Lecture 15 Flashcards
What is drug release?
the process by which the drug leaves a drug product and is subjected to absorption
What is drug release also achieved by?
diffusion
what controlls drug release?
the physicochemical properties of the drug, delivery system, biological system and physiological properties of the biological system
E.g. PH of the stomach different from intestine, the Physical properties of some places are not idea for absorption
What is the process of drug release?
the drug first has to go from the solid state to the solution and then the drug molecules can diffuse out.
For some liquid drugs, dissolution is not necessary but it still has to diffuse out from the matrix
What happens to the flux if the concentration gradient is bigger?
the flux is also bigger
what direction does diffusion occur in?
from an area of high concentration to one of low concentration
Why do we have many different dosage forms?
we cant directly give the drug powder to the patient as we have to make it useful and easy for the patient to take
what are some of the dosage forms we have for drugs?
tablets, capsules, solutions, injections etc
what is a dosage form made up of mainly?
the active ingredient + excipients/additives
what are exicipients/additives?
the inactive ingredients. e.g. polymers
What do we have to consider when making the dosage form?
stability reliability predictability Reproducibility effectiveness convenience
what are the essential properties of a medicine?
quality
efficacy
safety
What do we need to consider when DESIGNING a dosage form?
Portal of drug entry
Physical form of drug product
Design and formulation of product
Method of manufacture: scale up
Various physicochemical properties of drug and excipients
Control and maintenance of the drug product at the target site e.g. Targeting to the colon, bio adhesive
All of this relies on the control of drug release
Why is modified drug release used?
It allows a controlled administration of the dose at a desired rate of delivery
we can keep drug concentration in the plasma for longer, and it will be safer as it will achieve an optimal concentration
we can alter the half life so the drug doesnt have to be taken as much
It may also reduce adverse effects
can also lead to enhancement of patient compliance
What are some issues with unmodified released drugs?
if it is quickly released, might cause a problem if it overshoots the required concentration for therapeutic benefit
may also have a short half life