• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.51-64
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• 2007

Mucus is an aqueous gel complex with a constitution of about 95% water, high molecular weight glycoprotein (mucin), lipid, salts etc. Mucus appears to represent a significant barrier to the absorption of some compounds. Natural mucoadhesive agent was isolated and purified from the aqueous extract of the seeds of prosopis pallida (PP). Formulated tablet with the isolated material by wet granulation method. Some natural edible substances are in consideration for candidates as mucoadhesive agents to claim more effective controlled drug delivery as an alternative to the currently used synthetic mucoadhesive polymers. Subjected the materials obtained from natural source i.e. PP and standard synthetic substance, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose for evaluation of mucoadhesive property by various in vitro and in vivo methods. Through standard dissolution test and a model developed with rabbit, evaluated in vitro controlled release and bioadhesive property of theophylline formulation. Mucoadhesive agent obtained from PP showed good mucoadhesive potential in the demonstrated in vitro and in viνo models. The results suggest that the mucoadhesive agent showed controlled release properties by their application, substantially. In order to assess the gastrointestinal transit time in vivo, a radio opaque X-ray study performed in healthy rabbit testing the same controlled release formulation with and without bioadhesive polymer. Plasma levels of theophylline determined by the HPLC method and those allowed correlations to the in vitro mucoadhesive study results. Better correlation found between the results in different models. PP may acts as a better natural mucoadhesive agent in the extended drug delivery system.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.101-106
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• 2007

Venlafaxine, 1-[2-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride is a novel, nontricyclic antidepressant. venlafaxine is a unique antidepressant that differs structurally from other currently available. The aim ot the study was to formulate sustained-release venlafaxine granules and assess their formulation variables. It consists of two layers, venlafaxine drug layer and sustained release coating layer and manufactured by fluidized bed process. The sustained release of drug could be increased by double-control rising various components in venlafaxine drug layer and sustained-release layer. The drug-containing granules were coated with cellulose acetate, cetyl alcohol and Eudragit RS along with plastisizer such as dibuthyl sebacate as an nano-pore former The release oi venlafaxine depended on the type of Eudragit such as RS, and RL used in the formulation of controlled release layer. These results obtained clearly suggest that the sustained release oral delivery system for venlafaxine could be designed with satisfying drug release profile approved.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 1997

With the aim of improving periodontal regeneration efficacy, as a biodegradable local drug delivery device, drug releasing chitosan beads were prepared. Chitosan beads were prepared through the formation of intermolecular or intramolecular ionic interaction bewteen chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate and were loaded with flurbiprofen. The mean diameter of the beads was $250\;{\mu}m$. Drug loading efficiency was improved by regulating the pH of tripolyphosphate solution. The drug release kinetics mainly depended upon the hydrophobic properties of the flurbiprofen, that is, the release of flurbiprofen showed initial burst with rapid release for the first day followed by a levelling off of the release rate. However, the release rate could be controlled by the formulation factor including the pH, concentration of the tripolyphosphate solution, gelation time, drug contents. From these results, flurbiprofen loaded chitosan beads were anticipated as biodegradable local drug delivery devices for periodontal regeneneration.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.471-475
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• 2004

Tamsulosin has been frequently used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. To avoid dose-dependent side effects of tamsulosin upon oral administration, the development of sustained-release delivery system is required, that can maintain therapeutic drug levels for a longer period of time. The aim of this study was therefore to formulate sustained-release tamsulosin matrix tablets and assess their formulation variables. We designed enteric coated sustained-release tamsulosin matrices to fulfill above statement. Aqueous microchannels in the enteric film need to be formed in order to obtain tamsulosin release even in an acidic environment such as gastric region. In the sustained-release tamsulosin matrix, low viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose was used as a rate controller. Povidone K30 was also added to the matrices to facilitate water uptake so that a decrease in the release rate of tamsulosin as time elapses was prevented, possibly leading to pseudo zero-order release of the drug. The matrices were enteric-coated with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), along with povidone K30 as an aqueous microchannel former. With the aqueous microchannels formed within the enteric film, tamsulosin could be released in an acidic condition. The release of tamsulosin decreased with increasing thickness of HPMCP membrane while the release rates of tamsulosin from those having different HPMCP thickness in pH 7.2 aqueous media were not considerably different, indicating that the enteric film was promptly dissolved at pH 7.2. These results clearly suggest that the sustained-release oral delivery system for tamsulosin could be designed with satisfying drug release profile approved by the KFDA.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.7
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• pp.569-574
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• 2003

Controlled-release amitriptyline pellets (ATP) were formulated and its oral bioavailability was assessed in human volunteers after oral administration under fasting conditions. Core pellets were prepared using a CF granulator by two different methods (powder layering and solvent spraying) and coated with Eudragit RS or RL 100. Physical characteristics and dissolution rates of core pellets and coated pellets were evaluated to optimize the formulation. Powder layering method resulted in a better surface morphology than solvent spraying method. However, physical properties of the products were poorer when prepared by powder layering method with respect to hardness, friability and density. The dissolution profile of amitriptyline coated with Eudragit RS 100 was comparable to that of commercially available amitriptyline enteric-coated pellets ($Saroten^{\circledR}$ retard). After the oral administration of both products at the dose of 50 mg, the mean maximum concentrations ($C_{max}$) were 36.4 and 29.7 ng/mL, and the mean areas under the concentration-time curve ($AUC_{0-96}$) were 1180.2 and 1010.7 ng.h/mL for ATP and Saroten retard, respectively. The time to reach the maximum concentrations ($T_{max}$) was 6 h for both formulations. Statistical evaluation suggested that ATP was bioequivalent to Saroten retard.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.645-650
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• 1998

The dual drug-loaded alginate beads simultaneously containing drug in inner and outer layers were prepared by dropping plain (single-layered) alginate beads into $CaCl_2$ solution. The release characteristics were evaluated in simulated gastric fluid for 2 h followed by intestinal fluids thereafter for 12 h. The surface morphology and cross section of dual drug-loaded alginate beads was also investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The poorlv water-soluble ibuprofen was chosen as a model drug. The surface of single-layered and dual drug-loaded alginate beads showed very crude and roughness, showing aggregated particles, surface cracks and rough crystals. The thickness of dual drug-loaded alginate beads surrounded by outer layer was ranged from about 57 to 329mcm. The distinct chasm between inner and outer layers was also observed. In case of single-layered alginate bead, the drug was not released in gastric fluid but was largely released in intestinal fluid. However, the release rate decreased as the reinforcing $Eudragit^{\circledR}$ polymer contents increased. When the plasticizers were added into polymer, the release rate largely decreased. The release rate of dual drug-loaded alginate beads was stable in gastric fluid for 2 h but largely increased when switched in intestinal fluid. The drug linearly released for 4 h followed by another linear release thereafter, showing a distinct biphasic release characteristics. There was a difference in the release profiles between single-layered and dual drug-loaded alginate beads due to their structural shape. However, this biphasic release profiles were modified by varying formulation compositions of inner and outer layer of alginate beads. The release rate of dual drug-loaded alginate beads slightly decreased when the outer layer was reinforced with $Eudragit^{\circledR}$ RS1OO polymers. In case of dual drug-loaded alginate beads with polymer-reinforced outer layer only, the initial amount of druc released was low but the initial release rate (slope) was higher due to more swellable inner cores when compared to polymer-reinforced inner cores. The current dual drug-loaded alginate beads may be used to deliver the drugs in a time dependent manner.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2008

Indapamide (4-chloro-N-(2-methyl-1-indolinyl)-3-sulfamoyl-benz-amide) is an oral antihypertensive diuretic agent indicated for the treatment of hypertensive. The diuretic and natriuretic effects are mainly due to the structure of o-chlorobenzenesulfonamide. The objective of this study was to formulate sustained release indapamide granules and assess their formulation variables. Granules were prepared by fluid bed coating method and consist of drug layer and membrane layer. The granules were coated with HPC and ethyl cellulose along with plasticizer dibuthyl sebacate. The release of indapamide depended on the type of Eudragit such as RS and NE 30 D used in the formulation controlled release layer. These results obtained clearly suggest that the sustained release oral delivery system for indapamide could be designed with satisfying drug release profile approved.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.191-197
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• 2002

Polymer based physical mixtures or solid dispersions containing solubilizing compositions[OA, tween80 and SLS] were prepared using a spray-dryer. Lovastatin(LOS), simvastatin(SIMS), aceclofenac(AFC) and cisapride(CSP) were selected as poorly water-soluble drugs. Dextrin, poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone)(PVP) and polyethylene glycol(PEG) were chosen as solubilizing carriers for solid dispersions. The solid dispersions containing solubilizing compositions without drug were prepared without using organic solvents or tedious changes of formulation compositions. This system could be used to quickly screen the dissolution profiles of poorly water-soluble drugs by simply mixing with drugs thereafter. In case of solid dispersion containing drug, organic solvent systems could be used to solubilize model drugs. The dissolution rates of the drugs were higher when mixed with drug and solid dispersions containing solubilizing compositions. However, solid dispersions of LOS, AFC, and CSP simultaneously containing drug and solubilizing compositions in organic solvent systems were more useful than physical mixtures of drug and solid dispersions without drug except SIMS. Based on solubilizing capability of polymer based physical mixtures in gelatin hard capsules, optimal solid dispersion system of poorly water-soluble drugs could be formulated. However, it should be noted that dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs were highly dependent on drug properties, solubilizing compositions and polymeric carriers.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.248-254
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• 2011

Biotransformation of pharmacologically inactive lactone prodrug simvastatin (SV) into pharmacologically active simvastatin ${\beta}$-hydroxy acid (SVA) exhibits inter-species differences due to variations in amount and activity of esterase enzymes. In this study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of SV and its metabolite SVA following oral doses of SV from controlled-release (CR) tablets and immediate-release (IR) tablets in rodent and canine animal models that features different esterase activity. In rat PK study, no SV was detected in plasma for both formulations due to rapid hydrolysis of SV into SVA by plasma esterase. Besides, no significant differences in PK parameters of SV or SVA were observed between both species. In dog PK study, the relative oral bioavailability of CR tablets in terms of SV was 72.3% compared to IR tablets. Regarding formulation differences in dogs, CR tablets exhibited significantly lower $C_{max}$ (p<0.05), and higher $T_{max}$ (p<0.01) and MRT (p<0.01) for both SV and SVA compared to IR tablets. Accordingly, CR tablets of SV with prolonged drug release profiles in both species might be a potential candidate for a more effective delivery of SV with reduced side effects. Besides, similar PK parameters of SV and SVA in both species despite variation in enzyme activities suggested involvement of equally potent biotransformation pathways in these animal species.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.676-680
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• 1996

The characteristics of controlled drug release were studied for a biodegradable drug delivery system. A biodegradable chitosan matrix was prepared after swelling chitosan with 10%-acetic acid and adding sulfadiazine. The release behavior of sulfadiazine from the chitosan matrix was studied using the Higuchi's diffusion controlled model in phosphate buffer solutions of pH 7.4 and pH 1.2. The drug release time was delayed by increasing the content of sulfadiazine. The drug release at pH 7.4 was more delayed than that at pH 1.2. The reason is that chitosan has greater swelling abilities at low pH than at high pH. The apparent release rate constant(K) increased as the concentration of drug increased. In shoat, the formulation the biodegradable chitosan matrix to suppress the burst effect of drug release mechanism, which led to a sustained release pattern.