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Liquid- and Semisolid-Filled Hard Gelatin Capsules Containing Alpha-Lipoic Acid as a Suitable Dosage Form for Compounding Medicines and Dietary Supplements

  • 0Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
Pharmaceutics +

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July 27, 2024

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July 27, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Liquid-filled capsules offer advantages for medicines and supplements. A novel formulation using alpha lipoic acid in polyethylene glycol 400 with silicon dioxide demonstrated optimal performance and rapid drug release.

Area Of Science

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Materials Science

Background

  • Liquid-filled hard gelatin capsules present advantages for drug delivery and custom preparations.
  • Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) requires optimized formulations for therapeutic and supplement use.
  • Individualized medicine necessitates adaptable drug delivery systems.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To design and characterize novel liquid-filled capsule formulations for alpha lipoic acid.
  • To evaluate the impact of excipients, specifically silicon dioxide, on formulation performance and drug release.
  • To establish a suitable method for preparing ALA formulations for personalized medicine.

Main Methods

  • Eight distinct capsule formulations were developed based on ALA's physicochemical properties.
  • Silicon dioxide was incorporated to achieve a semi-solid consistency and prevent leakage.
  • Formulation performance was assessed, focusing on flow characteristics, viscosity, and drug release kinetics.

Main Results

  • The formulation containing alpha lipoic acid dissolved in polyethylene glycol 400 exhibited the best overall performance.
  • Addition of silicon dioxide modified flow and viscosity but did not significantly impede drug release.
  • Over 85% of the alpha lipoic acid content was released within 5 minutes in the optimized formulation.

Conclusions

  • Liquid-filled capsules are a viable and advantageous dosage form for alpha lipoic acid.
  • The developed formulation, utilizing polyethylene glycol 400 and silicon dioxide, ensures efficient drug delivery and rapid release.
  • This simple compounding technique is suitable for ALA and potentially other substances with similar properties, supporting personalized medicine approaches.

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