Abstract: A multiple unit oral pharmaceutical dosage form having a plurality of pellets in a water soluble capsule or in a tablet compressed from the pellets, wherein each pellet contains (a) a substantially inert core, (b) an active ingredient layer over the inert core, and containing (i) a pharmacologically active particulate active ingredient, (ii) a nonembedding amount of a binder for adhering the active ingredient over the inert core, and optionally (iii) a pharmaceutically acceptable, inert adjuvant, such as colloidal silica, and (c) a coating over the active ingredient layer for retarding the release of the active ingredient from the active ingredient layer into an aqueous body fluid solvent in situ, the nonembedding amount of the binder is suitably from about 1% wt. to about 10% wt.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical preparation containing a therapeutically effective amount of a salt of morphine for administration once daily is provided. The preparation contains particles which have a core containing a salt of morphine coated with a barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed from a coating liquid that contains at least one water insoluble barrier forming component selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose, copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic esters and natural or synthetic waxes, and a plasticizer. The mean serum concentration of morphine obtained is at least 50% of the maximum serum concentration during at least 12 hours after the administration of a single dose of the preparation.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for diltiazem-HCl comprises:a blend of fast, medium and slow release fractions of a multi-layered diltiazem bead substrate, the fast release fraction comprised of a diltiazem bead substrate layered with a polymeric membrane coating having a membrane coating weight gain of from 14 to 18 percent, the medium release fraction comprised of a diltiazem bead substrate layered with a polymeric membrane coating having a membrane coating weight gain of from 39 to 43 percent, and the slow release fraction comprised of diltiazem bead substrate layered with polymeric membrane coating having a membrane coating weight gain of from 63 to 67 percent, wherein at least one of the polymeric membrane coatings comprises a water-insoluble, slightly permeable polymer and a plasticizer triethyl citrate.

Abstract: Bioavailability of salmon calcitonin to be administered orally is enhanced by a pharmaceutical composition providing targeted release of the peptide to the intestine, together with an absorption enhancer and a sufficient amount of a pH-lowering agent to lower local intestinal pH. Specific concentrations and classes of these agents are disclosed to account for the particular characteristics of salmon calcitonin.

Abstract: A superior enteric formulation of the antidepressant drug, fluoxetine, is in the form of enteric pellets of which the enteric layer comprises hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to obtain a targeted and controlled release of drugs, the pharmacological action and absorption of which takes place in the intestine and in particular in the ileum and in the colon.To achieve this objective the drug is coated with two membranes, one having pH dependent solubility and the other insoluble but permeable to intestinal juices.As long as the coated drug remains in the stomach and in the upper part of the intestinal tract, that is as long as the pH is lower than 5.5, it is not released.Only when it reaches an environment with a higher pH (small intestine and/or colon), the pH dependent membrane dissolves and the release of the drug can begin.From this moment the second membrane, pH-independent but permeable to intestinal juices, carries out its action which is to slow down and control the dissolution of the drug in the small intestine-colon tract.

Abstract: Provided are enteric coating compositions which utilize a low viscosity cellulose acetate phthalate polymer as a film former. The cellulose acetate phthalates have an inherent viscosity of about 0.2 to 0.6 dL/g and phthalyl values of from 30 to 40% and can be applied to solid oral medicaments with less solvent than conventional cellulose acetate phthalate polymers. Also provided is a process for preparing the low viscosity cellulose acetate phthalate polymers.

Abstract: An enteric preparation prepared by coating a solid dosage form with a fine powder enteric coating agent while spraying a liquid plasticizer.

Abstract: Dosage forms for oral administration of a methylphenidate drug are provided. The dosage forms provide a substantially immediate dose of methylphenidate upon ingestion, followed by one or more additional doses at predetermined times. By providing such a drug release profile, the dosage forms eliminate the need for a patient to carry an additional dose for ingestion during the day. The dosage forms and methods provided are useful in administering methylphenidate and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which generally require one or more doses throughout the day.

Abstract: A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core having diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as the active ingredient. The core is surrounded by a coating which has only a single layer which is comprised of a relatively major proportion of talc and relatively minor proportion of sodium lauryl sulfate admixed with a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, first polymer permeable to water and diltiazem, and a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, second polymer that is less permeable to water and diltiazem than the first polymer. The core and the coating layer both exclude organic acids. The composition of the coating layer as well as the proportion of core to coating layer are effective to permit release of the diltiazem allowing controlled absorption following oral administration.

Abstract: A once-a-day controlled release diltiazem formulation is described which includes:(a) from 20 to 50% by weight of enteric polymeric membrane coated pellets comprising a polymer membrane coated core which comprises a biologically inert core which is coated with a first layer which consists essentially of diltiazem and a polymeric binder; and a second layer which comprises a membrane comprising a pH dependent polymeric material; and(b) from 50% to 80% by weight of delayed pulse polymeric membrane coated pellets comprising a polymeric membrane coated core which comprises a biologically inert core which is coated with a first layer which consists essentially of diltiazem and a polymeric binder and a second layer which comprises a polymeric membrane which will substantially maintain its integrity in the varying pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract but is permeable to diltiazem; and(c) a unit dose containment system.

Abstract: A controlled release pharmaceutical composition for oral administration in humans or animals, comprising a controlled release matrix comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable sodium alginate, a pharmaceutically acceptable water swellable polymer, a pharmaceutically acceptable C.sub.2 -C.sub.50 edible hydrocarbon derivative having a melting point ranging from 25.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. and a pharmaceutically acceptable divalent salt selected from the group consisting of an iron salt, a zinc salt, a magnesium salt, an aluminum salt and a calcium salt and mixtures of any of the foregoing and a therapeutically active agent to be administered and a lubricant or lubricants suitable for forming the composition into tablets or capsules and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Liquisolid systems are acceptably flowing and compressible powdered forms of liquid medications. According to the concept of liquisolid systems, liquid lipophilic drugs, or water-insoluble solid drugs dissolved in suitable non-volatile solvents, may be converted into free-flowing and readily compressible powders by a simple admixture with selected powder excipients referred to as the carrier and coating materials. Various grades of microcrystalline or amorphous cellulose may be used as carriers, whereas very fine particle size silica powders may be used as coating materials. Based on the theory that the carrier and coating materials can retain only certain amounts of liquid and at the same time maintain acceptable flow and compression properties, a new formulation-mathematical model is provided to calculate the optimum quantities of carrier and coating materials required to yield acceptably flowing and compressible liquid/powder admixtures.

Abstract: Sustained release oral solid dosage forms comprising agglomerated particles of a therapeutically active medicament in amorphous form, a gelling agent, an ionizable gel strength enhancing agent and an inert diluent, as well as processes for preparing and using the same are disclosed. The sustained release oral solid dosage forms are useful in the treatment of hypertension in human patients.

Abstract: A dietary supplement comprising herbs and herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids effective in modulating hematological toxicities, enhancing the immune system and maintaining appetite and weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for increasing the alertness of an individual through the administration of a stimulant such as xanthine or an xanthine derivative and preferably caffeine. A particular composition has one or more layers containing the stimulant arranged about the cores of microparticles. This allows the composition to release a significant portion of the stimulant within about two hours after administration so that a level of alertness can be readily achieved. Thereafter, the balance of the composition is released within about 6 to 10 hours, so that the stimulant can provide alertness during that time, but then can dissipate to levels which would not affect the individual's ability to sleep. Also, the formulation is carefully designed so that the stimulant does not accumulate in the individual's system.

Abstract: Improved biocompatible liquid delivery compositions, which are useful for the formation of sustained release delivery systems for active agents, are provided. The compositions include liquid formulations of a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer in combination with a controlled release component. The controlled release component includes an active agent. These compositions may be introduced into the body of a subject in liquid form which then solidify or cure in situ to form a controlled release implant or a film dressing. The liquid delivery compositions may also be employed ex situ to produce a controlled release implant. Methods of forming a controlled release implant and employing the liquid formulations in the treatment of a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The preparation consists of millispheres, microspheres, nanospheres or array-type particles consisting of a nucleus of a gellable hydrocolloid onto which has been deposited a film of a cationic polysaccharide, and incorporating inside a pharmacologically useful drug. The procedure consists of dissolving, suspending or emulsifying the drug in a solution of the gellable hydrocolloid; adding the resulting mixture to a gelling solution; and suspending the resulting millispheres, microspheres, nanospheres or array-type particles in a solution of the cationic polysaccharide.

Abstract: Provided are enteric coating compositions which utilize a low viscosity cellulose acetate phthalate polymer as a film former. The cellulose acetate phthalates have an inherent viscosity of about 0.2 to 0.6 dL/g and phthalyl values of from 30 to 40% and can be applied to solid oral medicaments with less solvent than conventional cellulose acetate phthalate polymers. Also provided is a process for preparing the low viscosity cellulose acetate phthalate polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agent for curing neuronal diseases caused by disorders of peripheral nervous system or central nervous system, which comprises a 2-acylaminopropanol derivative represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## ?wherein R.sup.1 represents a phenyl group or cyclohexyl group each of which may be substituted by 1 to 3 same or different substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy and nitro, or represents an alkyl group, and n represents an integer of 0 to 16! or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an effective ingredient. It accelerates neurite extension and synapse formation by elevating biosynthesis of endogenous sphingoglycolipid of neurocytes, particularly ganglioside, whereby it can be used for curing various diseases of central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for increasing the alertness of an individual through the administration of a stimulant such as xanthine or an xanthine derivative and preferably caffeine. A particular composition has one or more layers containing the stimulant arranged about the cores of microparticles. This allows the composition to release a significant portion of the stimulant within about two hours after administration so that a level of alertness can be readily achieved. Thereafter, the balance of the composition is released within about 6 to 10 hours, so that the stimulant can provide alertness during that time, but then can dissipate to levels which would not affect the individual's ability to sleep. Also, the formulation is carefully designed so that the stimulant does not accumulate in the individual's system.

Abstract: A solid oral dosage form for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical suitable for the treatment of gastric disorders selected from the group consisting of cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, diphenoxylate, loperamide, loperamide-N-oxide, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and combinations thereof; and a therapeutically effective amount of simethicone wherein the pharmaceutical and simethicone are separated by a barrier which is substantially impermeable to simethicone.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an oral controlled release pharmaceutical preparation in the form of a capsule containing a plurality of coated particles comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a salt of morphine coated with a barrier membrane providing a controlled, preferably pH-independent, release of morphine in that the serum concentration of morphine obtained is at least 50% of the maximum serum concentration during at least 12 hours after administration of a single dose, comprising spray coating the morphine containing particles with a coating liquid and drying.

Abstract: A once-daily naproxen formulation for oral administration having a first portion of the naproxen as a multi-particulate pellet form, each pellet having a core of naproxen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, the core being surrounded by a multi-layer membrane and optionally a second portion of naproxen formulated to release the drug promptly following oral administration.

Abstract: A programmed release pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a core, containing the active ingredient, coated by a hydrophobic layer is described. Such dosage forms release the active ingredient after a pre-established no-release interval which does not depend on physiological factors.

Abstract: A biocompatible microcapsule containing living cells encapsulated in a membrane is disclosed. The membrane is a complex formed by the cohesion of two polymer layers. An inner layer comprises a substrate biopolymer and an outer layer comprises a synthetic polyelectrolyte having an electrolytic charge opposite that of the substrate biopolymer. Droplets of a solution of substrate biopolymer containing a suspension of living cells can be added to a solution comprising the synthetic polyelectrolyte to form the encapsulates. The membrane is formed by the cohesion of the oppositely-charge polymer layers to form a complex of substrate biopolymer and synthetic polyelectrolyte. Preferably, the inner layer contains a cationic biopolymer, such as collagen modified to have a pKI of 9, or an anionic biopolymer such as esterified or modified hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of the diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twenty four hour period following oral administration.

Abstract: An oral controlled release pharmaceutical preparation in the form of a tablet, capsule or sachet containing a plurality of coated particles comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a salt of morphine coated with a barrier membrane providing a controlled, preferably pH-independent, release of morphine in that the serum concentration of morphine obtained is at least 50% of the maximum serum concentration during at least 12 hours after administration of a single dose, and providing a significantly reduced plasma concentration fluctuation compared to known morphine preparations. A method for the manufacture of such a preparation and the use of such preparations for the manufacture of an analgesic useful in the treatment of severe chronicle pain are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a matrix preparation produced by dispersing a pharmaceutically active ingredient into a matrix which is solid at ambient temperature and comprised of a fatty acid ester of a polyglycerol. The preparation has stable release-controlling ability, can be processed to fine granules, granules, capsules, tablets etc., and contributes to reduce the administration times of the active ingredient and side effects of the ingredient.

Abstract: New biotenside esters, processes for their preparation and their use as solvents and hydrotropic agents (coemulgators) in the preparation of spontaneously dispersible concentrates containing therapeutic or cosmetic agents are described.

Abstract: Water soluble macromers are modified by addition of free radical polymerizable groups, such as those containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, which can be polymerized under mild conditions to encapsulate tissues, cells, or biologically active materials. The polymeric materials are particularly useful as tissue adhesives, coatings for tissue lumens including blood vessels, coatings for cells such as islets of Langerhans, coatings, plugs, supports or substrates for contact with biological materials such as the body, and as drug delivery devices for biologically active molecules.

Abstract: A particulate carrier for an agent comprising a solid core of a polysaccharide and a proteinaceous material and an organometallic polymer bonded to the core is provided. The agent has a biological activity, such as immunogenicity, and may comprise the proteinaceous material or be a separate component of the core. Polysaccharide cores include dextran, starch, cellulose and derivatives thereof and the organometallic polymer includes silicones including substituted silicones. The particulate carriers are useful for delivering agents to the immune system of a subject by mucosal or parenteral administration to produce immune responses, including antibody responses.

Abstract: The improved pharmaceutical preparation for oral administration which is adapted to release the drug at appropriate sites in the intestines comprises: a core that comprises an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, a first layer that covers the core and which comprises an enteric or water-soluble ingredient and an optional insoluble ingredient, a second layer that covers the first layer and which comprises a non-enteric ingredient that dissolves upon reacting with at least one ingredient in the core, and a third layer that covers the second layer and which comprises an enteric ingredient. This preparation is characterized in that it will not release the active ingredient until after it reaches a desired site in the intestines and that, in addition, it is capable of controlling the rate at which the active ingredient is released after it has reached the desired site.

Abstract: In a pharmaceutical preparation for oral use containing a pharmacologically acceptable salt of a bisphosphonic acid, the improvement comprising: a drug delivery form of the preparation which is enteric coated with a film which dissolves at a pH-value of from 5 to 7.2.

Abstract: A superior enteric formulation of the antidepressant drug, duloxetine, is in the form of enteric pellets of which the enteric layer comprises hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate.

Abstract: A sustained-release pharmaceutical composition comprising a highly soluble pharmaceutical agent, such as selegiline, in a pharmaceutical carrier comprising a hydrophilic polymer dispersed in a hydrophobic matrix. A hydrophilic microenvironment is created in a hydrophobic matrix by incorporating hydrophilic polymers within a hydrophobic matrix. Optionally, a binder, preferably a polyhydroxylated compound, ca also be added.

Abstract: Stable, cold water-dispersible, liquid or pulverous compositions of fat-soluble substances which contain fish gelatin as the protective colloid and a method of making same are described.

Abstract: A method of coating substrates such as pharmaceutical tablets, food and confectionery forms, agricultural seeds and the like, with a protective film comprises the steps of mixing a cellulosic polymer, maltodextrin, and a plasticizer into water to form an aqueous coating suspension, spraying an effective amount of said coating suspension onto said substrates to form a film coating on said substrates, and drying the film coating on said substrates. Optionally, a detackifier, a secondary film former, a flow aid, and/or a colorant may be dispersed into the coating suspension before applying the coating suspension to the substrates. A dry powder edible film coating composition for use in pharmaceuticals, food and confectionery forms, agricultural seeds, and the like, comprises a dry mixture of a cellulosic polymer, maltodextrin, and a plasticizer. Optionally, the dry coating composition may include a detackifier, a secondary film former, a flow aid, and/or a colorant.

Abstract: An extended release pharmaceutical formulation adapted to approach zero order release of drug over a 12 to at least 24 hour period, comprised of a mixture of 0 to about 50% of an immediate release particle containing a drug, inert substrate and binder, coated with talc and up to 100% of an extended release particle comprising the immediate release particle coated with a dissolution modifying system containing plasticizers and a film forming agent.

Abstract: A programmed release pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a core, containing the active ingredient, coated by a hydrophobic layer is described. Such dosage forms release the active ingredient after a pre-established no-release interval which does not depend on physiological factors.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation including a drug incorporated into hydrophobic particles comprised of long chain carboxylic acid or ester thereof or long chain alcohol, wherein the particles are incorporated into a unit dosage form and are individually coated with an enteric coating and/or the unit dosage form includes an enteric protective material.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical delivery systems containing 7-dimethyl-6-deoxy-6-demethyltetracycline or a non-toxic acid addition salt thereof comprising mixtures or separate administration units of pH sensitive polymer coated spherical granules adapted to release the minocycline in a medium having a pH of in the range of from about 4.0 to about 7.5 and coated or uncoated quick release granules adapted to release minocycline in a medium having a pH of less than about 3.9 or minocycline powder, pH adapted multi-coated compositions and oral dosage unit form liquids, capsules or tablets containing the above are provided. These systems and formulations provide at least minimum therapeutic blood levels of minocycline for at least about 24 hours when administered to a subject only once-a-day. Methods for the preparation of the systems and formulations are provided as well.

Abstract: An oral dosage form of morphine is formulated by powder-layering an homogeneous mixture of morphine sulfate and hydrous lactose impalpable onto inert beads to obtain a multiparticulate product. A plurality of the powder-layered beads may be administered either in immediate release form or in an extended release form by coating with a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: Aqueous coating compositions for forming elastomeric films around active cores (e.g., drugs) comprising a dispersion of pre-crosslinked polyorganosiloxane latex particles, colloidal silica particles, and a water-dispersible organic material (e.g., polyethylene glycol) are disclosed and claimed. The elastomeric films formed by the coating compositions are used to control the rate of release of an active agent in the cores into an aqueous environment. Methods of formulating the coating compositions and active cores coated with the coating compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a matrix preparation produced by dispersing a pharmaceutically active ingredient into a matrix which is solid at ambient temperature and comprised of a fatty acid ester of a polyglycerol. The preparation has stable release controlling ability, can be processed to fine granules, granules, capsules, tablets etc., and contributes to reduction of the administration times of the active ingredient and side effects of the ingredient.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of the diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twenty four hour period following oral administration.

Abstract: The microbeads are composed of a core containing the active ingredient and a microporous membrane, insoluble in aqueous medium, consisting of a film-forming polymer, a plasticizer and a filling material.The membrane has a thickness such that diltiazem is released in vitro at an approximately constant rate for at least 6 hours after a latent period of less than one hour.The active ingredient can be intimately mixed with the core or included in a polyvinyl pyrrolidone layer coating an inert grain.The sustained-release microbeads are formed by application to the core of a dispersion of the constituents of the membrane in a solvent and evaporation of the solvent.The pharmaceutical compositions consist of capsules containing the microbeads. They are administered orally one or twice per day, depending on the dose, for the treatment of angina or hypertension.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twelve hour period following oral administration. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro which when measured in a dissolution apparatus (Paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KC1 at pH 7.0 results in not more than 35% of the total diltiazem being released after 2 hours of measurement.

Abstract: Coated pharmaceutical dosage forms which are resistant to gastric juice and release their active ingredient rapidly at a predetermined pH value in the range from pH 5 to pH 8 are obtained in accordance with the invention by coating pharmaceutical dosage forms with an aqueous dispersion containing dispersed latex particles of a first polymer which contains carboxyl groups and is water soluble between pH 5 and pH 8 and of a second water insoluble film forming polymer, in a weight ratio between 60:40 and 5:95.

Abstract: The slow release preparation obtained by the method of the invention reduces the number of times the medicine needs to be taken per day, and also provides lower peaks of concentration in the blood after the medicine has been taken while simultaneously ensuring that the lowest concentration in the blood remains higher over a period of time.