In the present work, an attempt was made to target diclofenac sodium to its site of action through magnetic gelatin microspheres. The gelatin magnetic microspheres loaded with 8.9% w/w of diclofenac sodium and 28.7% w/w of magnetite were formulated by emulsification/cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The formulated microspheres were characterized by particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction and in vitro release studies. The in vivo distribution and targetability of gelatin magnetic microspheres after i.v. administration were studied in rabbits. The formulated microspheres were below 5 microm and spherical in nature as evidenced by the SEM photographs. DSC and X-ray diffraction studies revealed the absence of drug-polymer interaction. Encapsulated diclofenac sodium was released slowly more than 18 days. Application of sonication, as external stimuli to enhance drug release, during release study, has slightly increased the release rate. The formulated microspheres were injected intravenously after keeping a suitable magnet near the target area. The quantity of drug available at the target and non-target area was determined by HPLC. About 5.5% of injected dose localized near the target organ. Majority of injected dose was recovered from lungs, spleen and liver indicating localization of microspheres in these organs. Further studies are required to improve the targeting efficiency of gelatin microspheres by modifying surface properties to overcome phagocytosis and by selecting suitable particle size to avoid the entrapment of microspheres in non-target organs.

In the present study, a series of 2-substituted-4-methyl-7-amino/4,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridines were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. The compounds were investigated for anticonvulsant (125, 250 mg/kg), cardiac and antimicrobial activities. The compounds were screened for antibacterial activity against gram (+) bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcusfaecalis and Micrococcus luteus) and gram (-) bacteria (Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi). All the compounds except 2-(3'-phenylaminopropyloxy)-4-methyl-7-amino-1,8-naphthyridine exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant activity of 2-(3-morpholino-2'-hydroxypropyloxy)-4-methyl-7-amino-1,8-naphthyridine, 2-(3'-diphenylamino-2'-hydroxypropyloxy)-4-methyl-7-amino-1,8-naphthyridine and 2-(3'-diethanolamino-propyloxy)-4,7-dimethy-1,8-naphthyridine at the dose of 250 mg/kg were found to be equivalent to diazepam (5 mg/kg). Sympathetic blocking activity was observed with 2-(3'-phenylamino-2'-hydroxypropyloxy)-4-methyl-7-amino-1,8-naphthyridine, 2-(3'-diethanolamino-2'-hydroxypropyloxy)-4-methyl-7-amino-1,8-naphthyridine and 2-(3'-diphenylamino-2'-hydroxypropyloxy)-4-methyl-7-amino-1,8-naphthyridine only. All the compounds were devoid of antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria.

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study is to prepare aqueous dispersions of lipid nanoparticles - flurbiprofen solid lipid nanoparticles (FLUSLN) and flurbiprofen nanostructured lipid carriers (FLUNLC) by hot homogenization followed by sonication technique and then incorporated into the freshly prepared hydrogels for transdermal delivery. They are characterized for particle size, for all the formulations, more than 50% of the particles were below 300 nm after 90 days of storage at RT. DSC analyses were performed to characterize the state of drug and lipid modification. Shape and surface morphology were determined by TEM which revealed fairly spherical shape of the formulations. Further they were evaluated for in vitro drug release characteristics, rheological behaviour, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. The pharmacokinetics of flurbiprofen in rats following application of SLN gel (A1) and NLC gel (B1) for 24 h were evaluated. The Cmax of the B1 formulation was 38.67+/-2.77 ug/ml, which was significantly higher than the A1 formulation (Cmax=21.79+/-2.96 ug/ml). The Cmax and AUC of the B1 formulation were 1.8 and 2.5 times higher than the A1 gel formulation respectively. The bioavailability of flurbiprofen with reference to oral administration was found to increase by 4.4 times when gel formulations were applied. Anti-inflammatory effect in the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat was significantly higher for B1 and A1 formulation than the orally administered flurbiprofen. Both the SLN and NLC dispersions and gels enriched with SLN and NLC possessed a sustained drug release over period of 24 h but the sustained effect was more pronounced with the SLN and NLC gel.

The purpose of this research was to investigate novel particulate carrier systems such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) for transdermal delivery of nitrendipine (NDP). For this investigation, four different gel-forming agents were selected for hydrogel preparation. Aqueous dispersions of lipid nanoparticles made from trimyristin (TM) were prepared by hot homogenization technique followed by sonication and then incorporated into the freshly prepared hydrogels. The particle size was analyzed by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) using Malvern zetasizer, which shows that for all the tested formulations, more than 50% of the particles were below 250 nm after 90 days of storage at room temperature. DSC analysis was performed to characterize the state of drug and lipid modification. Shape and surface morphology were determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), which revealed fairly spherical shape of the formulations. The antihypertensive activity of the gels in comparison with that of oral NDP was studied using desoxy corticosterone acetate (DOCA)-induced hypertensive rats. It was observed that both carbopol SLN (A1) and carbopol NLC (B1) gels significantly controlled hypertension from the first hour (p <.05). The developed gels increased the efficacy of NDP for the therapy of hypertension. Both the SLN and NLC dispersions and the gels enriched with SLN and NLC possessed a sustained drug release over a period of 24 h, but the sustained effect was more pronounced with the SLN and the NLC gel formulations. Further, they were evaluated for zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, ex vivo permeation, and skin irritation studies.

The aim of the investigation is to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nano-structured lipid carrier (NLC) as carriers for topical delivery of nitrendipine (NDP). NDP-loaded SLN and NLC were prepared by hot homogenization technique followed by sonication, and they were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, stability, and in vitro release profiles. Also the percutaneous permeation of NDPSLN A, NDPSLN B, and NDPNLC were investigated in abdominal rat skin using modified Franz diffusion cells. The steady state flux, permeation coefficient, and lag time of NDP were estimated over 24 h and compared with that of control (NDP solution). The particle size was analyzed by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) using Malvern zeta sizer, which shows that the NDPSLN A, NDPSLN B, and NDPNLC were in the range of 124-300 nm during 90 days of storage at room temperature. For all the tested formulations (NDPSLN A, NDPSLN B, and NDPNLC), the entrapment efficiency was higher than 75% after 90 days of storage. The cumulative percentage of drug release at 24 h was found to be 26.21, 30.81, and 37.52 for NDPSLN A, NDPSLN B, and NDPNLC, respectively. The results obtained from in vitro release profiles also indicated the use of these lipid nanoparticles as modified release formulations for lipophilic drug over a period of 24 h. The data obtained from in vitro release from NDPSLN A, NDPSLN B, and NDPNLC were fitted to various kinetic models. High correlation was obtained in Higuchi and Weibull model. The release pattern of drug is analyzed and found to follow Weibull and Higuchi equations. The permeation profiles were obtained for all formulations: NDPSLN A, NDPSLN B, and NDPNLC. Of all the three formulations, NDPNLC provided the greatest enhancement for NDP flux (21.485 +/- 2.82 microg/h/cm(2)), which was fourfold over control (4.881 +/- 0.96 microg/h/cm(2)). The flux obtained with NDPSLN B (16.983 +/- 2.91 microg/h/cm(2)) and NDPNLC (21.485 +/- 2.82 microg/h/cm(2)) meets the required flux (16.85 microg/h/cm(2)).

In the present work, we have attempted to deliver diclofenac sodium to a target site by intra-arterial injection of gelatin magnetic microspheres and subsequent localization using an external magnet. Drug-loaded magnetic microspheres were prepared by emulsification/cross-linking method, characterized by drug loading, magnetite content, size distribution, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), absence of glutaraldehyde by gas chromatography, and in vitro release studies. The targeting efficiency and the therapeutic efficacy of microspheres were studied in vivo in rabbits. The microspheres showed drug loading of 9.1, 18.7, 24.9% w/w, magnetite content of 27.8-28.9% w/w with an average size range of 25-30.6 mum, depending upon the drug-polymer ratio. They were spherical in nature as evidenced by optical microscopy and SEM. FT-IR, DSC, and XRD studies revealed the absence of drug-polymer interaction. Gas chromatography confirmed the absence of residual glutaraldehyde. The microspheres were able to prolong the drug release over 24-30 days and the application of sonication during in vitro release study has slightly increased the release rate. After intra-arterial administration of microspheres, 77.7% of injected dose was recovered at the target site which revealed good targeting efficiency. The microspheres effectively reduced joint swelling, but lesser extent than the oral diclofenac sodium in high dose, in antigen induced arthritic rabbits without producing gastric ulceration which was observed in rabbits treated with oral diclofenac sodium.

The object of this study was to develop hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) based cephalexin extended release tablet, which can release the drug for six hours in predetermined rate. Twenty-one batches of cephalexin tablets were prepared by changing various physical and chemical parameters, in order to get required theoretical release profile. The influences of HPMC, microcrystalline cellulose powder (MCCP), granulation technique, wetting agent and tablet hardness on cephalexin release from HPMC based extended release tablets were studied. The formulated tablets were also characterized by physical and chemical parameters. The dissolution results showed that a higher amount of HPMC in tablet composition resulted in reduced drug release. Addition of MCCP resulted in faster drug release. Tablets prepared by dry granulation was released the drug slowly than the same prepared with a wet granulation technique. Addition of wetting agent in the tablets prepared with dry granulation technique showed slower release. An increase in tablet hardness resulted in faster drug release. Tablets prepared with a wet granulation technique and having a composition of 9.3% w/w HPMC with a hardness of 10-12 kg/cm(2) gave predicted release for 6 h. The in vitro release data was well fit in to Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Physical and chemical parameters of all formulated tablets were within acceptable limits. One batch among formulated twenty-one batches was successful and showed required theoretical release. The effect of storage on in vitro release and physicochemical parameters of successful batch was studied and was found to be in acceptable limits.

In the present study, a series of 1-substituted-4-hydroxyphthalazines were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and Elemental analysis. The compounds were assayed against seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (scMet). Neurologic deficit was evaluated by the rotarod test. The decrease in the elevated motor activity by introceptive chemical stimuli (amphetamine antagonistic activity) was studied at the dose level of 25 and 50 mg kg(-1) and cardiac activity was also studied. All the compounds exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity. Compounds 4, 12, 13 and 17 were most active of the seriesagainst MES-induced seizures. Compounds 2, 4, 13 and 17 exhibited significant decrease in the elevated motor activity at the dose of 50 mg kg(-1). Remarkable sympathetic blocking activity was observed with 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 15 only.

Eighteen batches of cephalexin extended release tablet were prepared by wet granulation method by using Eudragit L100. The effect of the concentration of Eudragit L100, microcrystalline cellulose and tablet hardness on cephalexin release was studied. The formulated tablets were also characterized for physical and chemical parameters. The dissolution results showed that a higher amount of Eudragit in tablet composition and higher tablet hardness resulted in reduced drug release. An increased amount of microcrystalline cellulose in tablet composition resulted in enhanced drug release. Tablet composition of 13.3% w/w Eudragit L100 and 6.6 to 8% w/w microcrystalline cellulose with hardness of 7-11 kg/cm2 gave predicted release for 6 h. The in vitro release was compared with a marketed tablet. Physical and chemical parameters of all formulated tablets were within acceptable limits. The effect of storage on in vitro release and physicochemical parameters of tablets was evaluated and two batches among formulated eighteen batches found to be in acceptable limits.

The aim of this study was to develop a pH-independent extended release matrix tablet of minocycline HCl for the treatment of dementia. The matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique using Eudragit L and S as release modifiers at different w/w ratios (1:0, 1:1 and 0:1) and PEO as a matrix former. In the case of the matrix tablet without any release modifiers, the drug release rate at pH 1.2 was much higher than that of pH 7.4. By adding the release modifier, the drug release rate at pH 7.4 increased close to that of pH 1.2 and the pH-independent release was obtained. In addition, it was shown that lubricants containing a divalent cation such as Mg stearate inhibited minocycline release in basic medium. Therefore, the incorporation of Eudragit L and S (1:1 ratio) as release modifiers and Na stearyl fumarate as a lubricant into PEO-based matrix tablets effectively produced pH-independent minocycline release profiles.

The core-in-cup matrix tablets of Metoprolol succinate were prepared by wet granulation technique. Of all the investigated formulations, the optimized formulation of MS-09 followed zero-order kinetics of drug release. Trail on MS-09 was formulated using 7.5% hydrogenated castor-oil (HCO) and 4% of hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose (HPMC K15M) with an objective to achieve a linear release profile for 24 h. There is no initial burst release, with 16.17% of drug released during the first hour and release was extended up to 24 hrs. Study of drug release kinetics was performed by application of dissolution data to various kinetic equations like zero-order; first order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas, from R(2) value (0.9975) it was concluded that the drug release followed zero order kinetics with both erosion and diffusion as the release mechanisms.

For a drug with low bioavailability, a matrix tablet with liquid permeation enhancer (Labrasol(R)) was formulated. Factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of three formulation factors: drug percentage, polymer type (Methocel(R) K100M or Eudragit(R) L 100-55), and tablet binder percentage (Plasdone(R) S-630) on tablet characteristics. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and characterized. Compressibility index values ranged between 15.90% and 29.87% and tablet hardness values from 7.8 to 29.78 Kp. Eudragit(R)-containing formulations had better compressibility index values with higher tablet hardness. Time for 75% of drug release (T (75)) was calculated, and formulations containing Eudragit(R) L 100-55 had faster release rates than tablet formulations with Methocel(R) K100M. Formulations with Methocel(R) K100M fit well in the Higuchi model as indicated by their R (2) values (>0.98). Among all the formulation factors studied, polymer type displayed the highest and statistically significant effect on compressibility index, tablet hardness, and dissolution rate. Statistical design helped in better understanding the effect of formulation factors on tablet characteristics important for designing formulations with desired characteristics.

Alginate matrix tablet of diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ), a water-soluble drug, was prepared using sodium alginate (SAL) and calcium gluconate (CG) by the conventional wet granulation method for sustained release of the drug. The effect of formulation variables like SAL/CG ratio, drug load, microenvironmental pH modulator, and processing variable like compression force on the extent of drug release was examined. The tablets prepared with 1:2 w/w ratio of SAL/CG produced the most sustained release of the drug extending up to 13.5 h. Above and below this ratio, the drug release was faster. The drug load and the hardness of the tablets produced minimal variation in drug release. The addition of alkaline or acidic microenvironmental modulators did not extend the release; instead, these excipients produced somewhat faster release of diltiazem. This study revealed that proper selection of SAL/CG ratio is important to produce alginate matrix tablet by wet granulation method for sustained release of DTZ.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the molecular size of carboxymethylcellulose (cmc) and some hydrophobic polymer additives on the release properties of theophylline from tablet matrices. The cmc matrices were prepared by the conventional wet granulation method. The granules were evaluated for angles of repose, bulk density, compressibility index, and porosity, while the tablets were subjected to hardness, friability and compression tests. All tablet formulations showed acceptable pharmacotechnical properties. Low molecular size cmc (cmc-L) showed the shortest drug release t50% of 27 min, for medium size cmc (cmc-M) it was 55 min and for high molecular size cmc (cmc-H) 200 min. In general, the results showed that the drug release rate decreases with an increase in the molecular size of cmc. All polymer additives, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate and Eudragit 1-100 retarded theophylline release from cmc-L and cmc-H, with ethylcellulose having the most pronounced effect on cmc-L. Kinetic studies using Hixson-Crowell and Peppas-Ritger equations showed that different drug release mechanisms were involved in controlling drug dissolution from the tablets. The drug release mechanism was influenced by both the molecular size of cmc and the presence of polymer additives.

The present work deals with the formulation and evaluation of polymer-coated polysaccharide tablets of azathioprine prepared by direct compression method using different ratios of avicel (MCC), inulin and triacetin. The tablets formulations containing 25 mg of azathioprine were prepared and evaluated for thickness, hardness, friability, weight variation, content uniformity and in vitro dissolution test. Hardness and percentage friability were in the range of 7.23-7.43 kg/cm(2) and 0.21-0.41%, respectively, and showed 99-100% uniformity in drug content. The coated tablets exploiting different polymer combinations were evaluated for drug release under different pH conditions. The formulation containing Eudragit-S((R)), Eudragit-L((R)) and cellulose acetate phthalate (ES((R)), EL((R)) and CAP)(1:1:1) displayed desired release pattern with only 9.75% drug release in first 5 h (lag phase) and satisfactory release in lowered pH conditions. Drug release increased with the plasticizer (triacetin) concentration. Increase in the concentration of inulin and citric acid above 5% w/w increases the drug release. The addition of inulin in the formulation with coating level 28% w/w demonstrated increased drug release in presence of rat cecal content. Thus inulin containing ES((R)), EL((R)) and CAP (1:1:1) polymer-coated formulation system can be used for the targeted delivery of azathioprine with desired release pattern.

Matrix systems with a local antacid effect were produced in this study. Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate in constant concentrations were used as active agents. Eudragit((R)) E PO was applied as a matrix former and sodium bicarbonate as a disintegrant (third antacid component), in different ratios. Their effects on the properties of the tablets were studied. Such formulated systems must be insoluble if the pH of the stomach is less acidic, but a rapid disintegration must occur if necessary. It can be concluded that Eudragit((R)) E PO in appropriate composition can ensure tablets with pH-dependent disintegration. Its binding effect allows tablet making from the elastic active component. The liberation of antacid materials from this system is controlled. If the pH reached 2.5, the erosion of the tablet was reduced. In contrast with expectations, the application of poorly compressible and effervescent sodium bicarbonate increased the time for disintegration of the tablets, because of its extended alkalizing effect around the tablet. This system with this acrylic component is appropriate to produce a controlled-release local antacid preparation.

The objective of present investigation was to develop venlafaxine hydrochloride-layered tablets for obtaining sustained drug release. The tablets containing venlafaxine hydrochloride 150 mg were prepared by wet granulation technique using xanthan gum in the middle layer and barrier layers. The granules and tablets were characterized. The in vitro drug dissolution study was conducted in distilled water. The tablets containing two lower strengths were also developed using the same percentage composition of the middle layer. Kinetics of drug release was studied. The optimized batches were tested for water uptake study. Radar diagrams are provided to compare the performance of formulated tablets with the reference products, Effexor XR capsules. The granules ready for compression exhibited good flow and compressibility when xanthan gum was used in the intragranular and extragranular fractions. Monolayer tablets failed to give the release pattern similar to that of the reference product. The drug release was best explained by Weibull model. A unified Weibull equation was evolved to express drug release from the formulated tablets. Lactose facilitated drug release from barrier layers. Substantial water uptake and gelling of xanthan gum appears to be responsible for sustained drug release. The present study underlines the importance of formulation factors in achieving same drug release pattern from three strengths of venlafaxine hydrochloride tablets.