Determination of rosuvastatin in the presence of its degradation products by a stability-indicating LC method

A forced degradation study was successfully applied for the development of a stability-indicating assay method for determination of rosuvastatin Ca in the presence of its degradation products. The method was developed and optimized by analyzing the forcefully degraded samples. Degradation of the drug was done at various pH values. Moreover, the drug was degraded under oxidative, photolytic, and thermal stress conditions. Mass balance between assay values of degraded samples and generated impurities was found to be satisfactory. The proposed method was able to resolve all of the possible degradation products formed during the stress study. The developed method was successfully applied for an accelerated stability study of the tablet formulation. The major impurities generated during the accelerated stability study of the tablet formulation were matches with those of the forced degradation study. The developed method was validated for determination of rosuvastatin Ca, and the method was found to be equally applicable to study the impurities formed during routine and forced degradation of rosuvastatin Ca.     

Comparison of Generic Hydrochlorothiazide Formulations by Means of TG and DSC Coupled to a Photovisual System

The compatibilities and stabilities of some binary mixtures and generic hydrochlorothiazide formulations were studied by using TG, DSC and a DSC-photovisual system. The kinetic parameters were determined via the Arrhenius equations. Tablet B presented higher compatibility and thermal stability than those of tablets A and C. The photovisual system demonstrated that the decomposition of tablet A occurs before the melting point, due to the Maillard reaction between the hydrochlorothiazide and lactose present in the formulation. The behaviour and rate constants of binary mixtures suggest that lactose can be substituted for microcrystalline cellulose, MC(101), in tablet A. The DSC and TG data revealed different characteristics of compatibility and stability in generic formulations from different manufacturers. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Stability‐indicating HPLC method for simultaneous quantification of 14 impurities in excedrin tablet formulations and identification of new impurity by LC–MS in accelerated stability studies

We developed novel stability‐indicating HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of 14 impurities in excedrin tablet, a formulation with a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. In addition, a new impurity that was generated through degradation of aspirin at high temperatures during the accelerated stability conditions was positively identified and confirmed, using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry technique. The HPLC method was optimized using the Inertsustain C₁₈, 250 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm column, employing simple gradient method. Forced degradation studies were performed under acidic, basic, oxidative and thermal conditions to prove the scope and stability‐indicating the nature of the method. The optimized method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The HPLC method showed linearity from LOQ concentration to 21 μg mL^?1. Precision and intermediate precision values were <5% RSD. The validated HPLC method is currently applied for the routine testing of excedrin tablet formulations in quality control laboratories.     

Characterization and evaluation of free and nanostructured ursolic acid incorporated in cosmetic formulation using thermal analysis

The ursolic acid (UA) increases the skin’s barrier function and acts in epidermal differentiation of keratinocytes in the epidermis, promoting cell renewal. Besides the mentioned properties UA also has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-irritant functions to cosmetic formulations. Thus, it is necessary formulation studies to insure the development of quality cosmetic products containing this active, increasing its antioxidant potential within nanoparticles. This study aims to characterize and evaluate the thermal behavior of UA in free and nanostructured forms, and both incorporated into a cosmetic base formulation, using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Through the study were observed that free UA, in the embedded nanoparticles and in base formulation exhibited different behavior in similar thermal profile and relative to the presence of UA. The UA remained stable to a temperature of 250 °C and the technique has been shown to be effective for characterizing UA, evaluate water content, and stability of the formulation base.     

Thermal stability of metronidazole drug and tablets

TG and DSC data were used to determine the thermal parameters of metronidazole drug and tablets. Three tablets A, B and C were analysed. The TG curves of metronidazole drug and tablets A and B displayed five and C four thermal decomposition processes, respectively. Analysis of the DSC data pointed to chemical interactions between metronidazole drug and the excipients of tablets, suggested by alterations in the melting point of metronidazole. The rate constants obtained from the isothermal TG data presents following sequence of the thermal stability: tablet A>tablet C>metronidazole drug>tablet B. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal characterization of antimicrobial drug ornidazole and its compatibility in a solid pharmaceutical product

The ornidazole drug substance presents melt at approximately 90 °C (∆T = 85–98 °C), which is critical for its use on pharmaceutical manufacturing process. This work aimed the thermal characterization of ornidazole raw-material synthesized by three different manufacturers from India, China, and Italy, using the thermoanalytical techniques of DTA, DSC, and TG, besides the verification of its stability and compatibility as a solid pharmaceutical product by the analysis of its binary mixtures (BM) with excipients and a tablet formulation. The characterization includes the thermal decomposition kinetic investigation by Ozawa model using Arrhenius equation and drug purity determination by Van’t Hoff equation. The DSC purity determination and precision were compared with results from UV–Vis spectrophotometric and liquid chromatography, showing an adequate correlation before being recommended as a general method for purity assay. The drug raw-materials presented similar quality and zero-order kinetic behavior, besides showing differences on thermal stability. The drug presented compatibility with the tested excipients since the BM studied presented melting at the same temperature range as the drug and a decomposition temperature similar to the drug for two of the BM, and at a higher temperature for the others three of the BM evaluated, which presented excipients with higher molecular structure, capable of spatial coating on the small drug molecule promoting a physical interaction pharmaceutical acceptable. The tablet was processed by wet granulation and compressed under normal conditions of pressure and temperature, maintaining the physical properties of solid drug approving the manufacturing process used. In this study, the thermal analysis was used with success as an alternative method to characterize, quantify, and perform a preformulation study.     

Application of polyglycolized glycerides in protection of amorphous form of etoricoxib during compression

Polymorphic transition and stability problems during amorphous drug formulation are the major limiting factors in pharmaceutical technology. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of polyglycolized glycerides (Gelucire) in protection of amorphous form of drug during compression and shelf life with lower proportion. Amorphous etoricoxib (AET) was prepared by spray drying technique. Tablets of AET and melt granules of AET (MG-AET) with Gelucire 50/13 were prepared. Tablets parameters like hardness, disintegration and content uniformity were evaluated. Tablets were evaluated immediately after compression and on storage for 3 months at ambient conditions to determine degree of transformation using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dissolution profiles. Spray drying yielded the amorphous etoricoxib. Content uniformity in the tablet was in between 95 to 105%. Other parameters like disintegration and hardness were well within the limits. The results showed significant difference in the degree of crystallinity between AET tablet and MG-AET tablet. MG-AET tablet showed absence of crystallinity after 3 months storage. The reason could be formation of hydrogen bonding between the Gelucire and AET. Also Gelucire can be tableted very easily under low pressure and showed elastic recovery. Gelucire yielded a soft embedding during tableting, which prevented the polymorphic transformation. Polyglycolized glycerides (Gelucire 50/13) are able to protect amorphous etoricoxib during compression. As excipient required is low, it became possible to prepare tablet formulation as compared to other excipient like polyvinylpyrrolidon (PVP).     

An innovative impurity profiling of Avanafil using LC and LC-MS/MS with in-silico toxicity prediction

Degradation of the drug can lead to the formation of toxic substance hence drug quality and stability is a major concern by pharma regulators. A Selected phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor drug Avanafil (AV) structure has amide, arylchloro and hydroxide as functional groups which can easily eliminated during hydrolysis. Henceforth, thoroughly chemical stability of AV was carried out according to ICH guideline Q1A (R2). The drug and marketed tablet formulation undergoes degradation in hydrolytic (acid, base, neutral), thermal, photolytic, oxidative conditions and forms a total new sixteen degradation products (D.P.s) which were identified by LC, characterized by LC-MS/MS and probable degradation mechanism for each stress conditions are proposed. All sixteen D.P.s were identified by optimized LC conditions; C18 column using 10 mM ammonium acetate: ACN (60:40, v/v), pH 4.5 as mobile phase at 0.9 mL min⁻¹ of flow rate, 239 nm wavelength at 20 °C column temperature and the method being LC-MS compatible characterized by LC-MS/MS confirmed by relative retention time (RRT). The structure of D.P.s was confirmed from the fragmentation pattern obtained by LC-MS/MS and further probable degradation mechanism for each stress condition is proposed. The drug and its marketed tablet formulation showed similar degradation peaks which were confirmed using RRT, photodiode array (PDA) and LC-MS. Drug degradation happens due to nucleophilic substitution reaction, amide hydrolysis, electron withdrawing properties of amide, dechlorination and bond cleavage due to energy. The amide group in AV structure can undergo hydrolysis, while due to aryl chloride and hydroxide group in structure it undergoes photodecomposition. A comprehensive stress study reveals that AV is more prone to degrade in light, temperature and moisture; hence AV requires proper storage condition temperature below 25 °C with protection to light and moisture. In silico toxicity prediction of physicochemical properties revealed that all the physicochemical parameters of impurities were within the acceptable limit which indicates that no impurity is at any risk of toxicity. In detail, the LC-MS/MS compatible AV degradation study is fully validated as per ICH Q2 (R1) guideline.     

Application of nilvadipine solid dispersion to tablet formulation and manufacturing using crospovidone and methylcellulose as dispersion carriers

Nilvadipine (NIL) solid dispersion using crospovidone (Cross-linked-N-vinyl-2-pyrolidone, cl-PVP) and methylcellulose (MC) as carriers was applied to tablet formulation. Several grades of cl-PVP and MC were used, and their influence on tablet properties such as hardness, disintegration, dissolution and chemical stability were investigated. The agitation granulation method was used for preparation of solid dispersion granules, and the granules were compressed using a rotary tableting machine, and finally the obtained tablets were coated with film. As the particle size of cl-PVP decreased, hardness and apparent solubility were increased, while dissolution rate was lowered. When a higher viscosity grade of MC was used, hardness and dissolution rate were increased, and apparent solubility did not change. All batches of tablets were chemically stable at 40 degrees C, 75% relative humidity (R.H.) for six months. Finally, tablets with enhanced dissolution properties were obtained by using Polyplasdone XL-10 and Metolose SM-25 as the grades of cl-PVP and MC, respectively. These formulation tablets showed higher solubility and dissolution rate during storage as well as initial indicating good physical stability.     

DSC and thermal stability investigation of novel poly(ester-ether) glycols and poly(ester-ether)urethanes

Mannitol and sorbitol are widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. There are some technological procedures such as spray-drying, freeze-drying, tablet compression, during which there is a possibility of heat effect. The purpose of this work was to study the thermal properties of sorbitol, mannitol and their mixtures. Furthermore, these materials and their tablet pressing were studied after melting and solidification. The results of the study prove that the use of sorbitol or mannitol alone is disadvantageous in melt technology. The use of mannitol is limited because of its high melting point (165°C) and the polymorph transition after melting. Sorbitol (melting point: 96.8°C) vitrifies from melt, therefore it is hard to handle during further processing. The melting point of the eutectic mixture (1.8% mannitol and 98.2% sorbitol) was 93.6°C. This mixture was unsuited for pressing because of its glassy property. Our results showed that the most favourable composition was the mixture of 30% mannitol and 70% sorbitol (melting point: 131.8°C) for tablet formulation. This mixture can be recommended for the formulation of such lozenge and hard candy tablets, where the active ingredient decomposes at higher temperature (>131.8°C). This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone and its pharmaceutical tablet formulation

A rapid, sensitive and stability indicating high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in pharmaceutical tablet formulation. The analysis was done on a Supelcosil C(18) column (25 cm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 microm). The mobile phase consisted of methanol:sodium acetate buffer solution (5 g/L):acetic acid (500 mL/L), 57:42:1, v/v/v, adjusted to pH 5 at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Detection was carried out at a wavelength of 258 nm. The polynomial regression data for the calibration curve showed good linear relationship in the concentration range of 0.2-1 mg/mL with r = 0.9996. The method was validated for precision, accuracy and recovery. The limit of detection was found to be 50 ng/ microL. The method was applied for the analysis of DHEA in its pharmaceutical tablet formulation. The effects of different buffers and alcohols on the retention of DHEA were studied and the role of acetic acid as an organic phase modifier was also investigated.     

The influence of various tablet components on thermal decomposition of some pharmaceuticals

Summary The thermal decomposition of tablet components used in the granulation and tableting of pharmaceuticals, and of more than ten of the mixtures frequently encountered in solid dosage forms was studied by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. From the decomposition of these mixtures, which were of varied composition, the influence of mixtures of various tablet components on the thermal decomposition of pharmaceuticals was evaluated. Use can be made of the results to establish the conditions to be fulfilled by a compound if thermal methods are to be used for qualitative and quantitative control of the declared composition of a solid formulation.

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Der Einfluß verschiedener Tablettenbestandteile auf die thermische Zersetzung einiger Arzneimittel

Zusammenfassung Die thermische Zersetzung von Tablettenbestandteilen, die bei der Granulierung und Tablettierung von Arzneimitteln und in mehr als 10 solchen Gemischen oftmals festen Präparaten zugesetzt werden, wurden thermogravimetrisch und differential-thermisch analysiert. Aus der Zersetzung dieser verschieden zusammengesetzten Gemische wurde der Einfluß gemischter Tablettenbestandteile auf den thermischen Zerfall von Arzneimitteln ermittelt. Aus den Ergebnissen lassen sich die Bedingungen ableiten, die eine Verbindung erfüllen muß, damit sich thermische Methoden für die qualitative und quantitative Kontrolle der angegebenen Zusammensetzung eines festen Präparates eignen.

     

Formulation and optimization of orally disintegrating tablets of sumatriptan succinate

The aims of the present research were to mask the intensely bitter taste of sumatriptan succinate and to formulate orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of the taste masked drug. Taste masking was performed by coating sumatriptan succinate with Eudragit EPO using spray drying technique. The resultant microspheres were evaluated for thermal analysis, yield, particle size, entrapment efficiency and in vitro taste masking. The tablets were formulated by mixing the taste masked microspheres with different types and concentrations of superdisintegrants and compressed using direct compression method followed by sublimation technique. The prepared tablets were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, hardness, friability, drug content, water content, in vitro disintegration time and in vitro drug release. All the tablet formulations disintegrated in vitro within 37-410 s. The optimized formulation containing 5% Kollidon CL-SF released more than 90% of the drug within 15 min and the release was comparable to that of commercial product (Suminat?). In human volunteers, the optimized formulation was found to have a pleasant taste and mouth feel and disintegrated in the oral cavity within 41 s. The optimized formulation was found to be stable and bioequivalent with Suminat?.     

Formulation of Risperidone as Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System in Form of Effervescent Tablets

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia. This study aims to formulate risperidone as effervescent tablets to improve patient compliance. Different nanoemulsion combinations were loaded with risperidone to improve its poor water solubility then adsorbed on Aeroperl. The formula showing highest drug dissolution was formulated as effervescent tablets. Factorial design was applied for different tablet formulation variables and the prepared formulae were tested for different criteria in comparison with their corresponding formulae containing drug without nanoemulsion formulation. Statistical analysis was used to determine the most desirable tablet formula considering its Carr index, effervescence time, and drug release.     

Effect of Bee Pollen on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Starch Films

The use of casein, starch and bee pollen as biodegradable materials has been promise. The objective of this work was the development and characterization of films containing casein, pollen and starch. The films were obtained by casting process and the solvent evaporation was performed at 40 °C/24 h. The films characterization was carried out by microscopy, thermal analysis, opacity test, mechanical properties and barrier methods. The starch films presented heterogeneous on microscopy analysis. The thermal behaviors of pollen films were similar. The formulation containing only pollen 3% was unable to form film. The introduction of pollen in starch film formulation improved the mechanical characteristic and thermal stability of films.     

Formulation design of an oral, fast-disintegrating dosage form containing taste-masked particles of famotidine

A fast-disintegrating dosage form has been developed as a user-friendly formulation that disintegrates in the mouth immediately. Patients can take it without water like a liquid formulation. In this study famotidine taste-masking technology was applied to the new fast-disintegrating tablet in an attempt to produce a novel, taste-masked, fast-disintegrating tablet. Partial granulation was found to be an effective and practical way to address content uniformity, however, oral disintegration time tended to become longer as content uniformity improved. The disintegration time was improved considerably by controlling ambient humidity during the compression process (>50% RH). Furthermore, since the new fast-disintegrating technology made it possible to use low compression force, there was no change in the structure or dissolution rate of the taste-masked particles after compression. Therefore, this system can produce a taste-masked fast-disintegrating tablet with satisfactory attributes.     

Thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetric and experimental thermal transport study of MWCNT/NBR nanocomposites

Pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were impregnated in acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) using internal dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill to investigate the effects of various nanotubes concentrations on the thermal transport/stability of rubber nanocomposites. Thermal conductivity (λ _N) and thermal impedance (R) measurement experimental setups were established according to ASTM E1225-99 and D5470-03. The 1 mass % addition of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix has enhanced R up to 44 % and reduced λ _N of the rubber nanocomposite up to 40 % compare to the base composite formulation. Thermal decomposition and differential thermal analyses of the fabricated composite specimens simulate that the thermal stability and endothermic capability are augmented with increasing the nanotubes contents in the host matrix. The progressive incorporations of carbon nanotubes into the rubber matrix have efficiently influenced the composite specimens regarding glass transition, crystallization, and melting temperatures including their specific enthalpies. Scanning electron microscopy along with the energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to analyze MWCNTs dispersion in NBR matrix, compositional analysis of the nanocomposite, and impregnated nanotubes.     

Formulation variation and in vitro-in vivo correlation for a rapidly swellable three-layered tablet of tamsulosin HCl

In order to develop a preferable once-a-day oral tablet formulation, various formulations of three-layered tablets containing tamsulosin HCl as a hydrophilic model drug were evaluated and compared with a commercial reference, tamsulosin OCAS?. When the test tablet was exposed to a release medium, the medium quickly permeated to the mid-layer and the two barrier layers swelled surrounding the mid-layer rapidly. Volume expansion showed faster and enough swelling of the three-layered tablet up to 2 h. Larger amount of barrier layers caused reduced release kinetics and a high molecular weight polymer showed more resistance against agitation force. A formulation with water-soluble mid-layer showed fast erosion decreasing its volume significantly. On the pharmacokinetic study, the mean ratio of area under the curve (AUC) and C(max) for the test formulation to the reference was 0.69 and 0.84, respectively, showing that the absorption of the drug was less complete than the reference. Plasma concentration at 24 h of the test formulation was higher than the reference. The Wagner-Nelson method showed that decreased initial dissolution rate might be the cause of the less complete absorption. On considering in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC), level A, the reference (R2=0.981) showed more linear relationship than the test (R2=0.918) due to the decreased dissolution and absorption rate of the formulation. This result suggests that the in vitro dissolution profiles and release kinetics might be useful in correlating absorption kinetics as well as overall plasma drug concentration-time profiles for formulation studies.     

The application of thiol-ene reaction on preparing UV curable bismaleimide-containing liquid formulations

Thiol-ene reaction method was introduced to photopolymerize a new liquid formulation of commercial bismaleimide, as an alternative to traditional thermal cure method presently used for BMI in the industry. UV curing was shown to be an efficient method which promoted the reaction rate significantly and was able to achieve this at low temperatures (30-50 °C). The liquid formulation is stable and has low viscosity. The cure mechanism and cure kinetics were studied based on the data elucidated from the DPC and FTIR. The cured thin film can achieve very high thermal stability (∼400 °C) and BMI can retard the thermal degradation temperature and rate.     

Development and validation of HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of piperine and guggulsterones in compound Unani formulation (tablets) and a nanoreservoir system

An attempt has been made to develop and validate a simultaneous HPLC method for novel approach of drug release via oil‐in‐water (o/w) nanoemulsion formulation and Habb‐e‐Khardal Unani tablet containing piperine and guggul sterones E and Z as main ingredients. Nanoemulsion was prepared by titration method using sefsol‐218 as an oily phase, cremophor‐EL as a surfactant, transcutol as a co‐surfactant and distilled water as an aqueous phase. The formulation was optimized on the basis of thermodynamic stability and dispersibilty test. The nanoformulation was evaluated for particle size, surface morphology, electrical conductivity and viscosity determination. The in vitro dissolution was carried out by dialysis bag method. Drugs were quantified using an HPLC method developed in‐house with a C₁₈ column as stationary phase and acetonitrile and water as mobile phase at λ_max of 240 nm. The optimized formulation showed higher drug release, lower droplet size and less viscosity as compared with the conventional Habb‐e‐Khardal Unani tablet. The present study illustrated the potential of nanoemulsion dosage form in improving biopharmaceutic performance of piperine and guggul sterone. The HPLC method was also found to be quite sufficient for the routine quality control of formulations containing piperine and guggul sterone E and Z as ingredients and also for in vitro drug release studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.