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Case studies in swelling polymeric gastric retentive tablets.
1Depomed, Inc., 1360 O'Brien Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. bberner@depomedinc.com
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Swelling tablets taken with food offer therapeutic benefits. Examples like metformin, ciprofloxacin, and furosemide extended-release tablets demonstrate improved drug delivery and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Administering swelling tablets in a fed state has demonstrated therapeutic advantages in marketed products.
- Drug delivery duration is influenced by food intake and tablet characteristics such as size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and therapeutic benefits of swelling tablets administered in the fed state.
- To highlight examples of extended-release formulations utilizing swelling tablet technology.
Main Methods:
- Review of marketed extended-release tablet formulations (Metformin, Ciprofloxacin, Furosemide).
- Analysis of drug release mechanisms (diffusion-based swelling, erosional matrix).
- Characterization of drug delivery profiles in relation to food and tablet properties.
Main Results:
- Metformin extended-release tablets (diffusion-based) show once-daily efficacy and good gastrointestinal solubility.
- Ciprofloxacin extended-release tablets (erosional matrix) deliver drug over 6 hours to the upper GI tract, reducing side effects.
- Furosemide extended-release tablets (erosional matrix) provide controlled delivery to the duodenum/upper jejunum over 6 hours for gradual diuresis/naturesis.
Conclusions:
- Swelling tablet technology, particularly when administered with food, offers significant therapeutic advantages.
- Extended-release formulations utilizing swelling and erosional matrix principles can optimize drug delivery, enhance efficacy, and improve patient tolerability.