Micelle formation and its relationship to solubility behavior of 2-butyl-3-benzofuranyl-4-(2-(diethylamino)ethoxy)-3,5-diiodophenyl ketone hydrochloride

The effect of buffer species on biorelevant dissolution and precipitation assays - Comparison of phosphate and bicarbonate buffer

Biorelevant solubility and dissolution testing is an important tool during pharmaceutical development, however, solubility experiments performed using biorelevant media often do not properly match the solubility data observed in human intestinal fluids. Even though the bicarbonate buffer is the predominant buffer system in the small intestine, in vitro assays are commonly performed using non-volatile buffer systems like phosphate and maleate. In the current study, bicarbonate- and phosphate-buffered biorelevant media were applied to solubility, dissolution, and precipitation testing for a broad range of model compounds. It was found that the medium affects primarily the dissolution kinetics. However, with the knowledge of the unique buffering properties of bicarbonate buffer in the diffusion layer, it was not always possible to predict the effect of buffer species on solubility and dissolution when changing from phosphate to bicarbonate buffer. This once again highlights the special role of bicarbonate buffer for simulating the conditions in the human intestinal fluids. Moreover, it is necessary to further investigate the factors which may cause the differences in solubility and dissolution behavior when using phosphate- vs. bicarbonate-buffered biorelevant media.

Study on the Role of the Inclusion Complexes with 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for Oral Administration of Amiodarone

The aim of this study was to improve the solubility of amiodarone hydrochloride (AMD) and the drug release using its inclusion complexes with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). The inclusion complexes were prepared by coprecipitation and freeze-drying. The solubility enhancement of AMD/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes by 4–22 times was evaluated by the phase solubility method. The inclusion complexes were studied both in solution and in solid state by spectroscopic methods, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis, SEM, and DSC. The formulations of AMD/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes both as powdered form and as matrix tablets showed superior pharmacokinetic performance in improving loading and release properties in respect of those of the insoluble AMD drug. In vitro kinetic study reveals a complex mechanism of release occurring in three steps: the first one being attributed to a burst effect and the other two to different bonding existing in inclusion complexes. An in vivo test on matrix tablets containing Kollidon® and chitosan also reveals a multiple (at least two) peaks release diagram because of both structures of the inclusion complexes and also of different sites of absorption in biological media (digestive tract).

Cyclodextrin Reduces Intravenous Toxicity of a Model Compound

Solubilization of new chemical entities for toxicity assessment must use excipients that do not negatively impact drug pharmacokinetics and toxicology. In this study, we investigated the tolerability of a model freebase compound, GDC-0152, solubilized by pH adjustment with succinic acid and complexation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) to enable intravenous use. Solubility, critical micelle concentration, and association constant with HP-β-CD were determined. Blood compatibility and potential for hemolysis were assessed in vitro. Local tolerability was assessed after intravenous and subcutaneous injections in rats. A pharmacokinetic study was conducted in rats after intravenous bolus administration. GDC-0152 exhibited pH-dependent solubility that was influenced by self-association. The presence of succinic acid increased solubility in a concentration-dependent manner. HP-β-CD alone also increased solubility, but the extent of solubility enhancement was significantly lower than succinic acid alone. Inclusion of HP-β-CD in the solution of GDC-0152 improved blood compatibility, reduced hemolytic potential by ∼20-fold in vitro, and increased the maximum tolerated dose to 80 mg/kg.

Preparation and Characterization of the Sulfobutylether-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex of Amiodarone Hydrochloride with Enhanced Oral Bioavailability in Fasted State

Amiodarone hydrochloride (AMD) is used in the treatment of a wide range of cardiac tachyarrhythmias, including both ventricular fibrillation (VF) and hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT). The objectives of this study were to improve the solubility and bioavailability in fasted state and to reduce the food effect of AMD by producing its inclusion complex with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD). The complex was prepared through a saturated water solution combined with the freeze-drying method and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The solubilities of AMD and its complex were 0.35 and 68.62 mg/mL, respectively, and the value of the inclusion complex was significantly improved by 196-fold compared with the solubility of free AMD. The dissolution of the AMD-SBE-β-CD inclusion complex in four different dissolution media was larger than that of the commercial product. The cumulative dissolution was more than 85% in water, pH 4.5 NaAc-HAC buffer, and pH 1.2 HCl aqueous solution. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic study found that the C _max, AUC_(0-t), and AUC_(0-∞) of the AMI-SBE-β-CD inclusion complex had no significant difference in fasted and fed state, which indicated that the absorption of the AMI-SBE-β-CD inclusion complex in fasted state was increased and not affected by food.

Amiodarone hydrochloride: enhancement of solubility and dissolution rate by solid dispersion technique

abstract Amiodarone HCl is an antiarrhythmic agent, which has low aqueous solubility and presents absorption problems. This study aimed to develop inclusion complexes containing hydrophilic carriers PEG 1500, 4000 and 6000 by fusion and kneading methods in order to evaluate the increase in solubility and dissolution rate of amiodarone HCl. The solid dispersion and physical mixtures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectra, water solubility and dissolution profiles. Both methods and carriers increased the solubility of drug, however PEG 6000 enhanced the drug solubility in solid dispersion better than other carriers. Different media were evaluated for the solubility study, including distilled water, acid buffer pH 1.2, acetate buffer pH 4.5 and phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at 37 ºC. Based on the evaluation of the results obtained in the study phase solubility carriers PEG 4000 and PEG 6000 were selected for the preparation of the physical mixture and solid dispersion. All formulations were prepared at drug-carrier ratios of 1:1 to 1:10(w/w). The results of in vitro release studies indicated that the solid dispersion technique by fusion method in proportion of 1:10 (w/w) increased significantly the dissolution rate of the drug. X-ray diffraction studies showed reduced drug crystallinity in the solid dispersions. FT-IR demonstrated interactions between the drug and polymers.

Solubility of sparingly-soluble ionizable drugs

The experimental and computational basis of the pH-dependent measurement of solubility of sparingly-soluble ionizable drugs is reviewed. Recently described compound-sparing (but still accurate) approaches, suitable for application in preclinical development, and appropriate for the analysis of solubility of "problematic" molecules, are critically examined. A number of useful experimental methods are reviewed, including the miniaturized shake-flask microtitre plate, the micro solubility self-calibrating direct UV, potentiometric, and the micro dissolution methods. Several molecules were selected as case studies to illustrate important concepts, with re-analysis of literature data using recently established computational tools.

Background electrolytes in 50% methanol/water for the determination of acidity constants of basic drugs by capillary zone electrophoresis

The acidic dissociation constants of several hydrophobic drugs, amiodarone and a series of antidepressants that show a secondary or tertiary amino group, were determined in a 50% methanol/water mixture by capillary zone electrophoresis. The electrophoretic behavior of buffers prepared from sodium acetate, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane hydrochloride, sodium hydrogenphosphate, ammonium chloride, ethanolamine, butilammonium chloride, and sodium borate in the hydroalcoholic solution was tested. Thus, all of them follow the Ohm's law until about 25 kV and, therefore, they can be used without significant Joule heat dissipation at 20 kV. For the studied drugs, buffers prepared with phosphate or borate give effective mobility measurements lower than those from other buffers. The wide pKa range of the studied drugs provides a wide pH range where the protonated forms of the amino compounds coexist with hydrogenphosphate ions and where the neutral amines coexist with boric acid. The decrease of the experimental effective mobilities in these instances can be explained through the interactions between coexisting species. Therefore, phosphate and borate buffers should be avoided to determine the mobility of amines with aqueous pKa higher than 8, at least in solutions with high methanol content. Independent measurements of acidic dissociation constants of drugs validate this statement.

Accuracy of calculated pH-dependent aqueous drug solubility

The aim of the present study was to investigate the extent to which the Henderson-Hasselbalch (HH) relationship can be used to predict the pH-dependent aqueous solubility of cationic drugs. The pH-dependent solubility for 25 amines, carrying a single positive charge, was determined with a small-scale shake flask method. Each sample was prepared as a suspension in 150 mM phosphate buffer. The pH-dependent solubility curves were obtained using at least 10 different pH values. The intrinsic solubility, the solubility at the pKa and the solubility at pH values reflecting the pH of the bulk and acid microclimate in the human small intestine (pH 7.4 and 6.5, respectively) were determined for all compounds. The experimental study revealed a large diversity in slope, from -0.5 (celiprolol) to -8.6 (hydralazine) in the linear pH-dependent solubility interval, which is in sharp contrast to the slope of -1 assumed by the HH equation. In addition, a large variation in the range of solubility between the completely uncharged and completely charged drug species was observed. The range for disopyramide was only 1.1 log units, whereas that for amiodarone was greater than 6.3 log units, pointing at the compound specific response to counter-ion effects. In conclusion, the investigated cationic drugs displayed compound specific pH-dependent solubility profiles, indicating that that the HH equation in many cases will only give rough estimations of the pH-dependent solubility of drugs in divalent buffer systems.

Bioavailability of amiodarone tablets administered with and without food in healthy subjects

The tablet form of amiodarone is indicated for the treatment of recurrent ventricular fibrillation or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia. It is recommended that the tablet be taken with meals in cases of gastrointestinal intolerance. However, the effect of food on its bioavailability is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of food on the bioavailability of amiodarone. This was a 2-period crossover study conducted in 30 healthy male subjects. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 sequences in which the following 2 treatments were administered: (1) a single-dose of amiodarone (three 200-mg Cordarone tablets) after an overnight fast, and (2) the same dose immediately after a standard high-fat breakfast. Plasma concentrations of amiodarone and desethylamiodarone (DEA) were measured for 6 weeks after each dose. Food enhanced the extent of absorption, resulting in a peak concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUCT) 3.8 and 2.4 times the respective values under fasting conditions. Food also significantly increased the rate of absorption, reducing the time (tmax) to Cmax from 7.1 to 4.5 hours. The effect of food on DEA levels was significant but less pronounced. An in vitro dissolution study confirmed a marked difference between amiodarone release under simulated fed and fasting conditions. Thus, food significantly enhances both the rate and extent of absorption of amiodarone, which is attributed partially to the effect of food on drug release from its formulation. Therefore, it is recommended that amiodarone tablets be taken consistently with meals.

Pharmacotherapeutic Advances in Cardiac Resuscitation: A Review of the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 2000 Guidelines and Their Impact on Pharmacy Practice

The treatment of sudden cardiac death is a challenging area of pharmacotherapy. Despite decades of medication use, outcomes from the treatment of cardiac arrest remain poor. Recent advances in the treatment of cardiac arrest have been incorporated into the American Heart Association’s Advanced Cardiac Life Support 2000 guidelines. A summary and review of these guidelines are presented. Included in the changes to the cardiac arrest treatment guidelines are new medications (amiodarone and vasopressin), new approaches to using medications and the evidence to support these changes. The implications of instituting these new guidelines and strategies for the implementation of the new paradigm are discussed.

Interactions of amiodarone with model membranes and amiodarone-photoinduced peroxidation of lipids

The potent antiarrhythmic drug, amiodarone (AMIO) exhibits phototoxicity, which is thought to be related to its interaction with biological membranes. We report here a spectroscopic study of the interactions of this drug with phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes used as membrane model systems. A linear increase in absorbance at 300 nm was observed with increasing addition of AMIO to dimyristoyl-DL-PC (DMPC) liposomes over all the drugs-lipid molar ratio (Ri)s tested. In contrast, in the dimyristoyl-DL-PG (DMPG) liposomes, there was a dramatic increase in absorbance at values of Ri above unity. Light scattering by DMPG liposomes at 350 nm increased with increasing AMIO concentration up to a Ri = 1, and then decreased with increasing drug concentration. Such changes were not observed with the DMPC liposomes. Moreover, addition of AMIO changed the fluorescence polarization rate of 1,6-diphenyl 1,3,5-hexatriene embedded in these liposomes. It reduced the rate below the phase transition temperature (Tt) of the lipid, but increased it above this temperature. These effects on the lipidic phases observed at low Ri were more pronounced on the DMPG than on the DMPC liposomes. The strong interactions of AMIO with phospholipids, especially the acidic ones, were confirmed by liposome size determinations. All these data strongly suggest that the drug was incorporated in the core of the lipid bilayers. Such a penetration would favor a drug-photoinduced peroxidation of lipids. Indeed, UV irradiation of AMIO-DOPG mixtures led to the disappearance of the unsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids, checked by gas chromatography measurements, which was correlated with the amount of oxygen consumed. This showed that AMIO did photosensitize phospholipid peroxidation.

Self-association and solubility behaviors of a novel anticancer agent, brequinar sodium

To aid in the selection of appropriate excipients to formulate brequinar sodium [6-fluoro-2-(2'-fluoro-1,1'-biphenyl-4-yl)-3-methyl-4-quinolinecarboxyli c acid sodium salt; DuP 785], studies were initiated to characterize thoroughly its solubility behavior. The measured solubilities at RT (approximately 23 degrees C) agreed with the theoretical values in the pH range from 0.5 to 7.2, but became significantly greater than theoretical values at pH values above 7.2. This deviation was likely due to the vertical stacking-type self-association between brequinar molecules in water. The NMR and pH methods determined a critical association concentration of 15 mg/mL. Sodium salicylate, which has been proven to interfere with molecular self-association, reduced drug solubility from 116 to 10 mg/mL. But urea, another deaggregative agent, gave about a twofold increase rather than a decrease in solubility. Addition of sodium chloride caused a 226-fold decrease in solubility. The apparent solubility product did not remain constant but decreased as sodium chloride concentration increased, suggesting that the added salt decreased the degree of self-association between brequinar molecules. Among four surfactants examined (a bile salt with a rigid fused ring versus three ordinary surfactants with a flexible chain structure), only sodium cholate significantly increased the aqueous solubility of brequinar sodium.

Amiodarone partitioning with phospholipid bilayers and erythrocyte membranes

The apparent partition coefficient (P) of amiodarone between aqueous buffer and lipid vesicles or erythrocyte ghosts was determined by equilibrium distribution using [125I]amiodarone as a tracer. The lipid vesicles consisted of total lipids extracted from erythrocyte or of egg phosphatidylcholine alone or mixed with a varying amount of stearic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserine, or cholesterol. All the conditions yielded a similar value of P (P approximately equal to 17,000). The log value of the partition coefficient of the neutral form of the drug is log PN = 5.95. The value of the extrapolated 1-octanol-buffer partition coefficient is log PN,oct = 6.66. Partition coefficient measurements on erythrocyte ghosts suggested that amiodarone partitioned to a similar extent in the protein and lipid content of the membrane.