Paediatric and geriatric populations, as well as other special patient populations with swallowing problems, require patient-tai-lored dosage forms. One promising dosage form for these specific populations is orodispersible films. When preparing orodispersible films using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the film-forming polymer and glycerine as the plasticizer, it is essential to determine the optimal mixing time and mixing speed of the casting solution to achieve the desired transparency/opacity of the orodispersible films. In this paper, the primary focus is on mixing time and mixing speed, and determining how these two parameters can influence optical characteristics. All tested parameters are supported by FTIR anal - ysis. The obtained results show that either a mixing speed of 7000 rpm on a high-shear mixer for 15 min or a mixing speed of 9000 rpm for 5 min can produce films with optimal optical characteristics.

Abstract Four natural sweeteners (sucrose, xylitol, fructose, and isomalt) were selected to examine the influence of their qualities and amounts on the characteristics of orodispersible films. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (2% w/w) was utilized as the film-forming polymer and 1% w/w glycerol as a plasticizer. Films were produced through the solvent casting method, rendering them suitable for convenient application in community or hospital pharmacy settings. The physicochemical and optical properties of the films were analyzed, and Fourier-transform infrared analysis was carried out. All films exhibited acceptable disintegration time, uniformity of mass, thickness, and optical characteristics, with significant dependence (p<0.05) on both sweetener type and quantity. Disintegration time varied based on the employed method, as well as the characteristics and amount of sweetener. Additionally, all films maintained pH values within the oral cavity range, suggesting no potential irritancy upon administration. Fourier-transform infrared analysis confirmed the formation of the film and demonstrated compatibility between its components.

Although solid oral dosage forms present majority of commonly prescribed drugs, some patients struggle with ingesting them (Awad et al., 2021). Amongst those, a very significant group is the pediatric population. On the other side, questions concerning dosage consistency arise when it comes to liquid oral preparations, particularly for suspensions (Gupta et al., 2021). To avoid the limitations of conventional oral dosage forms, orodispersible films (ODFs) were developed as a promising, patient-tailored therapeutic alternative. After the administration, ODFs are swallowed naturally with saliva, and there is no need for additional water (Yadav et al., 2021). Furthermore, in terms of the pediatric population, the product not only has to be easy to swallow, but it also has to be visually appealing. Therefore, a lot of attention is dedicated to the visual appearance of ODFs, including their color and transparency or opacity (Zamanian et al., 2021). One of the methods used to produce ODFs is the solvent casting of polymer solution/dispersion. The aim of our study was to determine whether high shear mixer heads have an influence on the optical characteristics and disintegration time of the obtained ODFs.

OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of vehicles on the stability of extemporaneous suspensions of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), to single out the formulation most suitable for children, providing appropriate evidence and arguments. METHODS A review was performed of data identified from Medline, Embase, Science Direct, as well as public digital archive PubMed, including reference texts, related to the field of stability testing of extemporaneous PPI suspensions. RESULTS Fourteen selected formulations of extemporaneous suspensions are presented and discussed. Depending on the vehicle and its composition, which was analyzed and explained in detail, the suspensions had various beyond-use dates (BUDs). CONCLUSIONS Selected vehicles and the process of preparation had great influence on the stability of extemporaneous PPI suspensions. The suspension with the longest BUD has been singled out, which is especially suitable for use in newborns. Because an explanation is provided for the influence of individual vehicle components on the stability of the mentioned suspensions, this can aid not only in the selection of an adequate formulation, but also in the development of new ones, which will be suited to individual patients.

Dimenhydrinate (DMH) is used for the prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, dizziness and vertigo associated with motion sickness in a dose of 50 mg 1. It’s made of two drugs in a form of salt, diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline which synergically decrease motion caused neural excitation 2. DMH is classified as a slightly soluble drug and it belongs to class II of BCS classification as a drug with low solubility and high permeability 3. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides formed by α-1,4-linked glucose units with a hydrophilic outer surface and a lipophilic central cavity. Formation of inclusion complex by incorporating a drug in the central CD cavity provides improvement of physicochemical properties without molecular modifications. Solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs can be increased 4. Aqueous solubility of natural CDs is limited due to their tendency to form H-bonded associations. However, due to multiple reactive hydroxyl groups, their functionality can be greatly increased by chemical modification 5. CDs’ substituted derivates can overcome poor solubility issues and enhance bioavailability. Hydroxypropylβ-CD (HP-β-CD) has good inclusion ability, high water solubility and it’s safe for intravenous and oral administration 6. Stability constant (Ks) and complexation efficacy (CE) are important for assessing the binding characteristics of the drug and CD. They can be determined by the phase solubility studies where the change of the drug solubility is corresponding to the concentration of CD 7. Linear (AL) type of the curve implies that one molecule of the drug forms inclusion complex with one molecule of the CD. Apparent stability constant K1:1 can be calculated from the following equation:

Microneedles (MNs) represent the concept of attractive, minimally invasive puncture devices of micron-sized dimensions that penetrate the skin painlessly and thus facilitate the transdermal administration of a wide range of active substances. MNs have been manufactured by a variety of production technologies, from a range of materials, but most of these manufacturing methods are time-consuming and expensive for screening new designs and making any modifications. Additive manufacturing (AM) has become one of the most revolutionary tools in the pharmaceutical field, with its unique ability to manufacture personalized dosage forms and patient-specific medical devices such as MNs. This review aims to summarize various 3D printing technologies that can produce MNs from digital models in a single step, including a survey on their benefits and drawbacks. In addition, this paper highlights current research in the field of 3D printed MN-assisted transdermal drug delivery systems and analyzes parameters affecting the mechanical properties of 3D printed MNs. The current regulatory framework associated with 3D printed MNs as well as different methods for the analysis and evaluation of 3D printed MN properties are outlined.