Influence of Compression Force on The Behavior of Mucoadhesive Buccal Tablets

The purpose of this research was to study the compression force influence on polymers, tablet behavior and drug release rate. Several tablet batches were produced by varying the compression force and by using hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and Carbopol 940 in the 1:1 ratio as matrix forming polymers. All batches were characterized by DSC and X-ray analyses and in terms of swelling, ex vivo and in vivo mucoadhesive time, ex vivo mucoadhesion force, and in vitro and in vivo release. No significant excipient–excipient or excipient–drug interactions were observed in any of the batches. All the tablets hydrated quickly and their high hydration percentage showed that the compression forces used did not remarkably affect the water penetration and the polymeric chain stretching. Mucoadhesion performances and drug release were mainly influenced by compression force; its increase produced higher ex vivo and in vivo mucoadhesion and the in vitro and in vivo drug releases were seen to decrease with the increase of the compression force. However tablets fabricated by using the lowest compression force showed the best in vivo mucoadhesive time and hydrated faster when compared to the others. Tablets 4 and 5, prepared with the highest forces, caused pain during in vivo application and gave rise to irritation needing to be detached by the volunteers while tablet 1, prepared with the lowest force, gave the best results because it was able to produce the highest drug salivary concentration and no pain. All tablets exhibited an anomalous release mechanism.     

Release Mechanisms Behind Polysaccharides-Based Famotidine Controlled Release Matrix Tablets

Polysaccharides, which have been explored to possess gelling properties and a wide margin of safety, were used to formulate single-unit floating matrix tablets by a direct compression technique. This work has the aim to allow continuous slow release of famotidine above its site of absorption. The floating approach was achieved by the use of the low density polypropylene foam powder. Polysaccharides (κ-carrageenan, gellan gum, xyloglucan, and pectin) and blends of polysaccharides (κ-carrageenan and gellan gum) and cellulose ethers (hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) were tried to modulate the release characteristics. The prepared floating tablets were evaluated for their floating behavior, matrix integrity, swelling studies, in vitro drug release studies, and kinetic analysis of the release data. The differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed that changing the polymer matrix system by formulation of polymers blends resulted in formation of molecular interactions which may have implications on drug release characteristics. This was obvious from the retardation in drug release and change in its mechanistics.     

Controlled Release Matrix Tablets of Zidovudine: Effect of Formulation Variables on the <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Drug Release Kinetics

The purpose of this research was to design oral controlled release (CR) matrix tablets of zidovudine (AZT) using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC) and carbopol-971P (CP) and to study the effect of various formulation factors on in vitro drug release. Release studies were carried out using USP type 1 apparatus in 900 ml of dissolution media. Release kinetics were analyzed using zero-order, Higuchi’s square root and Ritger–Peppas’ empirical equations. Release rate decreased with increase in polymer proportion and compression force. The release rate was lesser in formulations prepared using CP (20%) as compared to HPMC (20%) as compared to EC (20%). No significant difference was observed in the effect of pH of dissolution media on drug release from formulations prepared using HPMC or EC, but significant difference was observed in CP based formulations. Decrease in agitation speed from 100 to 50 rpm decreased release rate from HPMC and CP formulations but no significant difference was observed in EC formulations. Mechanism of release was found to be dependent predominantly on diffusion of drug through the matrix than polymer relaxation incase of HPMC and EC formulations, while polymer relaxation had a dominating influence on drug release than diffusion incase of CP formulations. Designed CR tablets with pH independent drug release characteristics and an initial release of 17–25% in first hour and extending the release up to 16–20 h, can overcome the disadvantages associated with conventional tablets of AZT.     

Formulation of Controlled-Release Baclofen Matrix Tablets II: Influence of Some Hydrophobic Excipients on the Release Rate and In Vitro Evaluation

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of polymer level and type of some hydrophobic polymers, including hydrogenated castor oil (HCO); Eudragit RS100 (E-RS100); Eudragit L100 (E-L100), and some fillers namely mannitol [soluble filler], Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate (Emcompress) and anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate [insoluble fillers] on the release rate and mechanism of baclofen from matrix tablets prepared by a hot-melt granulation process (wax tablets) and wet granulation process (E-RS100 and E-L100 tablets). Statistically significant differences were found among the drug release profile from different classes of polymeric matrices. Higher polymeric content (40%) in the matrix decreased the release rate of drug because of increased tortuosity and decreased porosity. At lower polymeric level (20%), the rate and extent of drug release was elevated. HCO was found to cause the strongest retardation of drug. On the other hand, replacement of Emcompress or anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate for mannitol significantly retarded the release rate of baclofen, except for E-L100 (pH-dependent polymer). Emcompress surface alkalinity and in-situ increase in pH of the matrix microenvironment enhanced the dissolution and erosion of these matrix tablets. The release kinetics was found to be governed by the type and content of the excipients (polymer or filler). The prepared tablets showed no significant change in drug release rate when stored at ambient room conditions for 6 months.     

Sustained Release of a Water-Soluble Drug from Alginate Matrix Tablets Prepared by Wet Granulation Method

Alginate matrix tablet of diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ), a water-soluble drug, was prepared using sodium alginate (SAL) and calcium gluconate (CG) by the conventional wet granulation method for sustained release of the drug. The effect of formulation variables like SAL/CG ratio, drug load, microenvironmental pH modulator, and processing variable like compression force on the extent of drug release was examined. The tablets prepared with 1:2 w/w ratio of SAL/CG produced the most sustained release of the drug extending up to 13.5 h. Above and below this ratio, the drug release was faster. The drug load and the hardness of the tablets produced minimal variation in drug release. The addition of alkaline or acidic microenvironmental modulators did not extend the release; instead, these excipients produced somewhat faster release of diltiazem. This study revealed that proper selection of SAL/CG ratio is important to produce alginate matrix tablet by wet granulation method for sustained release of DTZ.     

Controlled Release Matrix Tablets of Olanzapine: Influence of Polymers on the <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Release and Bioavailability

Controlled-release (CR) tablet formulation of olanzapine was developed using a binary mixture of Methocel® K100 LV-CR and Ethocel® standard 7FP premium by the dry granulation slugging method. Drug release kinetics of CR tablet formulations F1, F2, and F3, each one suitably compressed for 9-, 12-, and 15-kg hardness, were determined in a dissolution media of 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.5) and phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) using type II dissolution apparatus with paddles run at 50 rpm. Ethocel® was found to be distinctly controlling drug release, whereas the hardness of tablets and pH of the dissolution media did not significantly affect release kinetics. The CR test tablets containing 30% Methocel® and 60% Ethocel® (F3) with 12-kg hardness exhibited pH-independent zero-order release kinetics for 24 h. In vivo performance of the CR test tablet and conventional reference tablet were determined in rabbit serum using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detector. Bioavailability parameters including C_max, T_max, and AUC_0–48 h of both tablets were compared. The CR test tablets produced optimized C_max and extended T_max (P < 0.05). A good correlation of drug absorption in vivo and drug release in vitro (R² = 0.9082) was observed. Relative bioavailability of the test tablet was calculated as 94%. The manufacturing process employed was reproducible and the CR test tablets were stable for 6 months at 40 ± 2°C/75 ± 5% relative humidity. It was concluded that the CR test tablet formulation successfully developed may improve tolerability and patient adherence by reducing adverse effects.Key words: bioavailability, controlled release, Ethocel®, olanzapine     

Release Behaviour of Propranolol HCl from Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets Containing Psyllium Powder in Combination with Hydrophilic Polymers

The objective of this study was to investigate the release behaviour of propranolol hydrochloride from psyllium matrices in the presence hydrophilic polymers. The dissolution test was carried out at pH 1.2 and pH 6.8. Binary mixtures of psyllium and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) used showed that an increase in the percentage of HPMC in the binary mixtures caused a significant decrease in the release rate of propranolol. Psyllium–alginate matrices produced lower drug release as compared to when the alginate was the matrix former alone. When sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (NaCMC) was incorporated into the psyllium, the results showed that matrices containing the ratio of psyllium–NaCMC in the 1:1 ratio are able to slow down the drug release significantly as compared to matrices made from only psyllium or NaCMC as retardant agent suggesting that there could be a synergistic effect between psyllium and NaCMC. The double-layered tablets showed that the psyllium and HPMC in the outer shell of an inner formulation of psyllium alone had the greatest effect of protecting the inner core and thus producing the lowest drug release (DE = 38%, MDT = 93 min). A significant decrease in the value of n in Q = kt ⁿ from 0.70 to 0.51 as the psyllium content was increased from 50 to 150 mg suggests that the presence of psyllium in HPMC matrices affected the release mechanism. Psyllium powder had the ability in the combination with other hydrophilic polymers to produce controlled release profiles. Care and consideration should as such be taken when formulating hydrophilic matrices in different combinations.     

Formulation, Release Characteristics and Bioavailability Study of Oral Monolithic Matrix Tablets Containing Carbamazepine

This study examined the release of carbamazepine (CBZ) from hydrophobic (Compritol 888 ATO) and hydrophilic-hydrophobic matrix combination (Compritol 888 ATO-hydroxpropyl methylcellulose, HPMC). Hydrophobic matrix tablets were prepared by hot fusion technique, while hydrophilic-hydrophobic matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique. The properties of the compressed matrix tablets were determined according to the US Pharmacopoeia. Both matrix formulations displayed a controlled-release profile when compared to the reference formulation (Tegretol CR 200). The bioavailability of CBZ formulations and Tegretol CR 200 were evaluated in beagle dogs. Carbamazepine presented a significant higher bioavailability from matrix tablets containing hydrophilic polymer (HPMC) than that obtained from Tegretol CR200. The average inter-subject plasma concentration variability CV% was the least with tablet containing hydrophilic polymer (HPMC) and was the highest with Tegretol CR 200 (33.8 and 54.1, respectively). Analysis of variance applied to log AUC(0-alpha) and log C(max) showed statistical significant differences among the three formulations (P < 0.05). Plotting the fraction of CBZ released in vitro and fraction absorbed showed a statistically significant relationship (R(2) = 0.935-0.975) for the three matrix tablets examined.     

The Influence of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose on Drug Release from Polyethylene Oxide Extended Release Matrices

Anionic polymer sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CELLOGEN® HP-HS and/or HP-12HS) was investigated for its ability to influence the release of three model drugs propranolol hydrochloride, theophylline and ibuprofen from polyethylene oxide (POLYOX™ WSR 1105 and/or Coagulant) hydrophilic matrices. For anionic ibuprofen and non-ionic theophylline, no unusual/unexpected release profiles were obtained from tablets containing a mixture of two polymers. However, for cationic propranolol HCl, a combination of polyethylene oxide (PEO) with sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) produced a significantly slower drug release compared to the matrices with single polymers. The potential use of this synergistic interaction can be a design of new extended release pharmaceutical dosage forms with a more prolonged release (beyond 12 h) using lower polymer amount, which could be particularly beneficial for freely water-soluble drugs, preferably for once daily oral administration. In order to explain changes in the obtained drug release profiles, Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy was performed. A possible explanation for the more prolonged propranolol HCl release from matrices based on both PEO and NaCMC may be due to a chemical bond (i.e. ionic/electrostatic intermolecular interaction) between amine group of the cationic drug and carboxyl group of the anionic polymer, leading to a formation of a new type/form of the active (i.e. salt) with sustained release pattern.Key words: extended release, FT-IR, ibuprofen, matrix tablet, polyethylene oxide, polymer combination, propranolol hydrochloride, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, theophylline     

Influence of Geometry on the Drug Release Profiles of Stereolithographic (SLA) 3D-Printed Tablets

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) permits the fabrication of tablets in shapes unattainable by powder compaction, and so the effects of geometry on drug release behavior is easily assessed. Here, tablets (printlets) comprising of paracetamol dispersed in polyethylene glycol were printed using stereolithographic 3D printing. A number of geometric shapes were produced (cube, disc, pyramid, sphere and torus) with either constant surface area (SA) or constant surface area/volume ratio (SA/V). Dissolution testing showed that printlets with constant SA/V ratio released drug at the same rate, while those with constant SA released drug at different rates. A series of tori with increasing SA/V ratio (from 0.5 to 2.4) were printed, and it was found that dissolution rate increased as the SA/V ratio increased. The data show that printlets can be fabricated in multiple shapes and that dissolution performance can be maintained if the SA/V ratio is constant or that dissolution performance of printlets can be fine-tuned by varying SA/V ratio. The results suggest that 3D printing is therefore a suitable manufacturing method for personalized dosage forms.     

Preparation and In-vivo Pharmacokinetic Study of a Novel Extended Release Compression Coated Tablets of Fenoterol Hydrobromide

The aim of this study was to formulate extended release compression coated core tablets of fenoterol hydrobromide, a selective beta(2) adrenergic receptor agonist, in an attempt to prevent nocturnal asthma. Two hydrophilic polymers viz Kollidon SR, Polyox WSR 303 and a hydrophobic one (Precirol ATO5) were employed. Compression coated tablets were formulated by preparing a core tablet containing 7.5 mg drug and various amounts of polymer and Emcompress then compressed coated with the same polymeric materials. For comparison purpose different matrix tablets were also prepared employing the same polymers. In-vitro release studies were carried out at different pH (1.2 and 6.8). Pharmacokinetics of extended release tablets as well as commercially available immediate release tablets (Berotec) were studied after oral administration to beagle dogs using a new developed LC-MS/MS method with a lower limit of quantification of 1 ng/ml. Fenoterol release from compression coated tablets was significantly lower than matrix tablets. The mechanism of release was changed with the nature and content of polymer. The release pattern of drug from F16 containing 40 mg Kollidon SR divided in the core tablet (15 mg) and the rest in the compressed coat (25 mg) showed a typical zero order release kinetic that could extend drug release >10 h and reasonable time for 75% to be released (t(75)) (8.92 h). When compared to immediate release Berotec tablet the MRT was significantly extended from 7.03 +/- 0.76 to 10.93 +/- 1.25 h (P < 0.001) and HVD(t 50%Cmax) was also significantly extended from 2.71 +/- 0.68 to 6.81 +/- 0.67 h with expected prevention of nocturnal asthma.     

An Investigation into the Influence of Experimental Conditions on In Vitro Drug Release from Immediate-Release Tablets of Levothyroxine Sodium and Its Relation to Oral Bioavailability

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of experimental conditions on levothyroxine sodium release from two immediate-release tablet formulations which narrowly passed the standard requirements for bioequivalence studies. The in vivo study was conducted as randomised, single-dose, two-way cross-over pharmacokinetic study in 24 healthy subjects. The in vitro study was performed using various dissolution media, and obtained dissolution profiles were compared using the similarity factor value. Drug solubility in different media was also determined. The in vivo results showed narrowly passing bioequivalence. Considering that levothyroxine sodium is classified as Class III drug according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System, drug bioavailability will be less sensitive to the variation in its dissolution characteristics and it can be assumed that the differences observed in vitro in some of investigated media probably do not have significant influence on the absorption process, as long as rapid and complete dissolution exists. The study results indicate that the current regulatory criteria for the value of similarity factor in comparative dissolution testing, as well as request for very rapid dissolution (more than 85% of drug dissolved in 15 min), are very restricted for immediate-release dosage forms containing highly soluble drug substance and need further investigation. The obtained results also add to the existing debate on the appropriateness of the current bioequivalence standards for levothyroxine sodium products.KEY WORDS: bioequivalence, dissolution, immediate release, levothyroxine sodium, solubility     

洛索洛芬钠混合性缓释片的制备

目的:制备洛索洛芬钠混合性缓释片并考察其体外释放度.方法:采用混合骨架材料制备洛索洛芬钠混合性缓释片.以硬脂酸为骨架材料,并以药物在222 nm的波长处的吸收度为指标考察不同比例的硬脂酸、乙基纤维素、羟丙基甲基纤维素及乳糖对洛索洛芬钠释放速率和影响因素进行考察,确定最优处方.结果:在一定范围内,随着硬脂酸量的减少,乳糖和HPMC含量增加,片剂的累积释放量增加.制备的缓释片可以持续释放药物12小时.结论:制备的洛索洛芬钠混合性缓释片缓释效果良好.     

Sucrose Stearate-Enriched Lipid Matrix Tablets of Etodolac: Modulation of Drug Release, Diffusional Modeling and Structure Elucidation Studies

Etodolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug having an elimination half-life of 7 h; oral doses are given every 6–8 h. The aim of current work was the development of controlled-release etodolac lipid matrix tablets. The variables influencing design of these tablets (L1–L28) by the hot fusion method were investigated including; (1) lipid type (stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, Imwitor® 900K, Precirol® ATO 5 and Compritol® ATO 888), (2) drug/lipid ratio (1:0.25 and 1:0.50, respectively), (3) filler type (lactose, Avicel® PH101 and their physical mixtures; 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2, respectively), (4) surfactant’s HLB (5 and 11), and (5) drug/surfactant ratio (20:1 and 10:1, respectively). Statistical analysis and kinetic modeling of drug release data were evaluated. The inner matrix of the tablet was visualized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An inverse correlation was observed between the drug/lipid ratio and the drug release rate. Precirol®- and Compritol®-containing formulae showed more retarded drug release rates. Lactose/Avicel® physical mixture (1:1) was considered as a filler of choice where it minimized the burst effect observed with Avicel®-free formulae. The higher surfactant’s HLB, the higher drug release rate. The similarity factor (f ₂) between the drug release profiles revealed similarity within the investigated drug/surfactant ratios. Sucrose stearate D1805®-based matrix (L21) succeeded in delivering more than 90% of etodolac over 12 h, following anomalous (non-Fickian) controlled-release kinetics. SEM micrographs confirmed pore formation, within the latter matrix, upon contact with dissolution medium.     

Variables Influencing Drug Release from Layered Matrix System Comprising Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate layered matrix tablets of propranolol HCl containing HPMC and phytowax as matrix component using direct compression technique. Layering with this polymeric matrix could prolong the release of drug and shift the release pattern approach to zero order as described from the least square curve fitting. Increasing the amount of coating layer could apparently prolong the drug release. The longer lag time of drug release from one planar apparently when the amount of coating layer was increased. HPMC concentration and compression force did not affect the drug release from this three-layer tablet. The drug release from this three-layer tablet was influenced by hydrodynamic force. An increase in stirring rate was a corresponding increasing in the release rate. From photoimage and SEM, gel mass of HPMC was increased with time during dissolution and covered the core surface, therefore dissolved drug molecules were allowed to diffuse out from the core through the polymer network of gel layer containing the porous structure. This suggested that HPMC and phytowax could be fabricated into the layered matrix tablet exhibiting sustained drug release.     

Release Characteristics of Quetiapine Fumarate Extended Release Tablets Under Biorelevant Stress Test Conditions

The aim of the present work was the investigation of robustness and reliability of drug release from 50 to 400 mg quetiapine extended release HPMC matrix tablets towards mechanical stresses of biorelevant intensity. The tests were performed under standard conditions (USP apparatus II) as well as under simulated gastrointestinal stress conditions. Mechanical stresses including pressure and agitation were applied by using the biorelevant dissolution stress test apparatus as it has been introduced recently. Test algorithms already established in previous studies were applied to simulate fasting gastrointestinal conditions. The dissolution experiments demonstrated striking differences in the product performance among standard and stress test conditions as well as dose strengths. In USP apparatus II, dissolution profiles were affected mainly by media pH. The dissolution experiments performed in biorelevant dissolution stress test device demonstrated that stress events of biorelevant intensity provoked accelerated drug release from the tablets.     

Microwave-Assisted Development of Orally Disintegrating Tablets by Direct Compression

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are challenged by the need for simple technology to ensure good mechanical strength coupled with rapid disintegration. The objective of this work was to evaluate microwave-assisted development of ODTs based on simple direct compression tableting technology. Placebo ODTs comprising directly compressible mannitol and lactose as diluents, super disintegrants, and lubricants were prepared by direct compression followed by exposure to >97% relative humidity and then microwave irradiation for 5 min at 490 W. Placebo ODTs with hardness (>5 kg/cm²) and disintegration time (<60 s) were optimized. Palatable ODTs of Lamotrigine (LMG), which exhibited rapid dissolution of LMG, were then developed. The stability of LMG to microwave irradiation (MWI) was confirmed. Solubilization was achieved by complexation with beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD). LMG ODTs with optimal hardness and disintegration time (DT) were optimized by a 2³ factorial design using Design Expert software. Taste masking using sweeteners and flavors was confirmed using a potentiometric multisensor-based electronic tongue, coupled with principal component analysis. Placebo ODTs with crospovidone as a superdisintegrant revealed a significant increase in hardness from ～3 to ～5 kg/cm² and a decrease in disintegration time (<60 s) following microwave irradiation. LMG ODTs had hardness >5 kg/cm², DT?<?30s, and rapid dissolution of LMG, and good stability was optimized by DOE and the design space derived. While β-CD complexation enabled rapid dissolution and moderate taste masking, palatability, which was achieved including flavors, was confirmed using an electronic tongue. A simple step of humidification enabled MWI-facilitated development of ODTs by direct compression presenting a practical and scalable advancement in ODT technology.     

Matrix Tablets: The Effect of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose/Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate Ratio on the Release Rate of a Water-Soluble Drug Through the Gastrointestinal Tract I. In Vitro Tests

Different hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate (ADCP) matrix tablets have been developed aiming to evaluate the influence of both components ratio in the control release of a water-soluble drug (theophylline). In order to characterise the matrix tablets, swelling, buoyancy and dissolution studies have been carried out in different aqueous media (demineralised water, progressive pH medium, simulated gastric fluid, simulated intestinal fluid and simulated colonic fluid). The HPMC/ADCP ratio has turned out to be the determinant in the matrix behaviour: the HPMC characteristic swelling behaviour was modulated, in some cases, by the ADCP characteristic acidic dissolution. When the HPMC/ADCP ratio was ≥0.69, buoyancy, continuous swelling and low theophylline dissolution rate from the matrices (H1, H2 and H3) were observed in all dissolution media. Consequently, these formulations could be adequate as gastro-retentive drug delivery systems. Additionally, HPMC/ADCP ratio ≤0.11 (H5 and H6) induces a pH-dependent drug release which could be applied to design control drug release enteric formulations (with a suitable enteric coating). Finally, a HPMC/ADCP ratio between 0.11 and 0.69 (H4) yield a gastrointestinal controlled drug release, due to its time-dependent buoyancy (7 h) and a total drug delivery in 17 h in simulated colonic fluid.Key words: anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, matrix tablets, oral controlled release, theophylline     

Influence of Postprandial Intragastric Pressures on Drug Release from Gastroretentive Dosage Forms

Despite extensive research in the field of gastroretentive dosage forms, this “holy grail” of oral drug delivery yet remained an unmet goal. Especially under fasting conditions, the reproducible retention of dosage forms in the stomach seems to be an impossible task. This is why such systems are often advised to be taken together with food. But also the postprandial motility can contribute significantly to the failure of gastroretentive dosage forms. To investigate the influence of postprandial pressure conditions on drug release from such systems, we used a novel in vitro dissolution tool, the dissolution stress test device. With the aid of this device, we simulated three different intragastric pressure profiles that may occur after postprandial intake. These transit scenarios were based on recently obtained, postprandial SmartPill® data. The tested systems, Glumetza® 1000 and Madopar® HBS 125, are marketed dosage forms that are based on different approaches to achieve proper gastric retention. All three transit scenarios revealed a highly pressure-sensitive drug release behavior, for both drugs. For Madopar® HBS 125, nearly complete drug release was observed even after early occurring pressures. Glumetza® 1000 seemed to be more resistant to these, most likely due to incomplete wetting of the system. On the contrary to these findings, data from standard dissolution tests using the paddle apparatus displayed controlled drug release for both systems for about 6 h. Based on these results, it can be doubted that established gastroretentive systems stay intact over a longer period of time, even under postprandial conditions.