Knowledge, perception and attitude about Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) among medical and pharmacy students of Pakistan

Background

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic (CCHF) is a deadly tick born disease caused by a virus of genus Nairovirus and is endemic in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Eastern areas of Europe. Pakistan is a CCHF endemic country with a constant threat of sporadic outbreaks. Health care workers are more prone to CCHF, hence, it is a prerequisite for members of the healthcare team to stay abreast with current knowledge and display positive attitude and perception. This study assessed the medical and pharmacy students’ preparedness level in terms of CCHF control and management.

Methods

A total of 900 consenting students were selected randomly, who completed a predesigned and validated questionnaire which assessed the participant’s general knowledge, emergency preparedness control and management of CCHF. Data were analyzed by SPSS (IBM SPSS version 21). For data analysis percentages, P-value, t-test, the independent sample mean, Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Logistic regression, and Spearman correlation were utilized.

Results

Among 900 study respondents, 68% were females and 32% were males, out of which physicians (MBBS) students were 48.4%, and pharmacists students were 51.6%. Majority of the respondents 39.9% were from age group of 22–25 years. Overall 43% healthcare students demonstrated good knowledge about disease causes, transmission, and treatment options. Additionally, 81% of the study participants showed positive attitude, whereas, 69% students demonstrated positive perceptions. The correlation coefficient showed positive correlation between attitude- perception (r = 0.268, p value = 0.000), knowledge- attitude (r = 0.234, p value = 0.000) and knowledge- perception (r = 0.257, p value = 0.000).

Conclusions

Knowledge gaps were observed which is alarming. These gaps were multifactorial and mainly due to lack of knowledge, poor motivation, and old syllabus which needs to be addressed. The study results show that it is crucial to evaluate current curriculum and also showing a dire need of awareness seminars, conferences workshops to highlight and educate about the current endemic disease to future health care professionals.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6248-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Abstract 688: Triphenylstannyl 2-(benzylcarbamoyl)benzoate (Ch-319) modulates AKT/FOXO3a signaling and inhibits progression of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous malignancy in men in the United States. Moreover, its incidence is predicted to surge in many parts of the world due to increase in aging population and change in dietary habits. The PTEN/AKT axis plays a critical role in regulating PCa growth and survival. Synthetic and natural compounds have been explored in preclinical models as potential inhibitors of AKT pathway that can suppress proliferation or induce apoptosis in PCa cells. Triphenyltin compounds are complexes of tin with three phenyl groups attached to hydrocarbon ligands. Structural modifications have been attempted to yield organotins with enhanced cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Here, we synthesized a series of triphenyltin (IV) carboxylate derivatives and evaluated their efficacy against PCa. From this library, triphenylstannyl 2-(benzylcarbamoyl)benzoate (Ch-319) was selected for further studies on the basis of its selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. Treatment of PTEN-null PC3M and DU145 PCa cells with Ch-319 (250-500 nM) resulted in reduced viability and induction of cell cycle arrest associated with downregulation of PI3K and dephosphorylation of AKT and PRAS40. In parallel, elevation of FOXO3a expression, activation of pro-apoptotic Bax and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 protein was observed. Flowcytometry revealed increased population of apoptotic cells in Ch-319 treated cells. Presensitization of PCa cells with Ch-319 augmented the effect of cabazitaxel, a commonly used taxane in patients with castration-resistant PCa. We next evaluated the effect of Ch-319 in a prostate-specific Pten-/- model where AKT activation is the major driving force for development of prostate adenocarcinoma. Mice treated with Ch-319 (5 µg/animal:intraperitoneally) for 6 weeks showed decreased tumor weights as compared to DMSO treated controls. Histological studies indicated a decrease in the number and size of foci in Ch-319 treated tumors. Consistently, reduced expression of androgen receptor, decreased phosphorylation of AKT and PRAS40 and increase in FOXO3a was observed in Ch-319 treated animals with no signs of organ toxicity. Our studies identify AKT/FOXO3a signaling as a target of triphenyltin (IV) carboxylate derivative Ch-319 and provide a molecular basis of its growth inhibitory effect in PCa cells. We propose that Ch-319 has potential to be developed as an anticancer agent against PCa.

Citation Format: Durdana Waseem, Deeba N. Syed, Gul Majid Khan, Ihsan-ul Haq, Hasan Mukhtar. Triphenylstannyl 2-(benzylcarbamoyl)benzoate (Ch-319) modulates AKT/FOXO3a signaling and inhibits progression of prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 688.

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of directly compressed controlled release tablets designed from the Co-precipitates

Controlled release dosage forms provide sustained therapeutics effects for prolonged period of time and improve patient compliance. In present study, controlled release co-precipitates of Metoprolol Tartrate and Losartan Potassium were prepared by solvent evaporation method using polymers such as Eudragit RL 100 and Carbopol 974PNF and controlled release tablets were directly compressed into tablets. In-vitro dissolution of controlled release co-precipitates were performed by USP Method-II (paddle method) and tablets were evaluated by USP Method-I (rotating basket method) in phosphate buffer (PH 6.8) using pharma test dissolution apparatus. The temperature was maintained constant at 37±1.0°C and the rotation speed of paddle and basket was kept constant at 100rpm. Drug release mechanisms were determined by applying Power Law kinetic model. The difference and similarity of dissolution profiles test formulations with reference standards were also determined by applying difference factor (f₁) and similarity factor (f₂). The results showed that the controlled release co-precipitates with polymer Eudragit RL 100 of both the drug extended the drug release rates for 10 hours and those having polymer Carbopol 974P NF extended the drug release rates for 12 hours. The controlled release tablets prepared from controlled release co-precipitates extended the drugs release up to 24 hours with both the polymers. The drug was released by all tests anomalous non fickian mechanism except F1 and F5 do not follow Power Law. The f₁ and f₂ values obtained were not in acceptable limits except F15 whose values were in acceptable limits. It is concluded from the present study that polymers (Eudragit RL 100 and Carbopol 974P NF) can be efficiently used in development of controlled release dosage forms having predictable kinetics.

Development and characterisation of levosulpiride-loaded suppositories with improved bioavailability in vivo

The purpose of this study was to develop and characterize levosulpiride loaded liquid suppository with improved bioavailability. The content of levosulpiride-loaded liquid suppositories were optimized in a series of experiments using various weight ratios of P188, P407, Tween 80, and drug. The suppositories were liquid at room temperature, however, when rectally administered, they became gel at body temperature. Their rheological properties and release characteristics were determined in vitro while pharmacokinetic study was performed after its rectal administration in rats and compared with drug suspension. Poloxamer 188 and Twee 80 decreased the gelation temperature and gelation time, but increased the gel strength and mucoadhesive force of liquid suppositories. Liquid suppository composed of [Levosulpiride/P 188/P 407/Tween 80 (1/15/17/3%)] with a gelation temperature of about 30.7 °C remained liquid at 25 °C, but converted to gel at 30-36.5 °C, resulting in easy administration and rapid gelation inside the body. This liquid suppository gave a considerably increased dissolution rate reflected in a meaningfully higher plasma concentration and 7.1-fold AUC values of levosulpiride in rats as compared to the drug suspension. Hence, liquid suppository system could be used for enhanced bioavailability of levosulpiride-loaded pharmaceutical products.

Functionalised nanostructures for transdermal delivery of drug cargos

Nanotechnology has burgeoned over last decade exploring varieties of novel applications in all areas of science and technology. Utilisation of bio-friendly polymers for engineering nanostructures (NS) improves safety and efficacy in drug delivery. Biopolymers not merely employed for fabricating drug carriers but also leveraged for surface functionalisation of other NS to impart bio-mimicking properties. Biopolymer functionalised NS garnered researcher's attention because of their potential to enhance skin permeability of drug cargo. Biopolymers, i.e. cell-penetrating peptides (CPP), chitosan and hyaluronic acid not only enhance skin permeability but also add multiple functions due to their intrinsic biomimetic properties. This multifunctional drug delivery system is a promising tool to achieve skin delivery of large number of therapeutic agents. In this review, functionalisation of NS with biopolymers particularly polysaccharides and polypeptides is discussed in detail. In particular, applications of these functionalised NS for TDDS is elaborated. Moreover, this review provides framework for elaborating importance of functionalisation of NS to enhance skin permeability and depicts advantages of biopolymers to construct more biocompatible carriers for drug cargos.

Nanotechnology: from In Vivo Imaging System to Controlled Drug Delivery

Science and technology have always been the vitals of human's struggle, utilized exclusively for the development of novel tools and products, ranging from micro- to nanosize. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention due to its extensive applications in biomedicine, particularly related to bio imaging and drug delivery. Various nanodevices and nanomaterials have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. Herein, we have described two primary aspects of the nanomedicine, i.e., in vivo imaging and drug delivery, highlighting the recent advancements and future explorations. Tremendous advancements in the nanotechnology tools for the imaging, particularly of the cancer cells, have recently been observed. Nanoparticles offer a suitable medium to carryout molecular level modifications including the site-specific imaging and targeting. Invention of radionuclides, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes and use of gold nanoparticles in biosensors have revolutionized the field of imaging, resulting in easy understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, improved ability to diagnose and enhanced therapeutic delivery. This high specificity and selectivity of the nanomedicine is important, and thus, the recent advancements in this field need to be understood for a better today and a more prosperous future.

Formulation and In Vitro Characterization of Thiolated Buccoadhesive Film of Fluconazole

The present work is focused on the development of thiolated film for fluconazole buccal delivery. To this end, unmodified polymers chitosan and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) backbone was covalently modified by thioglycolic acid (TGA) and cysteine, respectively. The thiolated buccoadhesive film was evaluated in terms of thickness, weight uniformity, water-uptake capacity, drug content, and release patterns. Moreover, mucoadhesion profile was investigated on buccal mucosa. The resulting chitosan-TGA and NaCMC-cysteine conjugates displayed 171 ± 13 and 380 ± 19 μmol thiol groups per gram of polymer (mean ± SD; n = 3), respectively. The water binding capacity of the thiolated film was significantly ∼2-fold higher (p < 0.05) as compared to unmodified film. The obtained thiolated film displayed 5.8-fold higher mucoadhesive properties compared with corresponding film. Controlled release of drugs from film was observed over 8 h. The transport of fluconazole across excised buccal mucosa was enhanced up to 17-fold in comparison with fluconazole applied in buffer. Based on these findings, thiolated film seems to be promising for fluconazole buccal delivery.

Impacts of counseling on knowledge, attitude and practice of medication use during pregnancy

Background

Counseling has a significant role in improving knowledge, attitude and practice outcomes of pregnant women towards medication use. Proper counseling thus could be beneficial to prevent any medication related misadventure during pregnancy. The present study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pregnant women towards their medications, to provide counseling regarding their understanding of medication use during pregnancy and evaluate the impacts of such counseling.

Methods

Pre- post interventional (counseling) study was conducted at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Nepal among pregnant women who presented with complication and were prescribed at least one medication. A total of 275 pregnant women were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women before and after counseling. The impacts of counseling were then evaluated using suitable statistical methods.

Results

Of the total participants 229 completed the post counseling survey. Majority of the participants were in the age group 20-24 (43.2%), primigravida (59.4%) and in third trimester (58.6%). Housewives comprised 61.1% of participants and majority had received a University degree (33.2%).

The mean and median scores assessed before counseling showed that there was no significant difference in the KAP scores with respect to age, trimester and gravidity whereas KAP scores with respect to occupation and level of education were statistically significant. There was an increase in mean and median KAP scores after counseling and the impacts of counseling was found to be statistically significant (p = <0.001).

Conclusion

Counseling had a positive impact on knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women towards medication and thus it could be considered a suitable method to encourage safe medication during pregnancy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-017-1316-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Carboxylate derivatives of tributyltin (IV) complexes as anticancer and antileishmanial agents

Background

Tributyltin (IV) compounds are promising candidates for drug development. In the current study, we evaluated in-vitro and in-silico profile of carboxylate derivatives of tributyltin (IV) complexes.

Methods

ADMET and drug-likeliness properties were predicted using MetaPrint2D React, preADMET, SwissADME and Molsoft tools. SwissTargetPrediction predicted molecular targets for compounds. In-vitro bioactivity was evaluated by quantifying cytotoxicity against HepG2, THP-1 cell lines, isolated lymphocytes and leishmania promastigotes as well as measuring protein kinase (PK) inhibition activity.

Results

Results indicate partial compliance of compounds with drug-likeliness rules. Ch-409 complies with WDI and Lipinski rules. ADMET profile prediction shows strong plasma protein binding except for Ch-409, low to high GI absorption and BBB penetration (C_brain/C_blood = 0.942–11; caco-2 cells permeability 20.13–26.75 nm/sec), potential efflux by P-glycoprotein, metabolism by CYP3A4, medium inhibition of hERG, mutagenicity and capacity to be detoxified by glutathionation and glucuronidation. Molecular targets include proteases, enzymes, membrane receptors, transporters and ion channels where Ch-409 targets membrane receptors only. Compounds are significantly (p < 0.05) cytotoxic against HepG2 cell line and leishmania as compared with normal isolated lymphocytes. Ch-459 indicates highest toxicity against leishmania (mortality 97.9 ± 3.99%; LC50 0.323 ± 0.002 μg/mL) whereas Ch-409 possesses maximum cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line (IC50 0.08 ± 0.001 μg/mL) as well as 97.5 ± 1.98% (LC50 0.954 ± 0.158 μg/mL) mortality of leishmania promastigotes. It was observed that antileishmanial effect was reduced by 16.38%–34.38% and 15–38.2% in the presence of NaN₃ and mannitol respectively. PK inhibition and reactive oxygen species production are possible mechanisms for cytotoxicity.

Conclusions

Selected carboxylate derivatives of tributyltin (IV) complexes possess significant antileishmanial and cytotoxic potential. These are promising compounds for the development of antileishmanial and anticancer drugs.

Graphical Abstract

Appraisal of phytochemical and in vitro biological attributes of an unexplored folklore: Rhus Punjabensis Stewart

BACKGROUND

The role of plants for discovery of therapeutic potential accentuates the need to know their biological attributes. The present study aims to comprehend the biological attributes of Rhus punjabensis, an unexplored traditional medicinal plant.

METHODS

Leaf and stem extracts of R. punjabensis prepared in 11 different organic solvents are evaluated for multimode antioxidant potential, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined through colorimetric assays, HPLC-DAD analysis was carried out for quantification of various polyphenols in extracts. Brine shrimp lethality, SRB and MTT assays were used to elucidate plant's cytotoxic and antileishmanial potentials. Disc diffusion assay was used to elucidate the protein kinase inhibitory, antibacterial and antifungal spectrum.

RESULTS

Ethanol + ethyl acetate yielded maximum extract recovery from leaf (6.11 ± 1.09% w/w), total phenolic content (80.5 ± 2.18 μg GAE/mg extract) and reducing power potential (165.4 ± 2.29 μg AAE/mg extract). Maximum flavonoid content (30.50 ± 1.11 μg QE/mg extract) and highest DPPH based free radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 11.4 ± 2.07) was exhibited by the methanol + chloroform leaf extract. The methanol extract showed maximum total antioxidant capacity (74.5 ± 2.25 μg AAE/mg DW), protein kinase inhibitory (12.5 ± 1.10 bald phenotype at 100 μg/disc) and antifungal (MIC = 25 μg/disc against Aspergillus flavus) potential. Reverse phase HPLC-DAD based quantification reveals presence of gallic acid, apigenin, rutin and catechin in various extracts. Brine shrimp lethality assay demonstrated most extracts as highly cytotoxic (LC₅₀ < 50 μg/mL) whereas chloroform extract of leaf demonstrated maximuminhibition against human leukemia cell line (IC₅₀ 7.80 ± 0.01 μg/mL). A significant activity against leishmanial promastigotes was demonstrated by n-hexane leaf extract (IC₅₀ = 15.78 ± 0.15 μg/mL). A better antibacterial activity,by the extracts, against Gram positive strains as compared to Gram negative was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Results recommend multiple-solvent system as a critical factor to sumptuous the biological prospective of R. punjabensis and propose it to be a useful natural hub for the discovery of novel antioxidant, anticancer, antileishmanial and antimicrobial agents.

Validation and application of high performance liquid chromatographic method for the estimation of metoclopramide hydrochloride in plasma

The objective of this study was validation of a reverse phase HPLC method for the estimation of metoclopramide HCl in plasma already validated for determination of metoclopramide HCl in tablets dosage form. A reverse chromatographic method was used for estimation of metoclopramide HCl with the mobile phase of acetonitrile, 20mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer solution (pH 3.0 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid) in the ratio of 40: 60. The column used was Waters C18 3.9×300mm µBondapak (RP). The flow rate of the mobile phase was 2ml/ minute. The detector was set at the wavelength of 275nm. This method validated in plasma and was found to be linear, with correlation coefficient (R²), value of 0.9988, in the range of 48 ng/ml-0.25ng/ml. The method modified was accurate, precise, sensitive and showed good stability results. The % RSD of the retention time and peak area of metoclopramide HCl was 0.19% and 1.44% respectively. All the parameters such as specificity, linearity, range, accuracy, precision, system suitability, solution stability, detection and quantification limits were evaluated to validate this method and were found within the acceptance limits. The method can be effectively used for estimation of metoclopramide HCl in plasma.

Medication utilization pattern for management of pregnancy complications: a study in Western Nepal

Background

Drugs used during pregnancy can adversely affect the health and life of the mother and unborn child. However, the fact that drugs are needed to mitigate complications during pregnancy cannot be avoided. The present study was designed to identify the common complications during pregnancy and assess the medications that have been used to mitigate those complications in an attempt to improve drug prescribing during pregnancy.

Methods

A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Nepal in 275 pregnant women presenting with at least one complication and the drugs prescribed for the management of those complications were analyzed.

Results

Majority of the patients in this study were in the age group 20–24 (44 %) and in the third trimester (53.8 %). Maximum patients complained pain (back, abdominal, lower abdominal, neck, pelvic) as primary complication (24.3 %) which was followed by nausea/vomiting, upper respiratory tract complications, acid reflux disease and others. Of the total prescriptions eighty six (86) did not have any medicines prescribed to the patients except multivitamins and nutritional supplements. The average drugs prescribed per patient was 2.78 in outpatient setting and 5.41 in in-patients. Ranitidine, hyoscine butylbromide, paracetamol were the most frequently prescribed medications. Antimicrobials comprised 12.8 % of total drugs prescribed and 18 % of total drugs were fixed dose combinations. Two hundred and thirty four (234) prescriptions out of 275 were prescribed by brand names. Most of the prescribed drugs were from FDA pregnancy category B and C.

Conclusion

The present finding showed that pregnant patients were prescribed medications almost only when necessary and those considered safe during pregnancy were chosen to a large extent. However, few teratogenic drugs (2.49 % of total drugs prescribed) were also found to be prescribed which might need further assessments.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-016-1068-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Thiomers and their potential applications in drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Thiomers are the product of the immobilization of sulfhydryl-bearing ligands onto the polymer backbone of a conventional polymer, which results in a significant improvement in mucoadhesion; in situ gelation and efflux inhibition compare with unchanged polymers. Because of thiol groups, thiomers have more reactivity and enhanced protection against oxidation. Since the late 1990s, extensive work has been conducted on these promising polymeric excipients in the pharmaceutical field. Areas covered: This review covers thiomers, their classification and their different properties. Various techniques for the synthesis, purification and characterization of thiomers are described in detail. This review also encompasses their various properties such as mucoadhesion, permeation enhancement, in situ gelation and efflux inhibition, as well as different formulations based on thiomers. In addition to the use of thiomers as multifunctional excipients, this review also encompasses their use as drugs. Expert opinion: The synthesis is realized by linkage of sulfhydryl-bearing ligands but reported methods give low yields. Higher degrees of modification are not necessary and would probably lead to extreme changes in properties. Nevertheless, an accurate characterization of the final product is important. The scale-up procedure for industrial manufacturing has been adapted to produce GMP materials; Lacrimera® eye drops have already entered the European market.

Controlled release matrix tablets of glipizide: Influence of different grades of ethocel and Co-excipient on drug release

The aim of the current study was to formulate and evaluate glipizide controlled release matrix tablets by means of different grades of polymer Ethoceland different co-excipients in order to evaluate their effect on drug release profiles during in vitro dissolution studies. Type II diabetes mellitus is usually treated with Glipizide. Glipizide belongs to sulfonylurea group. Gastric disturbance and severe hypoglycemia has been observed after taking glipizide orally. To overcome these problems, controlled release matrices were developed using different grades of ethyl cellulose polymer with a drug-polymer ratio of 1:3by the direct compression method. The effect on drug release of partial replacement of lactose by different co-excipients, HPMC K100M, starch and CMC, were also studied. Diameter, thickness, hardness, friability, weight variations, drug contents of formulations were tested, these properties were within prescribed limits. Co-excipients and polymer containing formulations were compared to the without co-excipients and polymer containing formulations with respect to their release profile. After a 24-hour release study, ethyl cellulose polymer containing formulation exhibited prolonged release for 5-16 hours; however the polymer Ethocel (R) standard FP 7 Premium without co-excipient containing formulation exhibited controlled release for 24 hours. Incompatibility was investigated between drugs, co-excipient DSC and polymer study was performed and any type of interaction was not found. Different kinetic models were used to study the release mechanism. An enhanced release rate was observed in case of excipients containing formulations.

Biodirected synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using Phoenix dactylifera leaves extract and their size dependent biomedical and catalytic applications

Graphical representation of green synthesis of PdNPs and their biological and catalytic applications.

Formulation and in-vitro evaluation of directly compressed controlled release matrices of Losartan Potassium using Ethocel Grade 100 as rate retarding agent

Current study was aimed to develop 200mg controlled release matrix tablets of Losartan Potassium using Ethocel 100 Premium and Ethocel 100 FP Premium as rate controlling polymer. In-vitro studies were performed according to USP Method-I in phosphate buffer (PH 6.8) using pharma test dissolution apparatus. The temperature of the dissolution medium was kept constant at 37±0.5°C at 100rpm. Flow properties, physical quality control tests, effect of polymer size and drug-to-polymers ratios were studied using different kinetics models such as 1st-order, zero-order, Hixon Crowell model, Highuchi model and Power law. Difference factor f1 and similarity factor f2 were applied for dissolution profiles against Cardaktin® tablets used as a reference formulation. The matrices with polymer ethocel 100 FP Premiums have prolonged the drug release rate as compared to polymer ethocel 100 Premiums. The n values matrices with polymer ethocel grade 100 ranged from 0.603 to 0.857 indicating that the drug release occurred by anomalous non fickian diffusion kinetics while then value of reference Cardaktin® tablet was measured as 0.125 indicating that these tablets do not follow power law. The dissolution profiles of test formulations were different than that of reference Cardaktin®. This suggests the polymer Ethocel grade 100 can be proficiently incorporated in fabrication and development of once a day controlled release matrix tablets.

To study the influence of different grades of Ethylcellulose ether derivative polymer Ethocel® and co-excipient on drug release profile of controlled release matrix tablet of acarbose

The aim of the study presented is to formulate and evaluate Acarbose controlled release matrix tablets by means of different grades of polymer Ethocel and different co-excipients with the intention to see their effects on drug release profile during in vitro dissolution studies. Controlled release dosage forms is gaining rapid popularity due to its positive aspect of reduction in dosage frequency and curtailing side effects. Controlled released tablets of Acarbose were prepared by direct compression method, using Ethocel® Standard 7 Premium and Ethocel® Standard 7 FP premium polymer. The effect of co-excipients including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and starch on the drug placing 30% lactose were also examined. In-vitro studies were carried out with the help of phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) as dissolution medium. Drug release mechanism was assessed by applying various kinetic models. Similarly / dissimilarity factor f2/ f1 were applied for determination of dissolution profile of the test and reference formulations. Physiochemical characteristics were in the USP satisfactory limits. Conventional Acarbose tablet released 97% of the drug within 2 hrs. Ethocel® Standard 7 premium and Ethocel® standard 7 FP released 59.9% and 47.01% of the drug within 6 and 99.9% and 97% within 24 hours, respectively. This effect possibly has been achieved owing to the smaller particle size of the Ethocel® Standard 7 FP premium which show evidence of anomalous, non-fickian release kinetics. Co-excipients like HPMC, CMC and starch augment the drug release rates from the matrices which may be attributed to their hydrophilic nature. Ethocel® Standard 7 Premium and Ethocel® Standard premium 7 FP polymers show a promising response in fruitful production of controlled release tablets by direct compression method.

Parmacokinetic evaluation of ibuprofen controlled release matrix tablets using hydrophilic Eudragit® polymer and co-excipients

The present study was conducted to formulate controlled release dosage forms containing Ibuprofen with Eudragit® S 100 polymer. The tablets were formulated at three different ratios with the polymer to investigate the effect of different concentrations of polymer on in vitro drug release patterns/kinetics and in vivo absorption/pharmacokinetics. Pre-formulation studies were conducted including bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner ratio and angle of repose. In vitro studies were conducted using phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) as dissolution medium. In vivo performance was evaluated using albino rabbits. Physico-chemical characteristics (i.e. dimensional tests, weight variation, hardness, friability and drug content determination) fell in the USP acceptable limits. The compressibility index was found to range between 12.02 ± 0.01% and 18.66 ± 0.03%, the Hausner ratio varied between 1.02 ± 0.01 and 1.19 ± 0.10 and the angle of repose ranged from 15.19 ± 0.01 to 24.52 ± 0.10, all indicating better flow properties than the bulk-reference standard. Both bulk and tapped densities also fell in the USP acceptable range. Ibuprofen market tablets showed Tmax of 2.1 ± 0.4h, which was significantly (P-value <0.05) lower compared to that of the reference standard (i.e. 4.09 ± 1.3h). Ibuprofen test formulation has a half-life (t1/2) of 16.9 ± 2.5h, which was significantly (P-value<0.001) higher compared to that of the reference standard (i.e. 9.23 ± 2.9h). Eudragit® S 100 polymers can be used efficiently to develop directly compressed prolonged release tablets.