Deterred drug abuse using superabsorbent polymers

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) are crucial for preventing drug misuse.
• Traditional ADFs using high molecular weight polymers face challenges like slow dissolution and vulnerability to abuse methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) as potential alternatives for ADFs.
• To assess SAPs' ability to deter drug extraction, filtration, and syringeability abuse.

Main Methods:

• Commercial SAPs were tested for swelling in solvents and tableting properties.
• Post-compaction abuse resistance was evaluated via solvent extraction and syringeability tests.
• Tramadol HCl was used as a model drug to assess drug release and extraction.

Main Results:

• Certain SAPs demonstrated rapid solvent imbibement, effectively inhibiting drug extraction.
• Tablets formulated with SAPs showed no adverse impact on in vitro drug release.
• SAPs maintained their swelling capacity even after tablet compaction.

Conclusions:

• Superabsorbent polymers exhibit suitable tableting characteristics and robust swelling properties post-compaction.
• SAPs' rapid and extensive interaction with aqueous media offers advantages over agents like poly(ethylene oxide).
• SAPs represent a viable option for developing advanced abuse-deterrent drug formulations.