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A Review: Novel Advances in Semisolid Dosage Forms & Patented Technology in Semisolid Dosage Forms
A Review: Novel Advances in Semisolid Dosage Forms & Patented Technology in Semisolid Dosage Forms
*Corres.author:-bharat10pharma@gmail.com, Tel.No:-09890830193
Abstract : A recent advance in semisolid dosage form allows modified release as well as flexibility in route of
administration. Recent advance of semi-solid processing has been reviewed, in particular, focusing on iron casting and
product quality. Firstly, fluidity of cast iron slurry is discussed with the data of slurry viscosity and cavity filling ability.
It is pointed out that process design should be done with fraction solid of slurry less than 0.3 to 0.4 and with sufficient
slurry stirring. Next semi-solid casting with pressurization (SSCP) is discussed based on the author's research. Using
inclined cooling plate, cast iron slurry is poured into metal mold, followed by pressurization on the cast surface. Cast
sample obtained shows sound one without porosity and gives reasonable mechanical properties and solidification
structure with fine globular graphite after proper heat treatment. For example, tensile strength 700 to 800 MPa with
elongation value 4 % and Vickers hardness value 520 to 650 are obtained using mold preheated at 300.DEG.C..
Pressurization following the casting produces fine cementite phase in the cast sample which is disintegrated easily to
form graphite particles.
Key words: semisolid dosage form: tensile strength: semi-solid casting with pressurization (SSCP).
d) Use of Novel semisolids in pediatric, geriatrics and (nanoparticle dispersion).However, this nanodispersion
pregnant women should be safe without causing any revealed a rough texture when applied. The
allergic reaction. development of a water-in-oil cream wherein the
e) Novel semisolids should able to extend the release aqueous phase was divided into small droplets solved
pattern in a controlled manner. this problem. Nanoparticles were incorporated in the
f) Novel semisolid should allow its use in different aqueous phase. Hence, the oil phase in which the water
routes of administration with safe, odorless, easy to droplets were dispersed served as a lubricant for
handle and compatible with biological membrane. nanoparticles, thereby preventing a rough feel during
application.
3)NOVEL ADVANCES IN SEMISOLID DASAGE
FORMS: - 3.3) GELS7-10: -
3.1 )OINTMENTS2,5,6 :- a) Controlled release gels: -
Rectal Ointment Drug delivery to nasal or ocular mucosa for either
it is used for the symptomatic relief against anal local or systemic action suffers from many obstacles.
and peri-anal pruritus, pain and inflammation Gel formulations with suitable rheological and
associated with hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fistulas and mucoadhesive properties increase the contact time at
proctitis. Rectal ointment should be applied several the site of absorption. However, drug release from the
times in a day according to the severity of the gel must be sustained if benefits are to be gained from
condition. For intrarectal, use, apply the ointment with the prolonged contact time.
the help of special applicator. Gelrite gels were formed in simulated tear fluid at
concentrations of polymer as low as 0.1%, and it was
3.2) CREAMS1,2,6: - shown that sodium was the most important gel-
a) Creams containing microspheres: - promoting ion in vivo. Rheology, although it may be a
Albumin microsphere containing vitamin A can be questionable technique for evaluating mucoadhesive
administered by using creams topically. 222 ± 25 μm properties of polymers, showed that interactions
size of microsphere of vitamin A were produced by between mucin and polymers were most likely to be
emulsion method. The in vitro and in vivo drug release seen with weak gels.
of a microencapsulated and nonmicroencapsulated The gels were also evaluated in the chamber
vitamin A cream was studied. The in vivo study in six using porcine nasal mucosa and from the results it was
volunteers revealed that these microspheres were able found that the rate of transport of drugs through the
to remain on the skin for a long period of time, and as mucosa could be controlled by the rate of release from
a consequence they were able to prolong the release of the formulation. Furthermore, the chamber can be used
vitamin A to evaluate the potential toxicity of formulations.
b) Lamellar faced creams: -
They are liquid paraffin in water emulsion b) Organogels: -
prepared from cetrimide / fatty alcohol like mixed Sorbitan monostearate, a hydrophobic nonionic
emulsifiers and ternary system formed by dispersing surfactant, gels a number of organic solvents such as
the mixed emulsifier in require quantity of water. The hexadecane, isopropyl myristate, and a range of
cationic emulsifying wax showed phenomenal vegetable oils. Gelation is achieved by
swelling in water and this swelling was due to dissolving/dispersing the organogelator in hot solvent
electrostatic repulsion whish can be suppressed by to produce an organic solution/dispersion, which, on
addition of salt and can be reduced by changing cooling sets to the gel state. Cooling the
surfactant counter ion. solution/dispersion causes a decrease in the solvent-
c) Cream containing lipid Nanoparticles :- gelator affinities, such that at the gelation temperature,
Occlusion of cream is important criteria since it the surfactant molecules self-assemble into toroidal
increases the penetration of topical drugs. This can be inverse vesicles. Further cooling results in the
achieved by using oils and fats like liquid and conversion of the toroids into rod-shaped tubules. is
semisolid paraffin in large quantities. However, such formed which immobilizes the solvent. An organogel
formulations have the limitations of poor cosmetic is thus formed. Sorbitan monostearate gels are opaque,
properties since they have greasy feel and glossy thermoreversible semisolids, and they are stable at
appearance. room temperature for weeks. Such organogels are
The development of a water-in-oil cream containing affected by the presence of additives such as the
small particles of solid paraffin was studied. A high hydrophilic surfactant, polysorbate 20, which improves
degree of occlusivity was obtained with smooth, gel stability and alters the gel microstructure from a
flexible films prepared by drying aqueous dispersions network of individual tubules to star-shaped "clusters"
of solid paraffin particles with a mean size of 200 nm of tubules in the liquid continuous phase. Another
Patil Bharat et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2011,3(1) 422
solid monoester in the sorbitan ester family, sorbitan Amphiphilic gel microstructures consisted mainly of
monopalmitate, also gels organic solvents to give clusters of tubules of gelator molecules that had
opaque, thermoreversible semisolids aggregated upon cooling of the sol phase, forming a
3D network throughout the continuous phase. The gels
demonstrated thermoreversibility. Gelation
temperature and viscosity increased with increasing
gelator concentration, indicating a more robust gel
network. At temperatures near the skin surface
temperature, the gels softened considerably; this would
allow topical application.This study has demonstrated
the formation/preparation of stable, thermoreversible,
thixtropic surfactant gels (amphiphilogels) with
suitable physicalproperties for topical use.
Fig: ORGANOGELS NET FORMATION
eye ointment), oxytetracycline hydrochloride and arteries (superior inferior and middle hemorrhoid
hydrocortisone ophthalmic eye ointment, triosporin artery)
antibiotic eye ointment and sulphacetamide sodium b) Rectal administration: previously this route was
ophthalmic ointment. use for bowel evacuation. But now a day’s rectal route
Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle is widely use for administration of drugs like
layer of tissue behind the white of the eye. The cause paracetamol, aspirin, indomethacin, theophyllin,
of uveitis is poorly understood, but a variety of barbiturates, chlorpromazine and several other
systemic diseases are associated with it. Uveitis has anticonvulsant agents
been treated by various classes of compounds c)Advantage, application and uses: several
including steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory advantages of using rectal semisolids are
agents such as dexamethasone, flurometholone, (1)Large surface area
prednisolone, indomethacin, aspirin, flubiprofen and (2)The ability to bypass first-pass liver metabolism,
diclofenac. (3)Prolongs the residence time
d)Risks of ophthalmic semisolids: Visual (4)And permeability to large molecular weight drugs,
disturbances, including blurred vision such as peptides and proteins. (Insulin gels
e)Formulation ophthalmic semisolids: The administered deep rectally)
ophthalmic pharmaceutical composition of the Rectal preparation are used to treat anorectal pruritis,
invention includes one or more additional ophthalmic inflammation (hydrocortisone), discomfort with
pharmaceutical compositions including buffers, hemorrhoids (hydrocortisone), pain (pramoxine
surfactants, stabilizers, preservatives, ophthalmic hydrochloride) Astringent (for example ZnO),
wetting agents, and ophthalmic diluting agents. protectants and lubricants (coca-butter, lanolin)
Semisolid ophthalmic vehicle contain soft petrolatum. d) Risks of Rectal semisolids: less frequent risk with
Absorption and water soluble bases generally are used rectal administration of drug include skin rash,
for preparation of ophthalmic semisolids are dizziness, pain, headache, abdominal pain,
Mineral oil is added to petrolactum to lower its fusion nervousness, diarrhea, feeling unsteady or clumsy, and
point ( but its addition increases chance of separation wheezing
and to avoid this Ozokerite, Ceresin, Micro crystalline e) Packaging and labeling: rectal semisolids are
wax in small quantity are added packed in special perforated plastic tip for product to
White petrolatum (white petroleum jelly, white soft be administered into anus to treat inflammation, pain
paraffin) is a white-colored, translucent, soft, unctuous associated with hemorrhoids.
mass that is inert, odorless and tasteless. It is a mixture Fast-response needle probes for instant readings in
of semisolid saturated hydrocarbons obtained from tissue, semisolids, and liquids. Also for very small
petroleum. specimens, powders and materials. Needle tip is sealed
It is practically insoluble in ethanol, glycerin and water to ensure only stainless steel contacts specimen. Max.
but is soluble in chloroform and most fixed and Temp. 200°C. 5 ft. lead. Smallest microprobes give
volatile oils. Heating above its melting range (about fastest reading. Short probes are easier to insert and
70°C) for extended times should be avoided, but it can last longer.
be sterilized by dry heat
f) Packaging and labeling: 4.5 VAGINAL21 : -
Package in sterile, collapsible ophthalmic ointment Development of an ideal vaginal formulation with
tubes. For the eye. Keep out of reach of children. Use desired characteristics in terms of safety, efficacy,
only as directed. Prevent contaminating the tip of the patient compliance, aesthetics, acceptability to
tube and gel; avoid contact with the eyelids or regulatory authorities, and cost requires a careful and
surrounding areas. meaningful selection of the active ingredients and
excipients.
4.4 RECTAL : - a) Introduction: The vagina has been explored as a
Rectal tissues are much thicker than other gastro favorable site for the local and systemic delivery of
intestinal epithelial tissue. Bioavailability of this route drugs used for the treatment of female-specific
depends upon pH of environment, lipid solubility of conditions. Vaginal preparation are used as creams
drug. (like foams) and ointment gels
a) Introduction: rectal preparation includes Ointment, b) Vaginal administration: Vagina is an effective
creams; gels are used for application to perianal area. route for drug administration intended mainly for local
Preanal area is the skin immediately surrounding anus. action, but systemic effects of some drugs also can be
Substance applied rectally may be absorbs by diffusion attained.
into circulation via network of three hemorrhoid Several formulations are available for intravaginal
therapy. These include tablets, hard and soft gelatin
Patil Bharat et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2011,3(1) 427
capsules, creams, suppositories, pessaries, foams, useful device for releasing drugs in a controlled
ointments, gels, films, tampons, vaginal rings, and manner at these desired sites.
douches Oral anesthetic gel for the temporary relief of
c) Advantages, applications and uses: The major occasional minor irritation and pain associated with
advantages of this route include minor dental procedures; minor irritation of the mouth
(1) Accessibility and large surface area, and gums caused by dentures or orthodontic appliances
(2) Good blood supply, like sore mouth, gum and throat; minor injury of the
(3) The ability to bypass first-pass liver metabolism, mouth and gums; canker sores or stomatitis.
(4) Prolongs the residence time
(5) And permeability to large molecular weight drugs, 5)PATENTED TECHNOLOGIES IN
23,24
such as peptides and proteins. SEMISOLIDS : -
Among the delivery systems proposed for this route 5.1 DELIVERY OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY
intravaginal gels, have been found to be potential USING SEMISOLID DOSAGE FORM : -
vaginal drug delivery systems. The bioadhesives used Lysostaphin was formulated into a hydrophilic cream
in the formulation of gels play a key role in the release that forms an emulsion with the secretions of the nasal
of the drug through the attachment to the vaginal mucosa, and aqueous formulations were made
mucosa, where the drug diffuses from the gel to the containing the mucoadhesive polymers polystyrene
mucus. sulfonate and chitosan. Intranasal pharmacokinetics of
Vaginal administration of drugs is mainly used for the the drugs was measured in mice and cotton rats.
treatment of local infections such as vaginitis, bacterial Lysostaphin formulated in the cream increased nasal
vaginosis, candidiasis, and other infections retention of the drug as compared to lysostaphin in
Microbicides, these agents and formulations are also saline drops. Furthermore, the levels of lysostaphin in
potential vaginal contraceptives are used in treatment the nose after instillation of cream are still above the
of vulvovaginal infection, vaginitis, anti-infective minimum bactericidal concentration for most bacterial
(Clotrimazole, miconazole, clindamycin, sulfonamide), strains. The liquid polymer formulations also resulted
Endometrial atrophy dienesterol, progesterone are used in prolonged retention of antibody in the nose, with
and Contraceptive like nonoxynol-9, octoxynol are higher levels as compared to antibody in saline drops.
also used The results demonstrate that cream and polymer
d) Formulation Vaginal semisolids: Depending on delivery systems significantly decrease the clearance
the characteristics of the dosage form, excipients with rate of lysostaphin from the nose, thereby enhancing
different functionalities are used. All excipients their therapeutic potential for eradicating S. aureus
present in a vaginal formulation may not be inert and nasal colonization.
therefore exhibit specific activities, which may affect
the primary activity of the active molecule. Recent 5.2 TOPICAL DELIVERY OF VITAMIN A : -
studies have shown that some excipients possess Burst release as well as sustained release of vitamin A
activities against sexually transmitted pathogens. can be obtained by using SLN suspensions. For dermal
application burst release and sustain release are taken
The ingredients normally used as excipients and into consideration. Burst release can be useful to
possessing potent antimicrobial activities include improve the penetration of a drug. Sustained release
benzalkonium chloride, sodium dodecyl becomes important with active ingredients that are
sulfate/sodium lauryl sulfate, carrageenan, cellulose irritating at high concentrations or to supply the skin
acetate phthalate (CAP), and undecylenic acid. over a prolonged period of time with a drug.
Bases uses for preparation of vaginal semisolids are of Glyceryl behenate SLN were loaded with vitamin A
water washable type and the release profiles were studied. Franz diffusion
e) Packaging and labeling: vaginal semisolids are cells were used to assess the release kinetic over a
packed in collapsible tube and Keep out of reach of period of 24 h. Within the first few hours SLN
children. Use only as directed displayed controlled release. After longer periods of
time, the release rate increased and even exceeded the
4.6 ORAL22:- release rate of comparable nanoemulsions. Pure SLN
Drug delivery through the oral route has been the most dispersions were characterized by low viscosity.
common method in the pharmaceutical applications of
hydrogels. In peroral administration, hydrogels can 5.3 DELIVERY OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH
deliver drugs to four major specific sites; mouth, FACTOR BY TOPICAL ROUTE :-
stomach, small intestine and colon. By controlling The study investigating the effect of a topical
their swelling properties or bioadhesive characteristics Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF)
in the presence of a biological fluid, hydrogels can be a ointment on the rate of wound healing and skin re-
Patil Bharat et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2011,3(1) 428
epithelialization in a rat full thickness wound model, to Foams may be formulated in various ways to provide
verify whether or not the rhEGF treatment affects both emollient or drying functions to the skin, depending on
myofibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in the formulation constituents. Therefore, this delivery
the dermis was carried out when rhEGF was applied technology should be a useful addition to the spectrum
topically from the result it was found that, there was of formulations available for topical use; however, as
significantly enhanced wound closure. A histological yet, only a few are commercially available. Probably
examination concluded that the rhEGF treatment the most convincing argument for the use of foams is
increased the number of proliferating nuclear antigen ease of use by the patient, and consumer acceptance.
immunoreactive cells in the epidermis layer. In Most foam dosage forms used in dermatology to date
addition, the immunoreactive area of alpha-smooth have incorporated corticosteroids, although some
muscle actin and the expression of prolyl 4- products have also been used to deliver antiseptics,
hydroxylase were significantly higher than those of the antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, local
control group. Overall, a topical treatment of rhEGF anesthetic agents, skin emollients, and protectants.
ointment promotes wound healing by increasing the
rate of epidermal proliferation and accelerating the 6) CHEMICAL TESTS : -
level of wound contraction related to myofibroblast Chemical tests to be performed include,
proliferation and collagen deposition. a) Chemical potency test
b) Content uniformity test
5.4TOPICAL MEDICATIONS FOR OROFACIAL c) pH measurement
NEUROPATHIC PAIN :-
There are an ever-increasing number of agents that can 6.1 IN-VITRO RELEASE PROFILE TEST 25: -
be used to help patients with neuropathic-based oral The principal in vitro technique for studying skin
and perioral pain problems. A clear advancement in penetration involves use of some variety of a diffusion
the delivery of such medications is the development of cell like Franz cell and Flow through cell in which
a vehicle-carrier agent (pluronic lecithin organogel) animal or human skin is fastened to a holder and the
that can penetrate the mucosa and cutaneous tissues passage of compounds from the epidermal surface to a
and carry the active medication with it to the treatment fluid bath is measured.
site. The major problem underlying these treatment
strategies is that except for patient testimony and a few 6.2 INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS
studies, there are limited empirical data on the efficacy 1.ANALYSIS OF PHARMACEUTICAL CREAMS
of most of these new formulations, and additional USING UV SPECTROPHOTOMETRY : -
research is clearly needed. Because of their rapid onset Solid-phase extraction (SPE) using C-18, diol and ion-
and low side-effect profile, topical medications offer a exchange sorbents followed by UV spectrophotometric
distinct advantage over systemic administration for (conventional and derivative mode) assay was applied
those orofacial disorders that are regional, near the to the analysis of basic, acidic and neutral drugs
surface and chronic and that demonstrate some commercially available in creams. A representative set
response such as pain relief to topical or subcutaneous of drugs (promethazine, chlorhexidine, benzydamine,
anesthetics. ketoprofen, ibuprofen, fentiazac, piroxicam,
fluorouracil, crotamiton and hydrocortisone acetate)
5.5 FOAM DRUG DELIVERY : - was selected, and for each drug the appropriate SPE
Pharmaceutical foams are pressurized dosage forms conditions (adsorption, washing and elution) were
containing one or more active ingredients that, upon investigated to obtain a practical and reliable sample
valve actuation, emit a fine dispersion of liquid and/or clean-up.
solid materials in a gaseous medium. Foam
formulations are, 2.MODIFIED USP TYPE II DISSOLUTION
a) Generally easier to apply, APPARATUS : -
b) Less dense, Dissolution apparatus is modified for studying the in
c) Spread more easily than other topical dosage forms. vitro release of phenol from ointment. It comprised a
200-mL vessel, 2.5 * 1.5 cm paddle, and an Enhancer
diffusion cell (VanKel, Cary, NC). The cell contained
an adjustable-capacity sample reservoir, a washer for
controlling the exposure of the surface area, and an
open screw-on cap to secure the washer and membrane
over the sample reservoir. The water bath was
maintained at 37 C. Filled cells were placed in the
bottom of the vessels, and the paddles were lowered to
Fig: FOAM DRUG DELIVERY
Patil Bharat et al /Int.J. PharmTech Res.2011,3(1) 429
1 cm above the sample surface. 50 ml of high- Semisolid products are manufacture by heating and are
performance liquid chromatography–grade filtered filled into the container while cooling still in the liquid
water, degassed and prewarmed to 37 0C, was used as state. It is important to established optimum pour
the dissolution medium. point, the best temperature for filling and set or
congealing point, the temperature at which the product
3.ANALYSIS OF GEL USING FT-NIR become immobile in the container.
TRANSMISSION SPECTROSCOPY :- Topical dermatological products are packed in either
Transmission Fourier transform near- infrared (FT- jar or tubes whereas ophthalmic, nasal, vaginal and
NIR) spectroscopy was used for quantitative analysis rectal semisolid products are almost always packed in
of an active ingredient in atranslucent gel formulation. tubes.
Gels were prepared using Carbopol 980 with 0%, 1%, The specific FDA regulation pertaining to drug
2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% ketoprofen and analyzed with an products state that,
FT-NIR spectrophotometer operated in the “Container closures and other component part of
transmission mode. The correlation coefficient of the drug packages, to be suitable for that intended use
calibration was 0.9996, and the root mean squared must not be reactive, additive or absorptive to the
error of calibration was 0.0775%. The percent relative extent that identity, strength, quality or purity of
standard deviation for multiple measurements was drug will be affected.”
0.10%.
The requirements and expectations of 2DE increase, All drug product containers and closures must be
new technologies emerge in a bid to more accurately approved by stability testing of product in the final
capture the sometimes small, but significant, changes container in which it is marketed. This includes
occurring in proteomics experiments. Therefore a stability testing of filled container at room temperature
proteomics researcher requires software that is e.g. 20 0 C as well as under accelerated stability testing
extremely sensitive and still maintains his confidence condition e.g. 40 - 50 0 C.
in the analysis. Ointment, creams and gels are most frequently packed
in 5, 15 and 30 gm tubes. Ophthalmic ointments
7. PACKAGING OF NOVEL SEMISOLIDS : - typically are packed in small aluminum or collapsible
plastic tubes holding 3.5 gm of ointment .
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