Search

Extensive research has demonstrated the potential effectiveness of curcumin against various diseases, including asthma and cancers. However, few studies have used liquid-based vehicles in the preparation of curcumin formulations. Therefore, the current study proposed the use of nanoemulsion and microsuspension formulations to prepare nebulised curcuminoid for lung delivery. Furthermore, this work expressed a new approach to understanding the aerosol performance of nanoparticles compared to microsuspension formulations. The genotoxicity of the formulations was also assessed. Curcuminoid nanoemulsion formulations were prepared in three concentrations (100, 250 and 500 µg/ml) using limonene and oleic acid as oil phases, while microsuspension solutions were prepared by suspending curcuminoid particles in isotonic solution (saline solution) of 0.02% Tween 80. The average fine particle fraction (FPF) and mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the nebulised microsuspension formulations ranged from 26% and 7.1 µm to 40% and 5.7 µm, for 1000 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml respectively. In a comparison of the low and high drug concentrations of the nebulised nanoemulsion, the average FPF and MMAD of the nebulised nanoemulsion formulations prepared with limonene oil ranged from 50% and 4.6 µm to 45% and 5.6 µm, respectively; whereas the FPF and MMAD of the nebulised nanoemulsion prepared with oleic acid oil ranged from 46% and 4.9 µm to 44% and 5.6 µm, respectively. The aerosol performance of the microsuspension formulations were concentration dependent, while the nanoemulsion formulations did not appear to be dependent on the curcuminoids concentration. The performance and genotoxicity results of the formulations suggest the suitability of these preparations for further inhalation studies in animals.

The current work was undertaken to assess suitability of liquid crystalline phase for engineering of lactose crystals and their utility as a carrier in dry powder inhalation formulations. Saturated lactose solution was poured in molten glyceryl monooleate which subsequently transformed into gel. The gel microstructure was analyzed by PPL microscopy and SAXS. Lactose particles recovered from gels after 48 h were analyzed for polymorphism using techniques such as FTIR, XRD, DSC and TGA. Particle size, morphology and aerosolisation properties of prepared lactose were analyzed using Anderson cascade impactor. In situ seeding followed by growth of lactose crystals took place in gels with cubic microstructure as revealed by PPL microscopy and SAXS. Elongated (size ∼ 71 μm) lactose particles with smooth surface containing mixture of α and β-lactose was recovered from gel, however percentage of α-lactose was more as compared to β-lactose. The aerosolisation parameters such as RD, ED, %FPF and % recovery of lactose recovered from gel (LPL) were found to be comparable to Respitose® ML001. Thus LC phase (cubic) can be used for engineering of lactose crystals so as to obtain particles with smooth surface, high elongation ratio and further they can be used as carrier in DPI formulations.

Objectives To compare the properties of solid dispersions of felodipine for oral bioavailability enhancement using two different polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), by hot-melt extrusion (HME) and spray drying. Methods Felodipine solid dispersions were prepared by HME and spray drying techniques. PVP and HPMCAS were used as polymer matrices at different drug : polymer ratios (1 : 1, 1 : 2 and 1 : 3). Detailed characterization was performed using differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and in-vitro dissolution testing. Dissolution profiles were evaluated in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Stability of different solid dispersions was studied under accelerated conditions (40°C/75% RH) over 8 weeks. Key findings Spray-dried formulations were found to release felodipine faster than melt extruded formulations for both polymer matrices. Solid dispersions containing HMPCAS exhibited higher drug release rates and better wettability than those produced with a PVP matrix. No significant differences in stability were observed except with HPMCAS at a 1 : 1 ratio, where crystallization was detected in spray-dried formulations. Conclusions Solid dispersions of felodipine produced by spray drying exhibited more rapid drug release than corresponding melt extruded formulations, although in some cases improved stability was observed for melt extruded formulations.

To investigate influence of ion induced mesophasic transformation on pharmaceutical performance of in situ gelling system consisting of glyceryl monooleate.The prepared system showed mesophasic transformation during its conversion from sol to gel upon controlled hydration. The process of mesophasic transformation was studied by SAXS, DSC, rheology and plane polarized light microscopy. Further the influence of additives i.e. naproxen salts (sodium and potassium) and naproxen (base) on the process of mesophasic transformation was also elucidated.It was observed that addition of salt form of naproxen transformed W/O emulsions into cubic mesophase whereas addition of base form of naproxen formed reverse hexagonal (HII) phase upon controlled hydration. The cubic mesophase formed by naproxen salts retarded the drug release for initial 3 h whereas HII phase showed sustained drug release characteristics for naproxen base following Higuchi drug release kinetics.The current work suggests that formulations with tailor made pharmaceutical performance can be developed by selecting proper additives in the system so as to obtain the desired mesophase 'on demand' thereby controlling drug release characteristics.

Summary A sensitive, accurate, and robust high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been established for simultaneous analysis of wedelolactone (WED) and asiaticoside (ASI) in Eclipta alba and Centella asiatica Linn., respectively. Chromatography was performed on silica gel with toluene-acetone-methanol-formic acid 3.0:2.0:2.0:0.05 (υ/υ) as mobile phase. Densitometric scanning at 317 nm for WED and at 530 nm, after derivatisation with 10% methanolic sulphuric acid, for ASI was used. The method was validated in accordance with the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). RF values of 0.26 and 0.75 were obtained for ASI and WED, respectively. The linear ranges were 50–250 and 150–550 ng per band for WED and ASI, respectively, with good correlation coefficients (r2 = 0.999 and 0.9989, respectively). Accuracy was 99.29% and 99.45% for WED and ASI, respectively. The method was found to be precise, robust, and suitable for routine quality-control analysis of plant ...

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is extensively used in a number of ailments by the traditional medical practitioners. Traditionally turmeric is extracted with different non-edible organic solvents or supercritical fluid extraction using carbon dioxide and suffers from many drawbacks as it fails to achieve aqueous solubility, acceptable content of active principle in edible form and stability in biofluids. In the present work we report application of food-grade polyglycolized glycerides to obtain water-soluble extract of turmeric, which contains lipophilic curcuminoids in the aqueous phase. Extraction of turmeric using amphiphilic vehicles such as Gelucire 44/14, Gelucire 50/13, and PEG 6000 was able to achieve aqueous solubility. Gelucire 44/14 gives the maximum concentration of curcuminoids than extraction with Gelucire 50/13 and PEG 6000, as quantified with RP-HPLC. Turmeric extract was further screened for in vitro free radical scavenging assays, ROS scavenging ability and cell proliferation activity in cell line.

Objectives Piperine is one of the most promising bioenhancers to date. Methods used for its extraction suffer from drawbacks such as use of organic solvents, poor extraction efficiency, tedious and expensive methodology. These methods are not encouraged with a view to reducing global warming. The objective was therefore to develop an alternative solvent-free extraction method. Methods An aqueous extract of long pepper fruits was prepared using hydrophilic lipid Gelucire 44/14 as the extracting aid and this was compared with an alcoholic extract. Extracts were characterized using high-performance thin layer chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitory activity of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts and pure piperine was compared using an in-vitro everted rat intestinal model using ornidazole as the model drug. The study was performed using two oral pretreatment dose levels (10 and 20 mg/kg) and durations (1 and 3 days). Exsorption of ornidazole from serosal to mucosal surface was monitored. Key findings P-gp inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract was comparable with that of pure piperine (P > 0.05) and was significantly higher than the alcoholic extract (P < 0.05). Pure piperine and the aqueous extract exhibited significant P-gp inhibitory activity compared with control, which was irrespective of oral pretreatment dose and duration levels. No significant effect of oral pretreatment duration of the aqueous extract was observed. The observed enhancement in P-gp inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract may have been attributed to the P-gp inhibitory potential of Gelucire 44/14 and its efficient extraction and solubility enhancement ability. Conclusions In the field of phytopharmaceuticals efficient and eco-friendly extraction processes are still a goal to be achieved. Extraction with Gelucire 44/14 could be a potential method of extraction for phytopharmaceuticals. Compared with conventional methods of extraction it is more efficient, easier to prepare, eco-friendly and scalable.

Objectives Cefuroxime axetil (CA), a poorly soluble, broad spectrum cephalosporin ester prodrug, is hydrolysed by intestinal esterase prior to absorption, leading to poor and variable bioavailability. The objective was therefore to formulate a stable amorphous solid dispersion of the drug with enhanced solubility and stability against enzymatic degradation. Methods Spray drying was used to obtain a solid dispersion of CA with Gelucire 50/13 and Aerosil 200 (SDCAGA), and a solid dispersion of CA with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (SDCAP); amorphous CA (ACA) was obtained by spray drying CA alone. The formulations were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies, and compared for solubility, dissolution and bioavailability in rats. Key findings SDCAP and SDCAGA showed improved solubility and dissolution profiles owing to amorphization and formation of solid dispersions with hydrophilic carriers. The improved stability of amorphous CA in solid dispersions compared to ACA alone was attributed to hydrogen bonding interactions involving the amide of CA with the carbonyl of polyvinyl pyrrolidone in SDCAP, whereas in SDCAGA the interactions were at multiple sites involving the amide and carbonyl of CA with the carbonyl and hydroxyl of Gelucire 50/13. However, SDCAGA showed superior bioavailability compared to SDCAP, ACA and CA. Conclusions Improvement in physical stability of solid dispersions was attributed to hydrogen bonding, while improvement in bioavailability of SDCAGA compared to SDCAP, in spite of comparable solubility and dissolution profile, may be attributed to Gelucire, which utilizes intestinal esterase for lipolysis, protecting the prodrug from enzymatic degradation to its non-absorbable base form.

The purpose of the present study was to formulate a self-nanoemulsifying system (SNES) containing model lipophilic drug, felodipine (FLD), to improve its solubility. The SNES was formulated using varying amounts of Miglyol® 840 (as an oil), Cremophor® EL (as a surfactant), and Capmul® MCM (as a co-surfactant). The SNES were characterized for turbidity, droplet size and in vitro FLD release. The SNES containing oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant in the weight ratio of 3.5:1.0:1.0, respectively, showed good emulsification, median droplet size of 421 nm, and rapid FLD release (>90% release in 15 min). Gelling was induced in the SNES by addition of Aerosil® 200 (A 200). Rheological studies clearly demonstrated the formation of gelled microstructure with enhanced elasticity for SNES with A 200. Since FLD warrants extended delivery for management of hypertension, the gelled SNES was further encased within the hydrophobic Gelucire® 43/01 (GEL) coat to extend the release of FLD. Caprol® PGE-860 (CAP) was added to this coat as a release enhancer. No interaction was seen between GEL and CAP in differential scanning calorimetry. The effect of two formulation variables in the encased SNES, viz., the gelling agent (A200) and the release enhancer (CAP), on the in vitro FLD release was evaluated using 32 factorial design experiments. CAP by virtue of channel formation in GEL coat favored the FLD release, while the A200 retarded the FLD release by inducing gelling. At later time points, an interaction between these two variables was found to govern extended release of FLD. The developed gelled SNES encased within the GEL coat can be used as an extended release composition for lipophilic drugs.

Summary A simple, sensitive, and reproducible high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method has been established for simultaneous analysis of trigonelline and 4-hydroxyisoleucine from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graceum). Chromatography was performed on silica gel GF254 with n-butanol-methanol-acetic acid-water 4:1.5:1:1 (υ/υ) as mobile phase. Densitometric scanning of the plates at 266 nm was used for analysis of trigonelline, and plates were scanned at 395 nm after derivatisation with ninhydrin reagent for analysis of 4-hydroxyisoleucine. The method was validated for specificity, precision (intraday and interday), accuracy, and robustness. Response was a linear function of the concentration of standard solutions in the range 100 to 1000 ng per band and 50 to 500 ng per band, respectively, with correlation coefficients of 0.9992 ± 0.04 and 0.9986 ± 0.06, for trigonelline and 4-hydroxyisoleucine. The accuracy of the method was checked by determination of recovery at three different levels; ave...

An HPTLC densitometric method for the simultaneous determination of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol as well as trace amounts of piperine in pepper-contaminated cinnamon was developed. The applicability of the method was tested with cinnamon bark powder adulterated with pepper powder, cinnamon oil, clove powder, clove oil and a commercial preparation containing cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. The method was validated for specificity, precision, accuracy and robustness. The method was found to be precise for different concentrations of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and piperine. The accuracy of the method was checked by conducting a recovery study at three different levels. The linearity was found to be in the ranges 52.54-735.56, 533.2-8531.2 and 50-300 ng/spot, respectively, with correlation coefficients of 0.9985 +/- 0.04, 0.9982 +/- 0.06 and 0.9937 +/- 0.11 for cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and piperine.

Isocratic reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method using RP C18 column was developed for simultaneous determination of the curcuminoids. Mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile:0.1% trifluro-acetic acid (50:50) and flow rate was 1.5 mL min−1 and elution was monitored at 420 nm. Validation in selected conditions showed that the chosen method is sensitive, selective, precise and reproducible with linear response of detector for the simultaneous determination of curcumin (C), demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bis-demethoxycurcumin (BDMC). The limits of detection were 27.99, 31.91 and 21.81 ng mL−1 for C, DMC and BDMC, respectively. Limits of quantitation for C, DMC and BDMC, were 84.84, 96.72 and 66.10 ng mL−1, respectively. Linear range was form 100 to 600 ng mL−1. The mean ± SD percent recoveries of curcuminoids were 99.87 ± 0.34, 100.09 ± 0.48 and 100.10 ± 0.60% of C, DMC and BDMC, respectively. Further, the method was used for quantitation of curcuminoids from turmeric rhizome.

A multifactor optimization technique is successfully applied to study the effect of simultaneously varying the system variables on feasibility of stavudine analysis by packed column supercritical fluid chromatography (PC-SFC). The effect of simultaneously varying the pressure, temperature and modifier concentration was studied to optimize the method in order to obtain excellent chromatographic figures of merit. The method is based on isocratic elution using methanol-modified supercritical carbon dioxide as the mobile phase at the flow rate of 3.0 ml/min through a JASCO Finepak SIL-5, ODS [C(18) (5 microm, 25 cm x 4.6 mm, i.d.)] column support using photodiode array detection. The optimal conditions were determined with the aid of the response surface methodology using 3(3) factorial designs. From the response surface graphs optimum regions were selected to be +1, -1, and +1 for temperature (60 degrees C), pressure (20 MPa) and percent modifier concentration (17.81%, v/v), respectively. Linearity dynamic range was found to be in the range of 2.0-150.0 microg/ml with significantly high value of correlation coefficient. The method was validated for precision, robustness and recovery to assess the viability of the established method. The chromatographic limit of detection and quantitation were 0.80 and 1.50 microg/ml respectively. The method has been successfully used to analyze commercial dosage form to assess the chromatographic performance of SFC system which was found to be 99.91%+/-1.62. The present work briefs the thermodynamic applications of PC-SFC with an emphasis on the results of stavudine. The foremost of such applications is the determination of solute diffusion coefficient in supercritical mobile phase by Taylor-Aris peak broadening technique.

A nondisintegrating, controlled release, asymmetric membrane capsular system of flurbiprofen was developed and evaluated for controlled release of the drug to overcome some of its side effects. Asymmetric membrane capsules were prepared using fabricated glass mold pins by phase inversion process. The effect of different formulation variables was studied based on 2(3) factorial design; namely, level of osmogen, membrane thickness, and level of pore former. Effects of polymer diffusibility and varying osmotic pressure on drug release were also studied. Membrane characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed an outer dense region with less pores and an inner porous region for the prepared asymmetric membrane. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed no incompatibility between the drug and the excipients used in the study. In vitro release studies for all the prepared formulations were done (n = 6). Statistical test (Dunnett multiple comparison test) was applied for in vitro drug release at P.05. The best formulation closely corresponded to the extra design checkpoint formulation by a similarity (f2) value of 92.94. The drug release was independent of pH but dependent on the osmotic pressure of the dissolution medium. The release kinetics followed the Higuchi model and the mechanism of release was Fickian diffusion.

Solid dispersions (SDs) of glibenclamide (GBM); a poorly water-soluble drug and polyglycolized glycerides (Gelucire®) with the aid of silicon dioxide (Aerosil® 200); as an adsorbent, were prepared by spray drying technique. SDs and spray dried GBM in comparison with pure GBM and corresponding physical mixtures (PMs) were initially characterized and then subjected to ageing study up to 3 months. Initial characterization of SDs and spray dried GBM by DSC and XRPD showed that GBM was present in its amorphous form (AGBM). Improvement in the solubility and dissolution rate was observed for all samples. DRIFT spectroscopy revealed presence of hydrogen bonding in SDs. During ageing study, almost no decrease of in vitro drug dissolution was observed, over the period of 3 months as compare with freshly prepared SDs. Slight crystallinity in SDs was observed in the DSC and XRPD studies during ageing. Moreover in vivo study in Swiss Albino mice also justified the improvement in the therapeutic efficacy of amorphous GBM in SDs over pure GBM. Thus, present study demonstrated the high potential of spray drying technique for obtaining stable free flowing SDs of poorly water-soluble drugs using polyglycolized glycerides carriers with the aid of silicon dioxide as an adsorbent.

Two chromatographic techniques are described for the separation and quantitative determination of azadirachtin A and B, salannin, and nimbin present in the crude extract of neem seed kernels and commercial neem based formulations. The high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) separation of markers was carried out on Merck TLC aluminium sheets of silica gel 60 F254 using ethylacetate-benzene (7.0: 3.0, v/v) as mobile phase. The other technique was based on extended length packed column supercritical fluid chromatographic (PC-SFC) separation of the markers using Cyano column (250 mm × 4.6 mm I.D, S-5.0 μ) and Kromasil 100 NH2 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm I.D, 5.0 μ) connected in series. The detection was carried out using photodiode array detector at 338 K using methanol-modified carbon dioxide (10%) as the mobile phase at flow rate of 2.0 mL min−1. The current study assesses the effect of extending column length during PC-SFC experiment to obtain maximum resolution between a number of unknown components and known markers present in neem seed extracts. Both the chromatographic methods were validated in terms of precision, robustness, recovery, limits of detection and quantitation. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test were applied to correlate the results of quantitative determination of markers by means of HPTLC and PC-SFC method.

The purpose of this study was to formulate a gelled self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing ketoprofen as an intermediate in the development of sustained release solid dosage form. Captex 200 (an oil), Tween 80 (a surfactant), and Capmul MCM (a cosurfactant) were used to formulate SEDDS. Silicon dioxide was used as a gelling agent, which may aid in solidification and retardation of drug release. Effect of concentrations of cosurfactant and gelling agent on emulsification process and in vitro drug diffusion was studied using 3(2) factorial design. Multiple regression analysis data and response surfaces obtained showed that liquid crystal phase viscosity increased significantly with increasing amount of silicon dioxide, which in turn caused an increase in average droplet size of resultant emulsion and slower drug diffusion. Drug release from the formulation increased with increasing amount of cosurfactant.

A sensitive, selective, precise and stability-indicating high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for analysis of indinavir sulphate both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated. The method employed TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of carbon tetrachloride/chloroform/methanol/10% v/v ammonia (4:4.5:1.5:0.05, v/v/v/v). Densitometric analysis of indinavir sulphate was carried out in the absorbance mode at 260 nm. This system was found to give compact spots for indinavir sulphate ( R f value of 0.43 ± 0.02, for six replicates). Indinavir sulphate was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation, dry and wet heat treatment, and photo degradation. The drug undergoes degradation under acidic and basic conditions, oxidation, dry and wet heat treatment, and photo degradation. Also the degraded products were well resolved from the pure drug with significantly different R f values. The method was validated for linearity, precision, robustness, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), specificity and accuracy. Linearity was found to be in the range of 100–6000 ng/spot with significantly high value of correlation coefficient r 2 = 0.997 ± 0.64. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r 2 = 0.999 ± 0.002 in the working concentration range of 1000–6000 ng/spot. The LOD and LOQ were 40 and 120 ng/spot, respectively. Statistical analysis proves that the method is repeatable and specific for the estimation of the said drug. As the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation products, it can be employed as a stability-indicating one. Moreover, the proposed HPTLC method was utilized to investigate the kinetics of acid degradation process. Arrhenius plot was constructed and activation energy was calculated.

A sensitive, selective, precise and robust high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method of analysis of E and Z stereoisomers of guggulsterone (the hypolipidemic agent in the gum-resin exudates of Commiphora mukul) both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated. The method employed TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of toluene–acetone (9:1, v/v). Densitometric analysis of guggulsterone was carried out in the absorbance mode at 250 nm. This system was found to give compact spots for E- and Z-guggulsterone (Rf value of 0.38±0.02 and 0.46±0.02, respectively) following double development of chromatoplates with the same mobile phase. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots for E- and Z-guggulsterone showed good linear relationship with r2=0.9977±0.054 and 0.9975 ± 0.068, respectively, in the concentration range of 100–6000 ng/spot. The mean value of slope and intercept were 0.11±0.006 and 0.11±0.005, 14.26±0.56 and 10.92±0.76, respectively, for E- and Z-guggulsterone. The method was validated for precision, robustness and recovery. The limit of detection and quantitation were 12, 10 and 24, 20 ng/spot, respectively, for E- and Z-guggulsterone. Statistical analysis proves that the method is repeatable and selective for the estimation of the said drug. Since the proposed mobile phase effectively resolves the E- and Z-isomers of guggulsterone, this HPTLC method can be applied for identification and quantitation of these isomers in herbal extracts and pharmaceutical dosage form.

A sensitive, selective, precise, and stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method has been established and validated for analysis of zidovudine both as the bulk drug and in formulations. The method employs aluminum-backed silica gel 60F 254 HPTLC plates with toluene-carbon tetrachloride-methanol-acetone, 3.5 + 3.5 + 2.0 + 1.0 ( v/v ), as mobile phase. This system was found to give compact spots ( R F 0.41 ± 0.02) for zidovudine.Densitometric analysis of zidovudine was performed in absorbance mode at λ = 270 nm. Response was linearly dependent on amount of zidovudine in the range 100–6000 ng per spot with a significantly high correlation coefficient ( r 2 = 0.998 ± 0.53). Linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed there was a good linear relationship with r 2 = 0.998 ± 0.0003 in the working concentration range 100 to 1000 ng per spot. The mean values of the slope and intercept were 0.063 ± 0.004 and 39.61 ± 1.09, respectively.The method was validated for pre...

Curcumin, a naturally occurring highly lipophilic molecule has wide range of pharmacological activities. However, its limited aqueous solubility and degradation at alkaline pH restricts its bioavailability. Solid dispersions of curcumin in different ratios with PVP were prepared by spray drying. Physical characterization by SEM, IR, DSC, and XRPD studies, in comparison with corresponding physical mixtures revealed the changes in solid state during the formation of dispersion and justified the formation of high-energy amorphous phase. Dissolution studies of curcumin and its physical mixtures in 0.1 N HCl showed negligible release even after 90 min. Whereas, solid dispersions showed complete dissolution within 30 min. This may aid in improving bioavailability and dose reduction of the drug.

A sensitive, selective, precise and stability indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method of analysis of nelfinavir mesylate both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated. The method employed TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of toluene–methanol–acetone (7:1.5:1.5, v/v/v). This system was found to give compact spots for nelfinavir mesylate (Rf value of 0.45±0.02). Nelfinavir mesylate was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat treatment and photodegradation. Also the peaks of degraded products were well resolved from the pure drug with significantly different Rf values. Densitometric analysis of nelfinavir mesylate was carried out in the absorbance mode at 250 nm. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r2=0.999±0.002 in the concentration range of 1000–6000 ng per spot. The mean value of correlation coefficient, slope and intercept were 0.999±0.002, 0.014±0.001 and 21.73±1.26, respectively. The method was validated for precision, robustness and recovery. The limits of detection and quantitation were 60 and 140 ng per spot, respectively. Statistical analysis proves that the method is repeatable and selective for the estimation of the said drug. As the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation products, it can be employed as a stability indicating one.

A melt solidification technique has been developed to obtain sustained-release waxy beads of flurbiprofen. Low glass transition temperature (t(g)) and shear-induced crystallization of flurbiprofen made it a suitable candidate for melt solidification technique. The process involved emulsification and solidification of flurbiprofen-cetyl alcohol melt at significantly low temperature (5 degrees C). The effect of variables, namely, the amount of cetyl alcohol and the speed of agitation, was studied using 3(2)factorial design. The technique and the beads were evaluated on the basis of process and desired yield, surface topography, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), particle size distribution, crushing strength, and drug release. Average values for process and desired yields were 97% wt/wt and 26% wt/wt, respectively. No interaction was observed between drug and excipient. Multiple regression analysis was carried out, and response surfaces were obtained. A curvilinear relationship was observed between percentage of desired yield and the amount of cetyl alcohol. Linear decrease in crushing strength was observed with increase in the amount of cetyl alcohol. Drug released from the beads followed zero order kinetics. Burst release was shown to a greater extent in beads containing a lower amount of cetyl alcohol. Response surfaces of time required for certain percentage of drug (t(D)%) showed that after critical concentration of about 20% of cetyl alcohol (400 mg/batch), no significant release retardant effect was observed.

Ibuprofen (IBU) exhibits short half-life, poor compressibility, flowability and caking tendency. IBU melt has sufficiently low viscosity and exhibits interfacial tension sufficient to form droplet even at low temperature. A single step novel melt solidification technique (MST) was developed to produce IBU beads with lower amounts of excipient. Effect of variables was studied using a 3(2) factorial approach with speed of agitation and amount of cetyl alcohol (CA) as variables. The beads were evaluated using DSC, FT-IR and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Yield, micromeritic properties, crushing strength and release kinetics were also studied. Spherical beads with a method yield of above 90% were obtained. The data was analyzed by response surface methodology. The variables showed curvilinear relationship with yield in desired particle size range, crushing strength and, bulk and tap density. The drug release followed non-Fickian case II transport and the release rate decreased linearly with respect to amount of CA in the initial stages followed by curvilinearity at later stages of elution. The effect of changing porosity and tortuosity was well correlated.

A simple, selective, precise, and stability-indicating high-performance thin layer chromatographic method of analysis of Linezolid both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated in pharmaceutical dosage form. The method employed TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of toluene-acetone (5:5, v/v). This system was found to give compact spots for Linezolid (Rf value of 0.29 +/- 0.01). Linezolid was subjected to acidic, alkali hydrolysis, oxidation, and photodegradation. The degraded products also were well separated from the pure drug. Densitometric analysis of Linezolid was conducted in the absorbance mode at 254 nm. The linear regression data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r2 = 0.997 +/- 0.001 in the concentration range of 300-800 ng/spot. The mean value of correlation coefficient, slope, and intercept were 0.998 +/- 0.003, 0.15 +/- 0.009, and 19.52 +/- 1.66 respectively. The method was validated for precision, accuracy, ruggedness, and recovery. The limits of detection and quantification were 20 ng/spot and 50 ng/spot, respectively. The drug undergoes degradation under acidic and basic conditions, oxidation and photo degradation. All the peaks of degraded product were resolved from the standard drug with significantly different Rf values. This indicates that the drug is susceptible to acid-base hydrolysis, oxidation, and photo degradation. Statistical analysis proves that the method is reproducible and selective for the estimation of the said drug. Because the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation products, it can be used as a stability indicating one.

Most of the sustained release vaginal formulations are in the form of bioadhesive gels and tablets. Though proved efficient, their presence in the vagina for a longer time as a bulk produces discomfort and interference with body functioning including sexual activities. Hence, they lack complete patient compliance. In this study, multiparticulate vaginal tablets were prepared by utilizing progesterone (PRO) loaded dry powder precursor of cubic phase (DPPCP) of glyceryl monooleate (GMO). DPPCP were obtained by spray drying GMO with magnesium trisilicate (MTS) and have presented PRO sustained release in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) for 14 hours. The effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic tableting excipients on compression, phase, bioadhesion and drug release properties of prepared tablets was evaluated. The effervescent hydrophilic tablet (EHT) prepared with hydrophilic excipients showed rapid disintegration but, diminished sustaining ability owing to transformation into lamellar phase whereas the multiparticulate hydrophobic tablet (MHT) obtained from hydrophobic excipients presented both rapid disintegration and sustained release in SVF by virtue of cubic phase retention. During bioadhesivity testing, fast disintegration of MHT with formation of uniform and viscous bioadhesive layer on cow mucosa was observed even with a small volume of SVF. As MHT may not produce discomfort and interference, it will be preferred over bioadhesive gel or tablet.

The purpose of this study was to explore the application of low-density ion exchange resin (IER) Tulsion(R) 344, for floating drug delivery system (FDDS), and study the effect of its particle size on rate of complexation, water uptake, drug release, and in situ complex formation. Batch method was used for the preparation of complexes, which were characterized by physical methods. Tablet containing resin with high degree of crosslinking showed buoyancy lag time (BLT) of 5-8 min. Decreasing the particle size of resin showed decrease in water uptake and drug release, with no significant effect on the rate of complexation and in situ complex formation for both preformed complexes (PCs) and physical mixtures (PMs). Thus, low-density and high degree of crosslinking of resin and water uptake may be the governing factor for controlling the initial release of tablet containing PMs but not in situ complex formation. However, further sustained release may be due to in situ complex formation.

The aim of the present work was to prepare amorphous discreet nanoparticles by sonoprecipitation method for enhancing oral bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil (CA), a poorly water-soluble drug. CA nanoparticles (SONO-CA) were prepared by sonoprecipitation and compared with particles obtained by precipitation without sonication (PPT-CA) and amorphous CA obtained by spray drying. Spray drying present broad particle size distribution (PSD) with mean particle size of 10 microm and low percent yield, whereas, precipitation without sonication resulted in large amorphous aggregates with broad PSD. During sonoprecipitation, particle size and yield improve with an increase in the amplitude of sonication and lowering the operation temperature due to instantaneous supersaturation and nucleation. The overall symmetry and purity of CA molecule was maintained as confirmed by FTIR and HPLC, respectively. All the three methods resulted in the formation of amorphous CA with only sonoprecipitation resulting in uniform sized nanoparticles. Sonoprecipitated CA nanoparticles showed enhanced dissolution rate and oral bioavailability in Wistar rat due to an increased solubility attributed to combination of effects like amorphization and nanonization with increased surface area and reduced diffusion pathway.

Glyceryl monooleate (GMO) is an amphiphilic surfactant, which as such can solubilize hydrophilic, lipophilic and amphiphilic drug molecules in its different polarity regions. Addition of additives with different polarities in GMO leads to change in phase behavior and related properties of GMO. Effect of the additives with different hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB; 1.5, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 11) in GMO matrices on its phase transformation, rheological properties, mechanical properties, wetting and release behavior was investigated. Polarizing light microscopy showed that the GMO matrices incorporated with lower HLB additive (1.5, 3, 4 and 5) form cubic phase at higher rate while lamellar phase was prominent for matrices with additive of HLB 7, 10 and 11. The diametrical crushing strength and viscosity was decreased with increased HLB of additive. Lower HLB additives enhanced contact angle as compared to plain matrices and high HLB additives induced change in solid-liquid interface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic leading to decline in contact angle. Percent swelling of matrices was increased linearly with increase in HLB of additives. Tensiometric method was used for determination of bioadhesive strength of hydrated matrices and it was observed that matrices with additives of HLB 10 presented highest bioadhesion due to higher rate of hydration and formation of lamellar phase. As the HLB of additives in matrix increased, release was shifted from anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion and/or partially erosion-controlled release to Fickian diffusion. Initial lag was observed for drug released from matrices with additive of HLB 1.5, 3, 4 and 5. Thus incorporation of the additives of different HLB changed molecular packing, which significantly affected drug release pattern.

The aim of this study was to formulate a self-emulsifying system (SES) containing a lipophilic drug, loratadine, and to explore the potential of preformed porous polystyrene beads (PPB) to act as carriers for such SES. Isotropic SES was formulated, which comprised Captex 200 (63% wt/wt), Cremophore EL (16% wt/wt), Capmul MCM (16% wt/wt), and loratadine (5% wt/wt). SES was evaluated for droplet size, drug content, and in vitro drug release. SES was loaded into preformed and characterized PPB using solvent evaporation method. SES-loaded PPB were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for density, specific surface area (S(BET)), loading efficiency, drug content, and in vitro drug release. After SES loading, specific surface area reduced drastically, indicating filling of PPB micropores with SES. Loading efficiency was least for small size (SS) and comparable for medium size (MS) and large size (LS) PPB fractions. In vitro drug release was rapid in case of SS beads due to the presence of SES near to surface. LS fraction showed inadequate drug release owing to presence of deeper micropores that resisted outward diffusion of entrapped SES. Leaching of SES from micropores was the rate-limiting step for drug release. Geometrical features such as bead size and pore architecture of PPB were found to govern the loading efficiency and in vitro drug release from SES-loaded PPB.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the glass forming capability of a model drug simvastatin. The glassy material produced by melt quench technique was subjected to physico-chemical characterization and subsequent stability and enthalpy relaxation study. The chemical stability of drug during preparation of glass was tested by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The presence of amorphous form was confirmed by DSC and XRPD. Surprisingly, glassy simvastatin was almost stable throughout the period of stability, inspite of its Tg being relatively low. The stability and very low enthalpy recovery of glassy simvastatin perhaps could be attributed to strong inter-molecular hydrogen bonding.

Hydrolyzed gelatins (Byco-A, Byco-O and Byco-C), when used as binders, yielded soft, uniform granules with good flow properties. As the molecular weight and viscosity of hydrolyzed gelatins increased, the compressibility of granules decreased and their compactability increased. The balance between compressibility and compactability of granules may be achieved by careful monitoring of the molecular weight of hydrolyzed gelatins that can serve as potential binders.

A multifactor optimization technique is successfully applied to study the effect of simultaneously varying the system variables on feasibility of nevirapine analysis by packed column supercritical fluid chromatography (PC-SFC). The optimal conditions were determined with the aid of the response surface methodology using 3 3 factorial designs. The method is based on methanol-modified carbon dioxide as the mobile phase at flow rate of 3.0 ml/min with elution through a JASCO Finepak SIL-5, [C 18 (5-micron, 25 cm × 4.6 mm, i.d.)] column using photodiode array detection. The method has been successfully used to analyze commercial solid dosage form to assess the chromatographic performance of SFC system. The present work briefs the thermodynamic applications of PC-SFC with an emphasis on the results of nevirapine. The foremost of such applications is the determination of solute diffusion coefficient in supercritical mobile phase by Taylor–Aris peak broadening technique.

In situ cubic phase transforming system of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) has been prepared which offers protection to the metaloenzyme, seratiopeptidase (STP), in gastric environment and provides delayed and controlled release with no initial burst after oral administration. Effect of magnesium trisilicate (MTS) on floating, proteolytic activity and drug release was studied. Gelucire 43/01 was incorporated in the system to provide prolonged lag time. The drug-loaded matrices required 100 mg of MTS to overcome floatability of GMO matrix. Plain GMO matrices showed 85.3% loss of proteolytic activity in acidic medium, whereas matrices containing MTS showed retention of activity (111.6%). The hydrophobic nature of MTS induced formation of cubic phase at faster rate and the existence of cubic phase was confirmed by polarizing light microscopy. Furthermore, MTS provided alkaline microenvironment, which prevented acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and protein unfolding. The magnesium ions restored the activity of STP. The release of STP was decreased with increasing amount of MTS in the matrix. Gelucire did not affect proteolytic activity. The water uptake of matrices with gelucire was decelerated due to formation of hexagonal phase. However, the rate of STP release from these matrices was very slow due to incorporation of gelucire into lipid bilayers, which provided resistance to movement of STP. Thus, microenvironment-controlled in situ cubic phase transforming GMO matrices provided protection to STP and controlled release.

Formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs in the most stable dosage form for oral delivery perhaps presents the greatest challenge to pharmaceutical industry. Physical transformation of drug substance into its more soluble but metastable amorphous form is one of the approaches for improving dissolution rate of such drugs. The present study utilizes technique of spray drying for preparation of solid dispersions (SDs) and includes stability study of the same. Valdecoxib (VLD), a prototype of poorly water-soluble drugs, has been the drug of choice. The hydrophilic carriers selected were polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) and hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC). SDs and pure VLD in the form of spray dried powder (SDVLD) in comparison with pure drug and corresponding physical mixtures (PMs) were initially characterized and then subjected to stability testing at ambient temperature and relative humidity up to 3 months. During initial characterization, increase in saturation solubility and dissolution rate was observed in all samples. DSC and XRPD studies of SDVLD and SDs suggested generation of amorphous form of drug. IR spectroscopy revealed presence of hydrogen bonding in SDs. During stability testing, there was gradual decrease in saturation solubility and dissolution rate of SDs, over the period of 3 months. While, saturation solubility of SDVLD dropped drastically within 15 days and was almost comparable with pure VLD. SD PVP retained the amorphous form of drug throughout stability period, whereas SD HPC and SDVLD presented incidence of crystallinity after 1 month and 15 days, respectively. This was justified by enthalpy relaxation studies in which, amorphous VLD showed considerable relaxation of enthalpy at Tg, while it was totally suppressed in SD PVP and partly in SD HPC. The study thus definitely reveals tremendous potential of solid dispersions of valdecoxib with PVP, from stability point of view.

Thermoreversible nasal gels of Vitamin B(12) using pluronic PF 127 were aimed to improve absorption and patient compliance. In the present research work, effects of Vitamin B(12) and gel additives, viz. PF concentration, osmolarity, polyethylene glycol (PEG 15000) on thermodynamic properties of phase transitions at gelation (T(1)) and gel melting (T(2)) is reported. Aqueous PF 127 gels prepared by cold method containing pluronic (20-24%, w/w), vitamin, sorbitol, PEG, and benzalkonium chloride. T(1) decreases and T(2) increases with vitamin and PF concentration. Gelation range narrows with sorbitol and PEG. Suppression of T(2) is significantly higher than T(1) with both the additives. The linearity was observed only for semilogarithmic plot of PF concentration and 1/T(2) for sorbitol and PEG, which reveals significant interaction of both at gel melting. Enthalpy of both transitions remains unchanged with vitamin indicating no interaction with polymer. Benzalkonium chloride decreased gelation onset temperature. Thermodynamic properties of PF 127 gels are significantly altered with polymer concentration and water-soluble formulation additives.

A simple, selective, precise and stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method of analysis of tizanidine hydrochloride both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated. The method employed TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of toluene-acetone-ammonia (5:5:0.1, v/v/v). This system was found to give compact spots for tizanidine hydrochloride (R(f) value of 0.32+/-0.01). Tizanidine hydrochloride was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation and photodegradation. Also, the degraded product was well separated from the pure drug. Densitometric analysis of tizanidine hydrochloride was carried out in the absorbance mode at 315 nm. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r(2)=0.9922 in the concentration range 300-1000 ng per spot. The mean value of correlation coefficient, slope and intercept were 0.9922+/-0.002, 0.064+/-0.001 and 38.09+/-1.71, respectively. The method was validated for precision, recovery and robustness. The limits of detection and quantitation were 88 and 265 ng per spot, respectively. The drug does not undergo degradation under acidic and basic conditions. The samples degraded with hydrogen peroxide showed additional peak at R(f) value of 0.12. This indicates that the drug is susceptible to oxidation. Statistical analysis proves that the method is repeatable and selective for the estimation of said drug. As the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation product, it can be employed as a stability-indicating one.

Glycerol monooleate (GMO) matrix was found to be a gastro-retentive carrier system suitable for both polar and as well as non-polar drugs. Chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) and diazepam (DZP) were used as model drugs. Effect of PEG 4000, PEG 10000, and stearic acid on floatability and release profile was studied. Water uptake increased with increase in the loading of polar drug (CPM) and decreased with non-polar drug (DZP). Similar effect was found to occur in case of drug release. PEGs increased the release up to certain concentration and decreased thereafter. Drug release decreased linearly with concentration of stearic acid. The type and extent of mesophases formed were significantly affected by the nature of drug, excipients and their concentration. Thus the selection of suitable excipients depending on polarity of drug, could help to modulate the floatability and release profile from GMO matrices.

A sensitive, selective, precise and stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method of analysis of nevirapine both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated. The solvent system consisted of toluene–carbon tetrachloride–methanol–acetone–ammonia (3.5:3.5:2.0:1.0:0.05, v/v/v/v/v). Densitometric analysis of nevirapine was carried out in the absorbance mode at 289 nm. This system was found to give compact spots for nevirapine (Rf value of 0.44±0.02). Nevirapine was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat and wet heat treatment and photodegradation. The drug undergoes degradation under acidic, basic conditions and oxidation. Also the degraded products were well resolved from the pure drug with significantly different Rf values. Linearity was found to be in the range of 30–1000 ng/spot with significantly high value of correlation coefficient. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r2=0.998±0.002 in the working concentration range of 300 ng/spot to 1000 ng/spot. The mean value of slope and intercept were 0.073±0.005 and 36.78±1.50, respectively. The method was validated for precision, robustness and recovery. The limit of detection and quantitation were 5 and 10 ng/spot, respectively. As the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation products, it can be employed as a stability indicating one. Moreover, the proposed HPTLC method was utilized to investigate the kinetics of acid degradation process. Arrhenius plot was constructed and activation energy was calculated.

A sensitive, selective, precise and stability indicating high-performance thin layer chromatographic method of analysis of clopidogrel bisulphate both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated in pharmaceutical dosage form. The method employed TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of carbon tetrachloride-chloroform-acetone (6:4:0.15, v/v/v). This system was found to give compact spots for clopidogrel bisulphate (R(f) value of 0.30+/-0.01). Clopidogrel bisulphate was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation, photodegradation and dry heat treatment. Also the degraded products were well separated from the pure drug. Densitometric analysis of clopidogrel bisulphate was carried out in the absorbance mode at 230 nm. The linear regression data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r(2)=0.999+/-0.001 in the concentration range of 200-1000 ng. The mean value of correlation coefficient, slope and intercept were 0.999+/-0.001, 0.093+/-0.011 and 8.83+/-0.99, respectively. The method was validated for precision, accuracy, ruggedness and recovery. The limits of detection and quantitation were 40 and 120 ng per spot, respectively. The drug undergoes degradation under acidic and basic conditions, oxidation and dry heat treatment. All the peaks of degraded product were resolved from the standard drug with significantly different R(f) values. This indicates that the drug is susceptible to acid-base hydrolysis, oxidation and dry heat degradation. Statistical analysis proves that the method is reproducible and selective for the estimation of the said drug. As the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation products, it can be employed as a stability indicating one.

The basic objective of this study was to explore the application of Gelucire 43/01 for the design of multi-unit floating systems of a highly water-soluble drug diltiazem HCl. Diltiazem HCl-Gelucire 43/01 granules were prepared by melt granulation technique. The granules were evaluated for in vitro and in vivo floating ability, surface topography, and in vitro drug release. Aging effect on storage was vvaluated using scanning electron microscopy, hot stage polarizing microscopy (HSPM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and in vitro drug release. Granules were retained in stomach at least for 6 hours. Approximately 65% to 80% drug was released over 6 hours with initial fast release from the surface. Surface topography, HSPM, DSC study of the aged samples showed phase transformation of Gelucire. The phase transformation also caused significant increase in drug release. In conclusion, hydrophobic lipid, Gelucire 43/01, can be considered as an effective carrier for design of a multi-unit floating drug delivery system of highly water-soluble drugs such as diltiazem HCl.

A sensitive, selective, precise and stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method of analysis of lamivudine both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated. The solvent system consisted of carbon tetrachloride – methanol – chloroform - acetonitrile (7.0: 3.0: 2.0: 1.5, v/v/v/v). Densitometric analysis of lamivudine was carried out in the absorbance mode at 275 nm. This system was found to give compact spots for lamivudine (R F value of 0.36 ± 0.02) following double development of chromatoplates with the same mobile phase. Lamivudine was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat and wet heat treatment and photo degradation. The drug undergoes degradation under acidic, basic conditions, oxidation, wet heat and photo degradation. Also the degraded products were well resolved from the pure drug with significantly different R F values. Linearity was found to be in the range of 50 – 1000 ng spot−1 with significantly high value of correlation coefficient. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r2 = 0.9994 ± 0.05 in the working concentration range of 300 ng spot−1 to 1000 ng spot−1. The mean value of slope and intercept were 0.11 ± 0.08 and 10.47 ± 1.21, respectively. The method was validated for precision, robustness and recovery. The limit of detection and quantitation were 15 ng spot−1 and 40 ng spot−1 respectively. As the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation products, it can be employed as a stability indicating one. Moreover, the proposed HPTLC method was utilized to investigate the kinetics of acid degradation process. Arrhenius plot was constructed and activation energy was calculated.

The purpose of this research was to reduce the polymer concentration and to obtain reasonable viscosity at a lower concentration of pluronic by the addition of a viscosity modifier. A 20% wt/wt pluronic gel was prepared on a weight basis using the cold method. The effect of the amount of tetracycline and Aerosil on gel properties was studied. The gel was evaluated using different parameters: polarizing microscopy, gelation, gel melting, bioadhesivity, viscosity, drug release, and stability of enzyme. An in vivo study was performed to evaluate the clinical efficiency of the liquid crystalline gel. Addition of Aerosil to the gel favored hexagonal phase formation. Viscosity and bioadhesivity increased with an increase in the concentration of Aerosil. Release of tetracycline was sustained as the concentration of Aerosil increased. Various clinical parameters confirmed the acceptability and efficiency of this gel system.

In order to determine the feasibility of dissolution-dialysis as a suitable technique for in vitro evaluation, studies on commercial phenylbutazone tablets were carried out. Although disintegration time and dissolution parameters did not give a true indication of bioavailability, an excellent correlation was obtained between the dialysis rate constant (K) and various pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from bioavailability studies on human volunteers.