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Novel chewable sustained-release tablet containing verapamil hydrochloride
Omaima N El-Gazayerly1, Vipaporn Rakkanka, James W Ayres
1College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA. gazayerly@hotmail.com
Pharmaceutical Development and Technology
|June 19, 2004
Summary
A new chewable verapamil hydrochloride tablet maintains sustained release whether swallowed whole, crushed, or chewed. This formulation offers a valuable alternative for patients, including pediatrics and geriatrics, who have difficulty swallowing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Verapamil hydrochloride is a commonly prescribed medication for cardiovascular conditions.
- Swallowing difficulties are prevalent in pediatric and geriatric populations, limiting oral medication options.
- Existing sustained-release formulations often lose their controlled-release properties upon crushing or chewing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compactable, self-sealing, chewable tablet of verapamil hydrochloride.
- To evaluate the controlled-release properties of the new formulation under various administration methods.
- To assess the suitability of the formulation for patients with swallowing impairments.
Main Methods:
- Tablets were prepared by compressing multi-layered coated beads containing verapamil hydrochloride.
- Dissolution studies were conducted using the USP XXII paddle method for 14 hours.
- The new formulation was tested in three forms: whole, crushed, and chewed tablets.
- Drug release from the new formulation was compared to commercially available Isoptin SR.
Main Results:
- The new chewable tablet formulation demonstrated sustained drug release.
- Sustained release was maintained regardless of whether the tablet was administered whole, crushed, or chewed.
- Crushing or chewing Isoptin SR destroyed its sustained-release properties, unlike the new formulation.
- Drug release profiles were comparable to intact Isoptin SR.
Conclusions:
- A novel chewable verapamil hydrochloride tablet formulation has been successfully developed.
- This formulation retains its controlled-release characteristics across different administration methods (swallowing, crushing, chewing).
- The chewable tablet offers a versatile and patient-friendly alternative for verapamil hydrochloride administration, particularly for those with swallowing difficulties.