Ibuprofen racemate and enantiomers: Phase diagram, solubility and thermodynamic studies

Quantum Chemistry and Pharmacy: Diagnostic Check of the Thermochemistry of Ibuprofen

The thermodynamic data on ibuprofen available in the literature shows that the disarray of experimental results is unacceptable for this very important drug. The data on ibuprofens available in the literature were collected, combined with our complementary experimental results and evaluated. The enthalpies of combustion and formation of the crystalline RS-(±)- and S-(+)-ibuprofens were measured using high-precision combustion calorimetry. The temperature dependence of the vapour pressure of S-(+)-ibuprofen was measured using the transpiration method and the enthalpy of vaporization was derived from this measurement. The enthalpies of fusion of both compounds were measured using DSC. The G4 calculations have been carried out to determine the enthalpy of formation in the gaseous state of the most stable conformer. Thermochemical properties of the compounds studied were evaluated and tested for consistency with the "centerpiece approach". A set of reliable and consistent values of thermodynamic properties of ibuprofens at 298.15 K is recommended for thermochemical calculations of the pharmaceutical processes. The diagnostic protocol was developed to distinguish between the "sick" or "healthy" thermodynamic data. This diagnostic is also applicable to other drugs with a different structure than ibuprofen.

Crystallization Behavior and Crystallographic Properties of dl-Arabinose and dl-Xylose Diastereomer Sugars

Natural sugar molecules such as xylose and arabinose exhibit sweetness profiles similar to sucrose, which makes them a valuable alternative in low-calorie foods as well as excipients or cocrystallization agents in pharmaceutical formulations. Xylose and arabinose are also chiral diastereomers that can exhibit specific crystallization behavior. In this work, the solid-state landscapes of the chiral pairs of both xylose and arabinose have been investigated to determine whether racemic compounds or conglomerates are formed. Furthermore, single crystals of xylose and arabinose have been grown and characterized by X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy to study their crystallographic properties and relate them to the crystallization behavior. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements were used to determine the phase diagrams of the two analyzed chiral systems. The solubilities of the different solid forms of xylose and arabinose were measured in different solvent mixtures by a thermogravimetric method. An analysis was conducted to assess the main thermodynamic parameters and the activity coefficients of the compounds in solution. Finally, slurry experiments in a 50:50 w/w ethanol/water solvent have also been performed to determine the relative stability of each solid form and the kinetics of transformation in this solvent mixture. It was found that dl-arabinose crystallizes as a stable racemic compound, which transforms quickly from its constituent enantiomers when in solution; whereas d- and l-xylose molecules crystallize separately as a conglomerate.

Scalemic mixtures preparation for optimized composition of ibuprofen solid dosage forms

The stable and metastable phase diagrams between the sinister and the rectus ibuprofen enantiomers were established by means of thermal analysis and X-ray powder diffraction experiments as a function of temperature. The results obtained allow proving for the first time the existence, for the stable system, of a solid solution by mixing the racemic ibuprofen with one of its enantiomers for low concentration of the enantiomer. Since the rectus ibuprofen is a non-active pharmaceutical agent which can be partially bio-converted into the sinister enantiomer, the present work offers a new approach for scalemic mixtures preparation in order to improve the benefit/risk ratio related to ibuprofen solid dosage form administration.

Biocatalytic Approach for Direct Esterification of Ibuprofen with Sorbitol in Biphasic Media

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) introduced in the 1960s and widely used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic. In its acid form, the solubility of 21 mg/L greatly limits its bioavailability. Since the bioavailability of a drug product plays a critical role in the design of oral administration dosage, this study investigated the enzymatic esterification of ibuprofen as a strategy for hydrophilization. This work proposes an enzymatic strategy for the covalent attack of highly hydrophilic molecules using acidic functions of commercially available bioactive compounds. The poorly water-soluble drug ibuprofen was esterified in a hexane/water biphasic system by direct esterification with sorbitol using the cheap biocatalyst porcine pancreas lipase (PPL), which demonstrated itself to be a suitable enzyme for the effective production of the IBU-sorbitol ester. This work reports the optimization of the esterification reaction.

Thermal, spectroscopic and structural analysis of a thermosalient phase transformation in tapentadol hydrochloride

Presented herein are detailed optical, thermal, spectroscopic and structural analyses of the phase transformation occurring in tapentadol hydrochloride (C14H24NO+·Cl−), a phenomenon already reported [Fischer et al. (2006); Patent: WO 2006000441 A2]. The thermal behaviour of the compound was studied using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and Raman scattering measurements. The compound undergoes a first-order reversible phase transition at T heat = 318.0 (1) K, T cool = 300.0 (1) K, as assessed by the coexistence of both phases in the vicinity of the transition and the abrupt changes observed in the unit-cell parameters with temperature. The process is accompanied by clear thermosalient behaviour, with a conspicuous movement of the samples. On cooling, the transformation leads from a P212121 symmetry (Z′ = 1) to P21, with an abrupt change in β [90 ↔ 94.78 (1)°] and duplication of the asymmetric unit contents (Z′ = 2). The main structural differences observed across the transition are extremely small, with almost no changes in the stronger, non-covalent interaction scheme involving the `conventional' (N—H...Cl, O—H...Cl) hydrogen bonds.

Levetiracetam+nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug binary systems: A contribution to the development of new solid dosage forms

A study has been carried out of binary solid systems made up of the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam, LEV, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID, capable of managing the inflammation that accompanies epileptic activity. One aim of this research was to identify eutectic mixtures and co-crystals, which are able to impact positively on their biopharmaceutical properties. The NSAIDs studied are (S)- and (R,S)-ibuprofen, (S)- and (R,S)-naproxen, (R,S)-ketoprofen and (R,S)-flurbiprofen, all class II in the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. A green mechanochemical methodology has been used to prepare binary mixtures with different molar ratios, and the binary solid-liquid phase diagrams established. For LEV+(S)-ibuprofen, formation of a single (1:1) co-crystal was confirmed; this was found to melt incongruently. The co-crystal was found to be stable in accelerated stability tests. For the other systems, interesting eutectic mixtures were identified, which showed enhanced dissolution rates of the NSAID relative to the pure drug. For LEV+(R,S)-ibuprofen, LEV+(S)-naproxen and LEV+(R,S)-naproxen, the eutectic mixture compositions have the effective doses of both components. All the NSAIDs investigated are chiral, and their racemates are racemic compounds. Levetiracetam, the (S)-enantiomer of etiracetam, was not efficient in enantiomer discrimination, as all the racemic compound structures are present as the prepared solid mixtures.

Screening of Carbamazepine-Ibuprofen Co-Crystal Formation Using Non-Stoichiometric and Stoichiometric Methods

The paper presents the co-crystal screening study of carbamazepine (CBZ) and ibuprofen (IBU) as a co-crystal former (CCF) using non-stoichiometric (solid addition of CBZ to saturated solution of co-crystal former (CCF) and stoichiometric (1:1 mol of CBZ and CCF) methods. In the non-stoichiometric method, CBZ-IBU co-crystal was prepared in various solvents and left to equilibrate in three conditions; stagnant, manually agitated and shaking in 72 hours whereas in the stoichiometric method, evaporation, solvent drop grinding and dry grinding were used. The crystals produced from the screening process were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and optical microscopy. The co-crystal of CBZ-IBU was found to have successfully formed via the non-stoichiometric method in formic acid. DSC analysis revealed that the remaining crystals produced were either CBZ or IBU as indicated by their respective melting point.

Chirality-dependent friction of bulk molecular solids

We show that the solid-solid friction between bulk chiral molecular solids can depend on the relative chirality of the two materials. In menthol and 1-phenyl-1-butanol, heterochiral friction is smaller than homochiral friction, while in ibuprofen, heterochiral friction is larger. Chiral asymmetries in the coefficient of sliding friction vary with temperature and can be as large as 30%. In the three compounds tested, the sign of the difference between heterochiral and homochiral friction correlated with the sign of the difference in melting point between racemate (compound or conglomerate) and pure enantiomer. Menthol and ibuprofen each form a stable racemic compound, while 1-phenyl-1-butanol forms a racemic conglomerate. Thus, a difference between heterochiral and homochiral friction does not require the formation of a stable interfacial racemic compound. Measurements of chirality-dependent friction provide a unique means to distinguish the role of short-range intermolecular forces from all other sources of dissipation in the friction of bulk molecular solids.

Binding affinity of thermoresponsive polyelectrolyte hydrogels for charged amphiphilic ligands. A DSC approach

Controlled drug binding and release stand among top requirements postulated for targeted drug delivery systems of the new generations. "Smart" polymers and gels are highly suitable for the controlled delivery due to their structural sensitivity to minor environmental variations. The aim of this work was to study thermoresponsive polyanionic and polycationic hydrogels of N-isopropylacrylamide copolymers with acrylic acid and N-aminopropylmethacrylamide in terms of their interaction with two widely used drugs, propranolol and ibuprofen. Binding energetics of these drugs by the gels in swollen and collapsed state was estimated by means of high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry. Thermodynamic parameters of the gel collapse (transition temperature, enthalpy, heat capacity increment, and width) were determined as a dependence of the drug concentrations. From these data the excess free energy of collapse was calculated as a function of drug concentration. Deconvolution of this function resulted in the evaluation of binding parameters and contributions from interactions of various types to the free energy of binding. The binding mechanism of both drugs to the swollen and collapsed gels was elucidated. Its main features are the cooperative character of the drug binding by the collapsed gel and the predominant role of the hydrophobicity of drugs in their affinity for the swollen gel.

Overall stability for the ibuprofen racemate: experimental and topological results leading to the pressure-temperature phase relationships between its racemate and conglomerate

Enantiomer resolution is much sought after for pharmaceutical applications, because many optically active drug molecules have only one pharmaceutically active enantiomer. Although it is always possible to force separation, it will come at a cost. The present method, based on thermodynamics, provides a relatively easy approach to investigate whether separation can be thermodynamically spontaneous. A topological phase diagram of the binary enantiomer system at 0.5 mol-fraction is constructed as a function of temperature and pressure after analysis of pressure and heat related quantities. It is demonstrated that for ibuprofen, an optically active analgesic, the racemate is the only stable solid form; the phase relationship between the racemate and the conglomerate is analogous to dimorphism with overall monotropy in pure chemical compounds.

Controlled microwave processing applied to the pharmaceutical formulation of ibuprofen

The first successful development of controlled microwave processing for pharmaceutical formulations is presented and illustrated with a model drug (ibuprofen) and two excipients (stearic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone). The necessary fine temperature control for formulation with microwave energy has been achieved using a uniquely modified microwave oven with direct temperature measurement and pulse-width modulation power control. In addition to comparing microwave and conventional heating, the effect of the presence of liquid (water) in aiding the mixing of the drug and excipient during formulation was also investigated. Analysis of the prepared formulations using differential scanning calorimetry and dissolution studies suggest that microwave and conventional heating produce similar products when applied to mixtures of ibuprofen and stearic acid. However, the differences were observed for the ibuprofen and polyvinylpyrrolidone formulation in terms of the dissolution kinetics. In all cases, the presence of water did not appear to influence the formulation to any appreciable degree. The application of controllable microwave heating is noteworthy as fine temperature control opens up opportunities for thermally sensitive materials for which microwave methods have not been feasible prior to this work.

An examination of the thermodynamics of fusion, vaporization, and sublimation of ibuprofen and naproxen by correlation gas chromatography

The vaporization enthalpies of (S)-ibuprofen and (S)-naproxen measured by correlation gas chromatography at T = 298.15 K are reported and compared with literature values. Adjustment of the fusion enthalpies of (RS)- and (S)-ibuprofen and (S)-naproxen to T = 298.15 K and combined with the vaporization enthalpy of the (S)-enantiomer of both ibuprofen and naproxen also at T = 298.15 K resulted in the sublimation enthalpies of both (S)-enantiomers. On the assumption that the vaporization enthalpy of the racemic form of ibuprofen is within the experimental uncertainty of the chiral form, the sublimation enthalpy of racemic ibuprofen was also evaluated. The vaporization and sublimation enthalpies compare favorably to the most of the literature values for the racemic form of ibuprofen but differ from the value reported for chiral ibuprofen. The literature values of (S)-naproxen are somewhat smaller than the values measured in this work. The following vaporization enthalpies were measured for (S)-ibuprofen and (S)-naproxen, respectively: ΔH(vap) (298.15 K), 106.0 ± 5.5, 132.2 ± 5.0 kJ·mol(-1) . Sublimation enthalpies of 122.7 ± 5.6 and 155.2 ± 7.1 kJ·mol(-1) were calculated for the (S)-enantiomers of ibuprofen and naproxen and a value of 128.9 ± 5.8 kJ·mol(-1) was estimated for the racemic form of ibuprofen.

Direct crystallization of enantiomers and dissociable diastereomers

Molecules whose mirror images cannot be superimposed on each other are identified as being chiral, and a very important branch of separation science has developed around the resolution of compounds having pharmaceutical interest. At one time, scientists associated the phenomenon of optical rotation with the presence of carbon atoms bound to four different molecular fragments, and these asymmetrically substituted carbon atoms became known as "asymmetric carbons." Continued work showed that compounds incapable of rotating the plane of polarized light, but which were known to contain at least one asymmetric carbon atom, could be separated into chemically identical "optical isomers" that now exhibited the phenomenon of optical rotation. Over time, it became clear that optical activity could exist in compounds having no asymmetric atoms, and that other compounds existed that contained two or more asymmetric carbons, but still could not be rendered optically active. These findings necessitated a return to the proposal of Pasteur, who held that optical activity is a consequence of molecular dissymmetry. In other words, a molecule superimposable with its mirror image cannot be optically active, and any molecule not superimposable with its mirror image will exhibit optical activity.

Solubility of (+/-)-ibuprofen and S (+)-ibuprofen in the presence of cosolvents and cyclodextrins

Aqueous solubility is an important parameter for the development of liquid formulations and in the determination of bioavailability of oral dosage forms. Ibuprofen (IB), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is a chiral molecule and is currently used clinically as a racemate (racIB). However, the S form of ibuprofen or S(+)-ibuprofen (SIB) is the biologically active isomer and is primarily responsible for the antiinflammatory activity. Phase solubility studies were carried out to compare the saturation solubilities of racIB and SIB in the presence of common pharmaceutical solvents such as glycerol, sorbitol solution, propylene glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG 300) over the range of 20% to 80% v/v in aqueous based systems. The solubilities of the two compounds were also compared in the presence of cyclodextrins such as beta cyclodextrin (CD), hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin (HPCD), and beta cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether sodium salt (CDSB) over the range of 5% to 25% w/v. Solubility determinations were carried at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C. Cosolvents exponentially increased the solubility of both SIB and racIB, especially in the presence of PG and PEG 300. Glycerol was not very effective in increasing the aqueous solubilities of both compounds, whereas sorbitol solution had a minimal effect on their solubility. PG and PEG 300 increased the solubility of SIB by 400-fold and 1500-fold, respectively, whereas the rise in solubility for racIB was 193-fold and 700-fold, respectively, at 25 degrees C for the highest concentration of the cosolvents used (80% v/v). Of the two compounds studied, higher equilibrium solubilities were observed for SIB as compared with racIB. The derivatized cyclodextrins increased the aqueous solubility of racIB and SIB in a concentration-dependent manner giving AL type of phase diagrams. The phase solubility diagrams indicated the formation of soluble inclusion complexes between the drugs and HPCD and CDSB, which was of 1:1 stoichiometry. The addition of underivatized CD reduced the solubility of racIB and SIB via the formation of an insoluble complex. The S form formed more stable complexes with HPCD and CDSB as compared with raclB. The solubilization process is discussed in terms of solvent polarity and differential solid-state structure of raclB and SIB. The thermodynamic parameters for the solubilization process are presented.

The difference between partitioning and distribution from a thermodynamic point of view: NSAIDs as an example

Solubility and solvation of some NSAIDs were studied in their non-ionic (aqueous buffers of pH 2.0) and ionic molecular form (pH 7.4) over a wide temperature interval. Absolute scale values for the thermodynamic terms (Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy) were obtained. Thermodynamic parameters of the transfer of the molecules from one buffer to the other (representing protonation/deprotonation) were derived. It has been found that the thermodynamic characteristics of solvation (hydration) of (+)- and (+/-)-IBP in the buffers show a difference, which is larger than the experimental error. This may be explained by differences in the association states of the molecules in solution. For the other NSAIDs studied, a correlation between the Gibbs energy of transfer, deltaG(tr) (pH 7.4-->pH 2.0) and the pK(a)-value, and a compensation effect between the enthalpic and entropic terms have been revealed. Thermodynamic aspects of the transfer process from the buffers to n-octanol were analysed. The two types of the transfer processes (non-dissociated molecule to octanol (partitioning), and dissociated form to octanol (distribution)) have essentially different driving forces: partitioning is enthalpy driven, whereas the transfer of the ionic form is entropy driven. The following points are discussed: (a) significance of using water-octanol systems (logP as a measure of drug lipophilicity) to describe biological membranes (lipid systems); (b) differences in thermodynamic aspects of the partitioning/distribution processes of these systems; (c) advantages of the present transfer method approach in comparison with temperature dependencies of logP to analyse the driving forces of partitioning/distribution.

Racemic species of sodium ibuprofen: characterization and polymorphic relationships

Racemic and homochiral sodium ibuprofen were characterized by thermal analysis and powder X-ray diffractometry. The melting point phase diagram was constructed and thermodynamic calculation was performed. In contrast to racemic ibuprofen, which is a racemic compound, racemic sodium ibuprofen forms both a racemic conglomerate (termed the gamma-form) as well as two polymorphic racemic compounds, alpha and beta, which are less stable monotropes. From the supercooled liquid, alpha and beta crystallized along with the original gamma-form. Forms alpha and beta are "enantiotropically related" with a transition temperature between 75 degrees and 113 degrees C, but can be considered to be metastable monotropes of the racemic conglomerate, the stable gamma-form.

Solubility, metastable zone width, and racemic characterization of propranolol hydrochloride

Characterization of the racemic species, which can be a racemic compound, a racemic conglomerate, or a pseudoracemate (solid solution), is a prerequisite for the design of crystallization resolution processes. It is useful to determine the solid/liquid equilibrium solubility of the enantiomer mixtures for crystallization operation. For the beta-blocker drug propranolol hydrochloride, Gibbs free energy of formation of racemic compound and entropy of mixing of the (R)- and (S)- enantiomers in the liquid state for racemic conglomerate were calculated. The structural differences between (R, S)-propranolol hydrochloride and its (S)-enantiomer were further investigated by powder X-ray diffraction patterns, infrared spectra, and solid-state NMR spectra. The solubility and metastable zone width of (R, S)- propranolol hydrochloride in a mixed solvent of methanol and acetone were determined by cooling crystallization over the temperature range 3.5-42.5 degrees C. The ternary solubility diagram of (R)-, (S)-propranolol hydrochloride was constructed using the same mixed solvent. The diagram will be useful as a guide for choosing crystallization operation conditions to produce pure enantiomers.

Choosing the right nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the right patient: a pharmacokinetic approach

Effective use of the growing number of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a group that has recently been augmented by the introduction of the selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, requires adequate knowledge of their pharmacokinetics. After oral administration, the absorption of NSAIDs is generally rapid and complete. NSAIDs are highly bound to plasma proteins, specifically to albumin (>90%). The volume of distribution of NSAIDs is low, ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 L/kg, suggesting minimal tissue binding. NSAID binding in plasma can be saturated when the concentration of the NSAID exceeds that of albumin. Most NSAIDs are metabolised by the liver, with subsequent excretion into urine or bile. Enterohepatic recirculation occurs when a significant amount of an NSAID or its conjugated metabolites are excreted into the bile and then reabsorbed in the distal intestine. NSAID elimination is not dependent on hepatic blood flow. Hepatic NSAID elimination is dependent on the free fraction of NSAID within the plasma and the intrinsic enzyme activities of the liver. Renal elimination is not an important elimination pathway for NSAIDs, except for azapropazone. The plasma half-life of NSAIDs ranges from 0.25 to >70 hours, indicating wide differences in clearance rates. Hepatic or renal disease can alter NSAID protein binding and metabolism. Some NSAIDs with elimination predominantly via acylglucuronidation can have significantly altered disposition. Pharmacokinetics are also influenced by chronobiology, and many NSAIDs exhibit stereoselectivity. There appear to be relationships between NSAID concentration and effects. At therapeutically equivalent doses, NSAIDs appear to be equally efficacious. The major differences between NSAIDs are their therapeutic half-lives and safety profiles. NSAIDs undergo drug interactions through protein binding displacement and competition for active renal tubular secretion with other organic acids. When choosing the right NSAID for the right patient, individual patient-specific and NSAID-specific pharmacokinetic principles should be considered.

Interactions during aqueous film coating of ibuprofen with aquacoat ECD

During the development of a coated ibuprofen formulation a sticking tendency occurred when applying Aquacoat ECD. This interaction indicated the formation of a eutectic mixture. The compatibility of the components of Aquacoat ECD with ibuprofen was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Cetyl alcohol, a stabilizing excipient in Aquacoat, was found to form a eutectic system with ibuprofen. It was characterized by the construction of a phase diagram with 33 mol% ibuprofen and an onset temperature of 40.5 degrees C. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction was used to identify the polymorphic forms of cetyl alcohol. The results confirmed the amorphous state in the aqueous dispersion in contrast to the beta(0)- and gamma(4)-polymorphs of solid cetyl alcohol.

Racemate and enantiomers of ketoprofen: phase diagram, thermodynamic studies, skin permeability, and use of chiral permeation enhancers

The role of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on transport of a chiral drug through the skin was studied. Ketoprofen (KP) was chosen as a model chiral drug. A possible relationship between the melting characteristics and the flux values of S- and RS-KP was investigated. The potential use of chiral enhancers, menthol and linalool, was also investigated. Thermal analyses were carried out for individual enantiomers and the racemate of KP. The melting temperature of each enantiomer was 22 degreesC lower than that of the racemic compound. Peak temperatures from the melting endotherms were plotted as a function of enantiomeric composition to give the binary phase diagram. The phase diagram suggested the presence of a racemic compound, and it was verified by calculations of the liquidus curve in the dystectic region using reported methods. Powder X-ray diffraction studies also confirmed that the racemate of KP is a racemic compound. The permeability of individual enantiomers and the racemate of KP through mice skin was determined in vitro using side-by-side diffusion cells. Transfer of R- and S-KP from aqueous solutions of both the racemate and pure enantiomer showed no significant differences in the rates of permeation, indicating that the rate of transfer of KP across the mice skin from these solutions was independent of the stereochemistry of the drug. No evidence of racemization during the transfer process was observed. The permeation-enhancing ratio of linalool was higher, but not significant, than that of l-menthol. The predicted ratio of enantiomer to racemate flux through the skin by the MTMT concept (1. 97) is in close agreement with the experimentally determined ratio (1.79) across mouse skin.

Stereospecific formulation and characterization of sustained release ibuprofen microspheres

Ibuprofen microspheres were prepared from the racemate, (+)-S and (-)-R enantiomers using waxes such as ceresine and glyceryl stearate and stereospecifically characterized. The method of preparation of the microspheres was a hydrophobic congealable disperse phase encapsulation process and variables such as particle size, wax type, enantiomeric form were evaluated. Dissolution studies were carried out by a modified USP type II method and the samples were analysed by a stereospecific HPLC assay using S-(-)-1(1) naphthylethylamine as the derivatizing agent and fenoprofen as the internal standard. The mean particle sizes of (+)-S and (-)-R enantiomers determined by microscopy/image analysis were 64 and 99 microns respectively while that of the racemate was 48 microns. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) of ibuprofen and the enantiomers showed endothermic peaks at 72 and 55 degrees C respectively. Thermograms of the physical mixture and microspheres did not show the characteristic ibuprofen peak, indicating a change in crystallinity of the drug. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the enantiomers and racemic ibuprofen were found to be dissimilar indicating different crystal properties. The X-ray patterns for the microspheres did not show the characteristic peaks for the drug indicating that ibuprofen may be in solid solution with the waxes. Scanning electron micrographs of the microspheres showed a generally smooth and spongy appearance for the microspheres made of compritol and glyceryl stearate. Microspheres made from the paraffin waxes had rough and hard surface characteristics consistent with the higher melting point of the waxes. Ceresine microspheres made with the enantiomers had a rougher and more porous surface compared to the microspheres made with racemic ibuprofen. Stereospecific release of the recemate from the formulations was found to be sustained (T25 of 4 h), while release from the enantiomers was less sustained (T50 of 2 h). From the S:R ratios and statistical analysis of the data, the release of the enantiomers of ibuprofen from the formulations containing the racemate was found to be non-stereoselective.

Effects of grinding and humidification on the transformation of conglomerate to racemic compound in optically active drugs

The effects of grinding and humidification on the transformation of conglomerate to racemic compound have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy for leucine, norleucine, valine, serine, tartaric acid and malic acid. Racemic physical mixtures were prepared by physical mixing of equimolar quantities of D and I. crystals using a mortar and pestle. Ground mixtures were obtained by grinding the physical mixtures with a vibrational mill. Humidification was performed by storing the physical mixtures and the ground mixtures in a desiccator containing saturated aqueous salt solutions at 40 degrees C. When physical mixtures of malic acid, tartaric acid and serine were ground, the XPD peaks of the racemic compounds were observed. The XPD patterns of humidified physical mixtures of these compounds also showed the formation of the racemic compounds. This indicated that grinding or humidification of malic acid, tartaric acid and serine induced the transformation of conglomerate to racemic compound crystals. When, on the other hand, the physical mixtures of valine, leucine and norleucine were ground, peaks of racemic compounds were not detected in the XPD pattern. After humidification of the ground mixtures of valine, leucine and norleucine, however, the XPD peaks of racemic compounds were observed. DSC and IR studies revealed consistent results. We concluded that grinding or humidification of malic acid, tartaric acid and serine could induce the transformation of a conglomerate to racemic compound. In contrast, humidifying after grinding was needed to bring about the transformation in leucine, norleucine and valine.

Calorimetric determination of the heat of precipitation of pseudoephedrine racemic compound--its agreement with the heat of solution

The heat of precipitation of dl-pseudoephedrine was determined by direct calorimetry using a Tronac isoperibolic calorimeter. The precipitation of dl-pseudoephedrine was induced by mixing aqueous solutions of the two enantiomers, namely, d- and l-pseudoephedrine, directly in the calorimeter. The molar heat of precipitation of dl-pseudoephedrine was -2.7 and -3.0 kcal/mol at 25 and 30 degrees C, respectively. The aqueous solubility of dl-pseudoephedrine was determined over a temperature range of 20-40 degrees C. The van't Hoff solubility plot was nonlinear. The apparent heat of solution at saturation was obtained from the solubility data using a nonlinear regression model. A good agreement between the magnitude of the apparent heat of solution at saturation and the heat of precipitation was noticed at both 25 and 30 degrees C.

Stereochemical aspects of pharmacotherapy

Over the past 15 years stereoselectivity has become a well-recognized consideration in clinical pharmacology. Drugs that have an asymmetric center or plane of symmetry within their molecular structure are said to be chiral. They are available as pairs of nonsuperimposable mirror images, called enantiomers, that share essentially the same physicochemical properties. These three-dimensional structural differences, however, can translate into enantiospecific pharmacologic or pharmacokinetic properties, which may be important in understanding the clinical pharmacology of chiral drugs. Most chiral drugs are available as the racemate, in which equal proportions of the two enantiomers are administered concurrently. The pharmacologic and disposition properties of many chiral drugs are documented to be stereospecific, and this has influenced the regulatory requirements for the approval of new drug candidates. Due to this influence on new drug development, the possible issues surrounding racemic drugs will undoubtedly affect the types of pharmaceuticals that are used clinically in the next century. Accordingly, considerable advances have been made in producing optically pure drug. It should be emphasized, however, that stereochemically pure drugs are not necessarily superior to the respective racemates.