Preparation and pharmacological evaluation of captopril sustained-release dosage forms using oily semisolid matrix

Development of semisolid self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDSs) filled in hard capsules for oral delivery of aciclovir

The study aimed to develop semisolid self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDSs) as carriers for oral delivery of aciclovir in hard hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) capsules. Six self-dispersing systems (SD1-SD6) were prepared by loading aciclovir into the semisolid formulations consisting of medium chain length triglycerides (lipid), macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate (surfactant), polyglyceryl-3-dioleate (cosurfactant), glycerol (hydrophilic cosolvent), and macrogol 8000 (viscosity modifier). Their characterization was performed in order to identify the semisolid system with rheological behaviour suitable for filling in hard HPMC capsules and fast dispersibility in acidic and alkaline aqueous media with formation of oil-in-water microemulsions. The optimal SMEDDS was loaded with aciclovir at two levels (2% and 33.33%) and morphology and aqueous dispersibility of the obtained systems were examined by applying light microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), respectively. The assessment of diffusivity of aciclovir from the SMEDDSs by using an enhancer cell model, showed that it was increased at a higher drug loading. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated that the SMEDDSs were semisolids at temperatures up to 50°C and physically stable and compatible with HPMC capsules for 3 months storage at 25°C and 4°C. The results of in vitro release study revealed that the designed solid dosage form based on the semisolid SMEDDS loaded with the therapeutic dose of 200mg, may control partitioning of the solubilized drug from in situ formed oil-in-water microemulsion carrier into the sorrounding aqueous media, and hence decrease the risk for precipitation of the drug.

Effect of various surfactants and their concentration on controlled release of captopril from polymeric matrices

Various methods are available to formulate water soluble drugs into sustained release dosage forms by retarding the dissolution rate. One of the methods used to control drug release and thereby prolong therapeutic activity is to use hydrophilic and lipophilic polymers. In this study, the effects of various polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ethylcellulose (EC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and surfactants (sodium lauryl sulphate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and Arlacel 60) on the release rate of captopril were investigated. The results showed that an increase in the amount of HPMC K15M resulted in reduction of the release rate of captopril from these matrices. When HPMC was partly replaced by NaCMC (the ratio of HPMC/NaCMC was 5:1), the release rate of the drug significantly decreased. However, there was no significant difference in release rate of captopril from matrices produced with ratios of 5:1 and 2:1 of HPMC/NaCMC. The presence of lactose in matrices containing HPMC and NaCMC increased the release rate of captopril. It was interesting to note that although partial replacement of HPMC by EC reduced the release rate of the drug (ratio of HPMC/EC 2:1), the release rate was increased when the ratio of HPMC/EC was reduced to 1:1. The effects of various surfactants on the release rate of captopril from HPMC/EC (1:1) matrices were also investigated. The results showed that the surfactants did not significantly change the release rate of the drug. Release data were examined kinetically and the ideal kinetic models were estimated for the drug release. The kinetic analysis of drug release data from various formulations showed that incorporation of surfactants in HPMC/EC matrices did not produce a zero-order release pattern.

Challenges and opportunities in the encapsulation of liquid and semi-solid formulations into capsules for oral administration

The encapsulation of liquids and semi-solids provides solutions for convenient delivery through improved oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. In addition, low dose (content uniformity), highly potent (containment), low melting point drugs, those with a critical stability profile and those for which a delayed release is required are candidates for liquid or semi-solid formulations. Both hard and soft capsules can be considered and in each case the capsule wall may comprise gelatin or some other suitable polymer such as hypromellose. The choice of a hard or soft capsule will depend primarily on the components of the formulation which provides the best absorption characteristics as well as on the physical characteristics, such as the viscosity of the formulation and the temperature at which the product needs to be filled. Numerous excipients are available for formulation of lipid-based systems and their compatibilities with hard gelatin capsules have been tested. The availability of new enhanced manufacturing equipment has brought new opportunities for liquid-filled hard capsules. Filling and sealing technologies for hard capsules, provides the formulator with the flexibility of developing formulations in-house from small scale, as required for Phase I studies, up to production.

Captopril floating and/or bioadhesive tablets: design and release kinetics

Two viscosity grades of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC 4000 and 15,000 cps) and Carbopol 934P were used to prepare captopril floating tablets. In vitro dissolution was carried out in simulated gastric fluid (enzyme free) at 37 degrees C +/- 0.1 degree C using the USP apparatus 2 basket method. Compared to conventional tablets, release of captopril from these floating tablets was apparently prolonged; as a result, a 24-hr controlled-release dosage form for captopril was achieved. Drug release best fit both the Higuchi model and the Korsmeyer and Peppas equation, followed by first-order kinetics. While tablet hardness and stirring rate had no or little effect on the release kinetics, tablets hardness was found to be a determining factor with regard to the buoyancy of the tablets.

Controlled release of a water-soluble drug, captopril, by a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic cyclodextrin derivatives

Parent beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CyD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-CyD (HP-beta-CyD) form 1:1 solid complexes with an orally active angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, while hydrophobic perbutanoyl-beta-CyD (TB-beta-CyD) forms a solid dispersion or solid solution with the drug. The binary system of captopril/HP-beta-CyD or captopril/TB-beta-CyD and the ternary system of captopril/TB-beta-CyD/HP-beta-CyD in different molar ratios were prepared by the kneading method, and the release behavior of the drug was investigated. The release rate of captopril from the binary HP-beta-CyD system was rather fast, whereas that from the binary TB-beta-CyD system was comparatively slower, the retarding effect being dependent on the amounts of TB-beta-CyD. The release rate from the ternary captopril/TB-beta-CyD/HP-beta-CyD system was slowed down by the addition of small amounts of HP-beta-CyD, whereas the rate became faster as the molar ratio of HP-beta-CyD further increased (>.25 molar ratio). Both water penetration studies and microscopic observation suggested that the retarding effect is attributable to a gel formation of HP-beta-CyD in the TB-beta-CyD hydrophobic matrix. It was difficult to prolong plasma levels of captopril by administering orally either the binary HP-beta-CyD or TB-beta-CyD system in dogs. On the other hand, the ternary captopril/TB-beta-CyD/HP-beta-CyD system (molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.5) gave a plasma profile comparable to that of a commercially available sustained release preparation (Captoril R). Therefore, a combination of HP-beta-CyD and TB-beta-CyD is useful for the controlled release of water-soluble drugs such as captopril.

Recent progress in sustained/controlled oral delivery of captopril: an overview

The development of oral sustained or controlled release dosage form of captopril has been an interested topic of research for a long period of time. Difficulties encountered with such topic based on the fact that the drug is freely water soluble and for obvious reasons, such drug is difficult to be delivered orally in a sustained or controlled release manner and, on another hand, the drug is unstable in the alkaline pH of the intestine, which enabled the scientists to localize the developed formulations at the targeted areas of the GIT. Due to its effectiveness and intensive use as a drug of choice in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure, numerous sustained and controlled release formulations of captopril have been made and reported. Despite of these numerous attempts and works, very few have been successful and some of these formulations have been patented. The clinical supportive data regarding the efficacies of these developed formulations are not always available and, furthermore, their claims rely only on in vitro data.

Issues in contemporary drug delivery. Part VI: Advanced cardiac drug formulations

OBJECTIVE

To identify and discuss the clinical utility of new delivery systems and formulations of cardiac drugs.

DATA SOURCES

Studies describing or evaluating new drug delivery systems for cardiac drugs were identified through a MEDLINE literature search.

STUDY SELECTION

All studies describing or evaluating new delivery systems for cardiac drugs were reviewed.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were abstracted and evaluated by each author independently.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The most common oral sustained-release formulations include the wax-matrix system, the gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS), and the spheroidal oral drug absorption system (SODAS). The wax-matrix delivery system is limited by the occurrence of "dose-dumping." In a low-pH setting, the wax-matrix formulation may dissolve too rapidly, liberating the entire dose in a short period of time. The clinical relevance of this phenomenon is unknown. The GITS and SODAS formulations are less likely to be affected by pH and food. Nitroglycerin is available by many routes of administration. The topical patch forms are convenient to use, but are associated with the development of tolerance. A buccal formulation incorporates a relatively short onset of effect with a three- or four-times-daily dosing regimen. Although tolerance is less of a problem with buccal nitroglycerin than with topical nitrates, this formulation is less convenient to use because of buccal irritation and interference with eating and talking. A new spray formulation of nitroglycerin offers longer shelf-life storage stability and an easier mode of administration. The spray canister is stable for three years compared with 12 weeks for an opened bottle of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. Sublingual administration of oral cardiac drugs offers the potential for a more rapid onset of effects. Although nifedipine is often given sublingually, objective data indicate that it is not absorbed buccally but rather in the stomach. It appears that the chew-and-swallow route is most appropriate for nifedipine. Captopril is absorbed sublingually but its efficacy has not been demonstrated. Transdermal clonidine improves compliance and is associated with fewer adverse effects than oral clonidine. Transdermal formulations of beta-blockers are currently being evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Further advancements in the development of novel delivery systems for cardiac drugs are expected in the future.