Leucine-grafted starch as a new superdisintegrant for the formulation of domperidone tablets

Effect of functional excipients on the dissolution and membrane permeation of furosemide formulated into multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) tablets

The effect of functional excipients (i.e. chitosan, sodium lauryl sulphate, NaHCO₃, and CaCO₃) formulated in multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) tablets has been investigated on the dissolution and permeability of furosemide, a BCS class IV compound. Spherical beads were produced and compressed into MUPS tablets. MUPS tablet formulations were evaluated for hardness, disintegration, mass variation, friability, and dissolution (pH 1.2, pH 4.6, and pH 7.4). Ex vivo permeability studies were conducted across excised pig tissues (pyloric antrum and duodenal region) on selected experimental MUPS tablet formulations. Histological analysis was conducted on the tissues after exposure to selected experimental MUPS tablet formulations. Dissolution results in the 0.1 M HCl (pH 1.2) showed the highest effect of the excipients on furosemide release. Dissolution parameters showed increased dissolution of furosemide for the MUPS tablet formulations containing functional excipients: a 4.5-10-fold increase in the AUC values, the %_max showed a 60-70% increase and up to a 19-fold increase in DRi was seen. Permeability results revealed a 2.5-fold higher cumulative percentage transport for selected formulations. The results proved that functional excipients incorporated into beads, compressed into MUPS tablet formulations increased furosemide release as well as permeation across excised intestinal tissues.

Advancing the understanding of the tablet disintegration phenomenon - An update on recent studies

Disintegration is the de-aggregation of particles within tablets upon exposure to aqueous fluids. Being an essential step in the bioavailability cascade, disintegration is a fundamental quality attribute of immediate release tablets. Although the disintegration phenomenon has been studied for over six decades, some gaps of knowledge and research questions still exist. Three reviews, published in 2015, 2016 and 2017, have discussed the literature relative to tablet disintegration and summarised the understanding of this topic. Yet, since then more studies have been published, adding to the established body of knowledge. This article guides a step forward towards the comprehension of disintegration by reviewing, concisely, the most recent scientific updates on this topic. Initially, we revisit the mechanisms of disintegration with relation to the three most used superdisintegrants, namely sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium and crospovidone. Then, the influence of formulation, storage, manufacturing and media conditions on disintegration is analysed. This is followed by an excursus on novel disintegrants. Finally, we highlight unanswered research questions and envision future research venues in the field.

Recent Strategic Developments in the Use of Superdisintegrants for Drug Delivery

Improving drug bioavailability in the pharmaceutical field is a challenge that has attracted substantial interest worldwide. The controlled release of a drug can be achieved with a variety of strategies and novel materials in the field. In addition to the vast development of innovative materials for improving therapeutic effects and reducing side effects, the exploration of remarkable existing materials could encourage the discovery of diverse approaches for adapted drug delivery systems. Recently, superdisintegrants have been proposed for drug delivery systems as alternative approaches to maximize the efficiency of therapy. Although superdisintegrants are well known and used in solid dosage forms, studies on strategies for the development of drug delivery systems using superdisintegrants are lacking. Therefore, this study reviews the use of superdisintegrants in controlled drug release dosage formulations. This overview of superdisintegrants covers developed strategies, types (including synthetic and natural materials), dosage forms and techniques and will help to improve drug delivery systems.