Physicochemical characterization of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor alogliptin in physical mixtures with excipients

Alogliptin (ALG) is a hypoglycemic drug used in diabetes which inhibits the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), preventing the degradation of incretins, stimulating insulin secretion. The physicochemical characteristics of ALG were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDS). The compatibility studies were carried out between ALG and excipients (physical mixtures, 1:1) using DSC, TG, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and hot-stage microscopy. ALG presented purity near to 99%, melted in the range of 179.4–187.2 °C, followed by decomposition which started in 198.0 °C. SEM/EMS analysis of ALG presented irregular crystals and traces of impurities as copper and lead. DSC investigations obtained by physical mixtures showed minor alterations in the melting ranges of ALG with mannitol, magnesium stearate and commercial tablets. Solubilization of ALG in the fused excipient was observed by hot-stage microscopy between mannitol and ALG, and in tablets. The interaction observed in the mixture with magnesium stearate is due to the melting of the excipient and drug separately, first the excipient and then the drug. FTIR showed additional bands related to the excipients. XRPD proved that ALG has a crystal form and no alterations in the ALG profile were observed after the mixtures. ALG was compatible with all excipients tested. These results were important to understand the characteristics, stability and compatibility of the drug, and proved to be useful in preformulation studies.

     

Application of DSC, IST, and FTIR study in the compatibility testing of nateglinide with different pharmaceutical excipients

Experiments were done to assess the compatibility of nateglinide (NTG) with selected excipients in the development of immediate release tablets of NTG by thermal and isothermal stress testing (IST) techniques. To evaluate the drug excipient compatibility, different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) study, infrared (IR) spectrophotometric study, and IST were adopted. The results of DSC study showed that magnesium stearate exhibited some interaction with NTG. However, the results of IR and IST studies showed that all the excipients used in the formula were compatible with NTG. The optimized formulation developed using the compatible excipients were found to be stable after 3 months of accelerated stability studies (40 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% RH). Overall, compatibility of excipients with NTG was successfully evaluated using the combination of thermal and IST methods and the formulations developed using the compatible excipients was found to be stable.     

Thermal analysis and compatibility studies of prednicarbate with excipients used in semi solid pharmaceutical form

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) techniques were used to investigate the compatibility between prednicarbate and several excipients commonly used in semi solid pharmaceutical form. The thermoanalytical studies of 1:1 (m/m) drug/excipient physical mixtures showed that the beginning of the first thermal decomposition stage of the prednicarbate (T _onset value) was decreased in the presence of stearyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate compared to the drug alone. For the binary mixture of drug/sodium pirrolidone carboxilate the first thermal decomposition stage was not changed, however the DTG peak temperature (T _{peak DTG}) decreased. The comparison of the IR spectra of the drug, the physical mixtures and of the thermally treated samples confirmed the thermal decomposition of prednicarbate. By the comparison of the thermal profiles of 1:1 prednicarbate:excipients mixtures (methylparaben, propylparaben, carbomer 940, acrylate crosspolymer, lactic acid, light liquid paraffin, isopropyl palmitate, myristyl lactate and cetyl alcohol) no interaction was observed.     

Thermal behavior of verapamil hydrochloride and its association with excipients

The thermal properties of verapamil hydrochloride (VRP) and its physical association as binary mixtures with some common excipients were evaluated. Thermogravimetry (TG) was used to determine the thermal mass loss, as well as to study the kinetics of VRP thermal decomposition, using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa model. Based on their frequent use in pharmacy, five different excipients (microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and talc) were blended with VRP. Samples were prepared by mixing the analyte and excipients in a proportion of 1:1 (m/m). DSC curves for pure VRP presented an endothermic event at 143 ± 2 °C (ΔH_melt = 132 ± 4 J g⁻¹), which corresponds to the melting (literature T_m = 143.7 °C, ΔH_melt = 130.6 J g⁻¹). Comparisons among the observed results for each compound and their binary physical mixtures presented no relevant changes. This suggests no interaction between the drug and excipient.     

Sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate

In the present work, the thermal decomposition of sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate (SBT) (an appetite suppressant agent) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). Solid-state characterization was carried out by diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Isothermal and non-isothermal methods were employed to determine the kinetic data of decomposition process. From isothermal experiments, activation energy (Ea) can be obtained from slope of ln t versus 1/T, and the value obtained was 96.06 and 101.43 kJ mol⁻¹ in N₂ and air atmospheres, respectively. For non-isothermal method Ea can be obtained from plot of logarithms of heating rates, as a function of inverse of temperature, resulting in a value of 96.56 and 98.22 kJ mol⁻¹ in N₂ and air atmospheres, respectively. The compatibilities of several commonly used pharmaceutical excipients (microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate) and empty hard-gelatin capsules with SBT were evaluated using DSC. The 1:1 physical mixtures of these excipients with SBT showed physical interaction of the drug with magnesium stearate. On the other hand, DRIFT results did not evidence any chemical modifications.     

Compatibility of sildenafil citrate and pharmaceutical excipients by thermal analysis and LC–UV

The evaluation of sildenafil citrate (SC), the best-selling drug for treatment of impotence, for compatibility with various excipients was investigated using thermal and isothermal stress testing. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot-stage microscopy (HSM) and liquid chromatography (LC) with ultraviolet detection were successfully employed to investigate the compatibility between SC and various excipients commonly used in solid form in the pharmaceutical industry. The studies were performed using 1:1 (m/m) drug/excipient physical mixtures and samples were stored under accelerated stability conditions (40 °C at 75% relative humidity). All excipients tested (such as colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, mannitol and sucrose) showed potential incompatibilities by DSC and LC analysis after accelerated stability testing. However, some incompatibilities were not detected by the DSC method and were observed only when LC analysis was performed. HSM was able to differentiate active pharmaceutical ingredient degradation from solubilisation, supporting the interpretation of DSC in excipients where thermal events either overlapped or disappeared. The combination of both the analytical techniques (DSC and LC) and use of a stability chamber is extremely helpful in detecting incompatibilities and providing more robust and accurate approaches for pre-formulation studies.     

Compatibility study between ibuprofen and excipients in their physical mixtures

The thermal techniques of analysis were used to assess the compatibility between ibuprofen (IB) and some excipients used in the development of extended released formulations. This study is a part of a systematic study undertaken to find and optimizes a general method of detecting the drug–excipient interactions, with the aim of predicting rapidly and assuring the long-term stability of pharmaceutical product and speeding up its marketing. The thermal properties of IB and its physical association as binary mixtures with some common excipients were evaluated by thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry. FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) were used as complementary techniques to adequately implement and assist in interpretation of the thermal results. Based on their frequent use in preformulations nine different excipients: starch; microcrystalline cellulose (PH 101 and PH 102); colloidal silicon dioxide; lactose (monohydrate and anhydre); polyvinylpyrrolidone; magnesium stearate and talc were blended with IB. The samples were prepared by mixing the analyte and excipients in a proportion of 1:1 (w:w). The TG/DSC curves of the IB have shown a single stage of mass loss between 175 and 290 °C, respectively, an endothermic peak at 78.5 °C, which corresponds to the melting (literature T _m = 75–78 °C).     

Thermal characterization of lovastatin in pharmaceutical formulations

Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are useful techniques that have been successfully applied in the pharmaceutical industry to reveal important information regarding the physicochemical properties of drug and excipient molecules such as polymorphism, stability, purity, and formulation compatibility among others. In this study, lovastatin was studied by TG, DSC, and other techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Lovastatin showed melting point at 445 K and thermal stability up to 535 K. It presented morphological polymorphism, which in the drug has the same unit cell, but with different crystal habits. Preservative excipient butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) causes amorphization of lovastatin crystallites and, therefore is incompatible with lovastatin. Degradation by hydrolysis was observed under neutral, acid, and basic conditions. The active degradation product, lovastatin hydroxyacid, was obtained after neutral and basic hydrolysis.     

Polymorphic screen and drug–excipient compatibility studies of the antichagasic benznidazole

The purpose of this study was to investigate the polymorphism and compatibility of benznidazole (BNZ), a drug used in the treatment of Chagas disease. This drug was subjected to a polymorphic screen using a number of solvents and precipitation procedures to explore the possible existence of different crystal structures of BNZ. The compatibility of BNZ with selected pharmaceutical excipients was evaluated in binary mixtures, in a ratio of 1:1 (w/w). These results were then analyzed with a variety of techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffractometry. No polymorphic forms of BNZ were detected despite some observed changes in the DSC profile. The thermal data indicate interaction of the drug with excipients hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Additional studies using infrared spectroscopy confirm the incompatibility of BNZ with only the polyethylene glycol. This excipient should not be used in the development of solid dosage forms containing BNZ.     

DSC and physico-chemical properties of a substituted pyridoquinoline and its interaction study with excipients

The 4,6-bis[2′(diethylamino)ethoxy]2,8,10-trimethylpyrido[3,2-g]quinoline (BG 637) is one of the compound from the pyrido[3,2-g] quinolines family. This compound had in vitro activity against the resistant cells and can reverse the multidrug resistance developed during the chemotherapeutic treatments. To characterize BG 637, techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), ultra violet spectrophotometry (UV), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) were used. Several of them were also used to show the stability of the drug during various storage conditions. DSC, FTIR and UV were used as screening techniques for assessing the compatibility of BG 637 with several commonly used pharmaceutical excipients. We compared the properties of the pure drug with those of binary mixture drug/excipient. Studied excipients were lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium croscarmellose and magnesium stearate. Melting temperature and enthalpy of BG 637 in binary mixtures were similar to theoretical values. These results showed that BG 637 is a very stable compound and compatible with several pharmaceutical excipients.     

Drug-excipient compatibility studies in binary and ternary mixtures by physico-chemical techniques

This work is part of a systematic study undertaken to find and optimize a general method of detecting the drug-excipient interactions, with the aim of predicting rapidly and inexpensively the long term stability of a pharmaceutical product and speed up its marketing. Here, in particular, the compatibility of haloperidol with several excipients (PVP, magnesium stearate and α-lactose) in binary and ternary mixtures, both as prepared and ball-milled, has been assessed by thermal methods, electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The differences between the experimental behaviour of the systems and that expected as weighted average of similarly treated pure components are interaction indicators. The DSC has proven to be, among the selected analytical techniques, the most sensitive and specific in assessing the compatibility. A strong interaction has been observed between PVP and haloperidol. It is favoured by the mechanical stress and is more evident in the composition 20:80. On the contrary, α-lactose and magnesium stearate were found to be compatible with the drug.     

Thermal characterization and compatibility studies of norfloxacin for development of extended release tablets

Norfloxacin (NFX) is a synthetic antibacterial drug. The development of extended release tablets improves the patients’ comfort and compliance, resulting in lower discontinuation of the therapy; with consequently decrease in bacterial resistance. In the present work, the thermal behavior of NFX was investigated using TG and DSC techniques. Isothermal and non-isothermal methods were employed to determine kinetic data of decomposition process. Compatibility studies between NFX and pharmaceutical excipients, including three hydrophilic polymers were carried out in order to develop a new formulation of NFX to obtain extended release tablets with an approved quality.     

Thermal compatibility between hydroquinone and retinoic acid in pharmaceutical formulations

Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are used in pharmaceutical studies for characterization of drugs, purity, compatibility of formulations, identification of polymorphism, evaluation of stability, and thermal decomposition of drugs and pharmaceutical formulations. Hydroquinone (HQ) and products containing HQ have been widely used as depigmentation agents for lightening the skin. Retinoids are compounds that have the basic core structure of vitamin A and its oxidized metabolites, or synthetic compounds that share similar mechanisms of action as naturally occurring retinoids. Depigmentants and excipients were analyzed by TG and DSC. The dynamic thermogravimetric curves were obtained on a SHIMADZU thermobalance, model DTG-60, using an alumina crucible, at the heating rate of 10 °C min^?1, in the temperature range of 25–900 °C, under an atmosphere of nitrogen at 50 mL min^?1. The sample's mass was 10 ± 0.05 mg. The DSC curves were obtained using Shimadzu calorimeter, model DSC-60, using aluminum crucible, at the heating rate of 10 °C min^?1, in the temperature range of 25–400 °C. The thermogravimetric and calorimetric curves were analyzed using TASYS software SHIMADZU. In this study were found the interaction between retinoic acid (RA) and the following excipients: cetyl alcohol(CA), cetostearyl alcohol (CTA), glycerin(GLY), and dipropylene glycol (DPG), and that between HQ and the excipient, DPG. Therefore, additional studies are necessary to evaluate final formulations. Thermal analysis is an effective and reliable technique that can be used in the control of raw materials and pharmaceutical products, and for evaluating their employment potential in the development and characterization of products.     

Compatibility study of the acetylsalicylic acid with different solid dosage forms excipients

This study is part of a research project aimed to find and optimize methods by which drug-excipient compatibility can be reliably and quickly assessed. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the compatibility of the acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, with pharmaceutical excipients of common use including diluents, binders, disintegrants, lubricants and solubilising agents. In order to investigate the possible interactions between ASA and eleven excipients differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry analysis completed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray powder diffraction were used for compatibility study. The DSC has proven to be, among the selected analytical techniques, the most sensitive and specific in assessing the compatibility. The samples, as physical mixtures, were prepared by mixing the analyte and excipients in a proportion of 1:1 (w:w). On the basis of thermal results (especially DSC), confirmed by FT-IR and X-ray analysis, a possible chemical interaction was found between the ASA with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) and magnesium stearate, respectively a possible physical interaction with colloidal silicon dioxide and stearic acid (Ac. St.).     

Compatibility Studies of Multicomponent Tablet Formulations. DSC and experimental mixture design

An experimental mixture design was applied to a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study performed to evaluate naproxen compatibility in tablet formulations consisting of four classic excipients (sorbitol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, poly(ethylene glycol) 20000 and Veegum) each in adequate concentration ranges accounting for the relevant values actually used in pharmaceutical formulations. Twenty-seven different tablets were obtained from as many mixtures prepared according to the experimental design plan and analyzed in a random order by DSC. Statistical evaluation of experimental data enabled correlation of both enthalpy and onset temperature variations of drug melting endotherm (selected as responses indicative of the presence of drug-excipient interactions) with the mixture composition. Variance analysis (Anova) confirmed the reliability of the postulated polynomial model in providing adequate prediction of true system behaviour. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal behavior study and decomposition kinetics of salbutamol under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions

The thermal decomposition of salbutamol (β₂ — selective adrenoreceptor) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). It was observed that the commercial sample showed a different thermal profile than the standard sample caused by the presence of excipients. These compounds increase the thermal stability of the drug. Moreover, higher activation energy was calculated for the pharmaceutical sample, which was estimated by isothermal and non-isothermal methods for the first stage of the thermal decomposition process. For isothermal experiments the average values were E _act=130 kJ mol⁻¹ (for standard sample) and E _act=252 kJ mol⁻¹ (for pharmaceutical sample) in a dynamic nitrogen atmosphere (50 mL min⁻¹). For non-isothermal method, activation energy was obtained from the plot of log heating rates vs. 1/T in dynamic air atmosphere (50 mL min⁻¹). The calculated values were E _act=134 kJ mol⁻¹ (for standard sample) and E _act=139 kJ mol⁻¹ (for pharmaceutical sample).     

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.     

Compatibility study between chlorpropamide and excipients in their physical mixtures

Chlorpropamide ((4-chloro-N-(propylamino)-carbonyl)-benzenesulfonamide) belongs to compounds having sulfonylurea group and is widely used as an oral antidiabetic agent. In this work differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used during pre-formulation of chlorpropamide tablets to determine the drug-excipients compatibility. The DSC curves of chlorpropamide and binary mixtures with excipients (sodium croscarmellose, sodium lauryl sulfate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and calcium carbonate) showed that chlorpropamide exhibited interaction with magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl sulfate. The binary mixtures of chlorpropamide–magnesium stearate presented a single endothermic process at 96–108 °C and chlorpropamide–sodium lauryl sulfate showed a wide endotherm at 99–120 °C.     

Solid-state mechanical properties of crystalline drugs and excipients

Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) of crystalline drugs and excipients in their pre-melt temperature range performed in this study corroborate their newly found linear dielectric conductivity properties with temperature. TMA of crystalline active pharmacy ingredients (APIs) or excipients shows softening at 30–100 °C below the calorimetric melting phase transition, which is also observed by dielectric analysis (DEA). Acetophenetidin melts at 135 °C as measured calorimetrically by DSC, but softens under a low mechanical stress at 95 °C. At this pre-melting temperature, the crystals collapse under the applied load, and the TMA probe shows rapid displacement. The mechanical properties yield a softening structure and cause a dimensionally slow disintegration resulting in a sharp dimensional change at the melting point. In order to incorporate these findings into a structure–property relationship, several United States Pharmacopeia (USP) melting-point standard drugs were evaluated by TMA, DSC, and DEA, and compared to the USP standard melt temperatures. The USP standard melt temperature for vanillin (80 °C) [1], acetophenetidin (135 °C) [2], and caffeine (235 °C) [3] are easily verified calorimetrically via DSC. The combined thermal analysis techniques allow for a wide variety of the newly discovered physical properties of drugs and excipients.