These freeze-dried interpolymer complexes could serve as potential candidates for amoxicillin delivery in an acidic enviroment.

Release of amoxicillin from polyionic complexes of chitosan and poly(acrylic acid). Study of polymer/polymer and polymer/drug interactions within the network structure.

Polyionic complexes of chitosan (CS) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were prepared in a wide range of copolymer composition and with two kind of drugs. Release of amoxicillin trihydrate and amoxicillin sodium from these different complexes were studied. The swelling behavior of and solute transport in swellable hydrogels were investigated to check the effect of polymer/polymer and polymer/drugs interactions. The electrostatic polymer/polymer interactions take place between the cationic groups from CS and the anionic ones from PAA. The diffusion of amoxicillin trihydrate was controlled only by the swelling/eroding ratio of the polyionic complexes. The swelling degree of amoxicillin sodium hydrogels was more extensive when compared to the swelling degree of amoxicillin trihydrate formulations. It was concluded that the water uptake was mainly governed by the degree of ionization. Restriction of amoxicillin sodium diffusion could be achieved by polymer/ionized-drug interaction that retards the drug release. Freeze-dried polyionic complexes could serve as suitable candidates for amoxicillin site-specific delivery in the stomach.

Gentamicin release from modified acrylic bone cements with lactose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.

Modified polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cements formulations were prepared by including different proportions of gentamicin and release modulators such as lactose or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). Surface aspect, gentamicin release and porosity of these modified formulations were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a specially designed system for the dissolution studies of the bone cements, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Lactose modified cements presented an irregular surface with numerous hollows and voids due to the lactose dissolution. HPMC cements presented a characteristic laminated and flaky surface. The drug release of lactose formulations was up to four-fold greater (13%) than the commercial bone cement CMW1 Gentamicin one (3%). The amount of gentamicin eluted at the first withdrawn sample ranged from 30% to 60% of total gentamicin released over the assay. Gentamicin release from lactose formulations increased as lactose percentage was increased which agree with the porosity results. Nevertheless, the use of release modulator HPMC increased porosity, but did not produce an increase in the gentamicin release. HPMC dissolution creates a surrounding sticky and viscous medium similar to a gel that makes the gentamicin release from the cement matrix difficult.

The effect of solubilization on the oral bioavailability of three benzimidazole carbamate drugs.

The effect of solubilization by complexation with povidone on the oral bioavailability of three anthelmintic benzimidazole carbamate drugs: mebendazole (MBZ), albendazole (ABZ) and ricobendazole (RBZ), was studied in mice. The following in vitro characteristics of the initial raw materials and the drug-povidone complexes were evaluated: melting point (MP); mean dissolution time (MDT); solubility constants (Cs) in n-octanol, acid (pH 1.2) and neutral (pH 7.4) aqueous media; apparent partition coefficients (P) and capacity factors (k'W) determined by HPLC. The following in vivo parameters were also evaluated: AUC(0-infinity), C(max), T(max) and MRT. The possible relationship between in vitro characteristics and in vivo parameters was explored and it was found that an increase in solubility, especially in acidic medium, leads to an increase in AUC and C(max) and a decrease in T(max). Therefore, dissolution seems to be the absorption limiting step for these drugs. For the in vivo parameters related to the amount of absorbed drug (AUC and C(max)), the best correlation was obtained with the in vitro characteristics related to solubility which are Cs, MP and MDT. On the other hand, there were good linear correlations between T(max) which is an in vivo parameter related to the rate of drug absorption, and the lipophilia/hydrophilia (logP and log k'W) relation-parameters.

Enhanced bioavailability and anthelmintic efficacy of mebendazole in redispersible microparticles with low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose.

BACKGROUND: Mebendazole (MBZ) is an extremely insoluble and therefore poorly absorbed drug and the variable clinical results may correlate with blood concentrations. The necessity of a prolonged high dose treatment of this drug increases the risk of adverse effects. METHODS: In the present study we prepared redispersible microparticles (RDM) containing MBZ, an oral, poorly water-soluble drug, in different proportions of low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC). We investigated the microparticulate structures that emerge spontaneously upon dispersion of an RDM in aqueous medium and elucidated their influence on dissolution, and also on their oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency using a murine model of infection with the nematode parasite Trichinella spiralis. RESULTS: Elevated percentages of dissolved drug were obtained with RDM at 1:2.5 and 1:5 ratios of MBZ: L-HPC. Thermal analysis showed an amorphization of MBZ in the RDM by the absence of a clear MBZ melting peak in formulations. The rapid dissolution behavior could be due to the decreased drug crystallinity, the fast dissolution time of carriers as L-HPC, together with its superior dispersibility and excellent wetting properties. RDM-1:2.5 and RDM-1:5 resulted in increased maximum plasma concentration and area(s) under the curve (AUC)0-∞ values. Likewise, after oral administration of the RDM-1:2.5 and RDM-1:5 the AUC0-∞ were 2.67- and 2.97-fold higher, respectively, compared to those of pure MBZ. Therapeutic activity, assessed on the Trichinella spiralis life cycle, showed that RDM-1:5 was the most effective in reducing the number of parasites (4.56-fold) as compared to pure MBZ, on the encysted stage. CONCLUSION: THE MBZ: L-HPC RDM might be an effective way of improving oral bioavailability and therapeutic activity using low doses of MBZ (5 mg/kg), which implies a low degree of toxicity for humans.

The influence of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics/- pharmacodynamics of proton pump inhibitor-containing Helicobacter pylori treatments.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most potent acid suppressants available. PPIs undergo hepatic metabolism via the CYP2C system for the isoforms CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in particular. Genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 may affect the metabolism of individual PPIs to different extents. Although PPIs are highly effective as a class, differences in their pharmacokinetics, such as bioavailability and metabolism, may translate into differences in clinical outcomes. In Helicobacter pylori infection, a significantly lower eradication rate was seen in extensive metabolizers with omeprazole but no with rabeprazole.

Influence of lactose addition to gentamicin-loaded acrylic bone cement on the kinetics of release of the antibiotic and the cement properties.

The purpose of this study was to characterize a poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement that was loaded with the antibiotic gentamicin sulphate (GS) and lactose, which served to modulate the release of GS from cement specimens. The release of GS when the cement specimens were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 degrees Celsius was determined spectrophotometrically. The microstructure, porosity, density, tensile properties and flexural properties of the cements were determined before and after release of GS. A kinetics model of the release of GS from the cement that involved a coupled mechanism based on dissolution/diffusion processes and an initial burst effect was proposed. Dissolution assay results showed that drug elution was controlled by a diffusion mechanism which can be modulated by lactose addition. Density values and mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus and fracture toughness) were reduced by the increased porosity resulting from lactose addition, but maintained acceptable values for the structural functions of bone cement. The present results suggest that lactose-modified, gentamicin-loaded acrylic bone cements are potential candidates for use in various orthopaedic and dental applications.

Urinary metabolic profile of 19-norsteroids in humans: glucuronide and sulphate conjugates after oral administration of 19-nor-4-androstenediol.

19-Nor-4-androstenediol (NOL) is a prohormone of nandrolone (ND). Both substances are included in the WADA List of Prohibited Classes of Substances and their administration is determined by the presence of 19-norandrosterone (NA) with the urinary threshold concentration of 2 ng mL(-1). Routine analytical procedures allow the determination of NA excreted free and conjugated with glucuronic acid, but amounts of ND and NOL metabolites are also excreted in the sulphate fraction. The aim of this study is to determine the urinary metabolic profile after oral administration of a nutritional supplement containing NOL. Urine samples were collected up to 96 h following supplement administration and were extracted to obtain separately three metabolic fractions: free, glucuronide and sulphate. Extraction with tert-butyl methyl ether was performed after the hydrolysis steps and trimethylsilyl derivatives were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). After oral administration of NOL, the main metabolites detected were NA and noretiocholanolone (NE) in the glucuronide and sulphate fractions. The relative abundances of each metabolite in each fraction fluctuate with time; a few hours after administration the main metabolite was NA glucuronide whereas in the last sample (4 days after administration) the main metabolite was the NA sulphate and the second was the NE glucuronide. During the studied period almost half of the dose was excreted and the main metabolites were still found in urine after 96 h. Norepiandrosterone and norepietiocholanolone were also detected only in the sulphate fraction. Our results suggest that sulphate metabolites should be taken into consideration in order to increase the retrospectivity in the detection of 19-norsteroids after oral administration.

Characterization of physical state of mannitol after freeze-drying: effect of acetylsalicylic acid as a second crystalline cosolute.

Freeze-drying of mixed solutes is a preparative technique widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The presence of an amorphous form or changes in the crystalline form can affect solid state stability. In this work, acetylsalicylic acid (AAS) was chosen as a model drug, and was mixed with mannitol, a commonly used bulking agent in formulation of tablets. Variations in the final freeze-dried crystalline forms were found after changing the ratios of the two co-solutes. Samples were analysed by powder X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry. A major amorphous form and a minor crystalline delta-mannitol form were produced during the mannitol freeze-drying process. The crystal form of mannitol in the two-component system depended on the AAS:mannitol ratio. The AAS was mostly crystalline, regardless of the amount of mannitol present. A major delta-mannitol and a minor amorphous form were obtained when AAS was present in a high percentage (75% w/w). When AAS percentages of 50 and 25% (w/w) were present during the drying process, the mannitol was found in a highly crystalline form.