DE102011075354A1 - Dosage form comprises at least one first active substance-containing unit, and at least one second active substance-containing unit, and both units comprise a first active substance - Google Patents

Abstract

Dosage form comprises at least one first active substance-containing unit, and at least one second active substance-containing unit. The units comprise a first active substance. The first unit of the first active substance is immediately liberated in the stomach and the second unit is enterically designed. An independent claim is also included for producing the dosage form, comprising (a) producing the active substance-containing units, and (b) combining the active substance-containing units of the dosage form.

Description

The present invention relates to a dosage form, a process for its preparation and its uses.

State of the art

In pharmaceutical technology, there is a continuing need for dosage forms that allow a targeted release characteristics of drugs in the human gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, a variety of different dosage forms are already known in the art. For example, there are monolithic dosage forms containing active ingredients in a polymeric matrix. After entry of such a dosage form into the gastrointestinal tract of humans, the active ingredient dissolves in a controlled manner. In particular, the dissolution rate can be controlled by selecting a matrix polymer which gradually dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract. By dissolving the matrix, the active ingredient is released, dissolves in the existing fluid and is absorbed. Another approach is to use a matrix polymer that does not dissolve but releases the drug through pores. Still other concepts use osmotic systems, which control the drug release by means of a membrane.

However, the drug forms just mentioned assume that the active ingredient dissolves rapidly both in the acidic pH of the stomach and in the intestine, where pH values of typically greater than 6 predominate. If the active ingredient dissolves more slowly than, for example, an eroding matrix polymer dissolves, it is no longer the erosion of the matrix polymer that determines the release of the active ingredient but the dissolution rate of the active ingredient. Similar considerations apply to dosage forms that have porous matrices or are based on osmotic systems.

Particularly problematic is the controlled release of those drugs that are weak bases. Weak bases are protonated in the acidic environment of the stomach and thus normally positively charged. In this cationic form, the weakly basic active ingredient is readily soluble in water. After the active ingredient dissolves easily in this environment, it can be rapidly absorbed. However, when the conventional controlled release dosage form enters the intestine, it is in a less acidic environment. Consequently, the weakly basic active substance is no longer present in the protonated form but as an uncharged molecule. In this form, the active ingredient is only poorly soluble in water. In addition, the amount of fluid that is available in the intestine to dissolve the drug is much lower than in the stomach. This means that the drug, as soon as the drug form has arrived in the intestine, only very poorly dissolves, so that the dissolution rate of the drug determines the release of the drug from the drug form and thus the rate of absorption.

The problems outlined have already been discussed several times in the prior art. For example, describe WO 2006/0998865 A2 and WO 2006/099864 A2 Dosage forms comprising the poorly soluble active ingredient cinnarizine. It is recommended to set certain weight ratios of binder to filler and other ingredients to specific values in order to synchronize the release of the active ingredients contained in the drug form. However, recent experiments have shown that a synchronous release alone is not sufficient for many drugs. The active ingredient must also dissolve so that it can be absorbed. This problem was not solved.

task

It can thus be stated that conventional dosage forms for controlled release encounter poor limits in the application of poorly soluble active substances.

solution

The present invention provides dosage forms for the controlled release of drugs and thus solves the problem outlined above. In addition, the invention provides a manufacturing method for such dosage forms and suitable uses.

drug form

Active ingredient units

The pharmaceutical form of this invention comprises at least one first and at least one second and optionally at least one third active ingredient-containing unit. The active ingredient-containing units are preferably solid, in particular powders, pellets or tablets. The active ingredient-containing units, in particular the second, are preferably present as pellets or tablets, in particular microtablets. Preferably, the dosage form contains a plurality of second and optionally a plurality of third active ingredient-containing units. The third active ingredient-containing unit is preferably in the form of a pellet or tablet, in particular a microtablet.

With this design, it becomes possible to realize various release characteristics in a dosage form by making the different units different. The different types of active ingredient-containing units differ in their composition. Preferably, the different types of drug-containing units have different release characteristics from each other. The dosage form preferably comprises a plurality of first active ingredient-containing units, a plurality of second active ingredient-containing units and optionally a multiplicity of third active ingredient-containing units.

When the term "drug-containing unit" is used in this description, it is not intended to indicate that the dosage form according to the invention may contain only one of these units. Rather, the dosage forms according to the invention in most cases contain a large number of such units. Nevertheless, the result according to the invention can also be achieved with a reduced number of active ingredient-containing units.

Preferably, at least one active substance-containing unit also has at least one adjuvant in addition to at least one active ingredient. In particular, all active ingredient-containing units also have at least one adjuvant in addition to at least one active ingredient.

The dosage form according to the invention serves for the controlled release of active substances which have poor water solubility, at least at comparatively high pH values. This means that these active ingredients dissolve poorly in the environment of the intestine. In order to bring these agents to absorption, they must, however, be solved.

It has proven to be advantageous to design at least the second and the optional third active ingredient-containing unit with a small diameter in order to increase the contact area of the drug-containing units with the existing liquid in the gastrointestinal tract. In order to facilitate the release of the active ingredient, the diameter of the active ingredient-containing units, in particular the second and the optional third unit should preferably not exceed 7.5 mm. Preferably, the diameter of these active ingredient-containing units is not more than 5.5 mm and more preferably not more than 3 mm. In particular, active ingredient-containing units are preferred which have diameters of not more than 2 mm and more preferably not more than 1.8 mm.

Unless otherwise indicated, "diameter" means the diameter that the active agent-containing units have at their thickest point.

If the active ingredient-containing units too small, the production and handling is difficult. Therefore, the diameter of the active ingredient-containing units, in particular the second and optional third unit, is preferably at least 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm, in particular at least 0.5 mm, and more preferably at least 1 mm. By means of these small diameters of the units it is achieved that the active substances contained or the active substance contained therein dissolve better where little liquid is available, in particular in the intestine. However, it may be useful to design all active ingredient-containing units with the small diameter described above, these embodiments are also according to the invention.

In order to provide the largest possible surface area and thus to increase the dissolution rates of the active ingredient-containing units and thus of the active ingredient, the dosage form according to the invention preferably contains at least 10 active ingredient-containing units. Preferably, the dosage form according to the invention even contains at least 20, more preferably at least 30, and most preferably at least 40 active ingredient-containing units. There are also embodiments according to the invention, which have at least 100 active ingredient-containing units. However, it must be taken into account that the dosage form according to the invention is not too large may be, otherwise the intake could be difficult. Therefore, the dosage form according to the invention preferably contains at most 500 active ingredient-containing units. Preferably, the dosage form contains at most 400, more preferably at most 200, and most preferably at most 150 active ingredient-containing units.

The active ingredient-containing units, in particular the second and optional third active ingredient-containing units, preferably have surfaces of at least 5 mm ² and preferably at most 2000 mm ² . In particular, these active ingredient-containing units each have surfaces of at least 25 mm ² , more preferably at least 50 mm ² and in particular at most 1500 mm ² and more preferably at most 1000 mm ² . Large surfaces facilitate the dissolution of the units and thus the dissolution and absorption of the drug or drugs.

In principle, the active ingredient-containing units can have any conceivable form. However, it has proved to be advantageous to design the active ingredient-containing units, in particular the second and the optional third, in spherical (for example pellets) or cylindrical (for example tablets).

In particular, the second and optional third drug-containing moieties are preferably solid bodies of a volume of at least 1 mm ³ each, preferably at least 3 mm ^3, and more preferably at least 5 mm ³ . The minimum size should be adhered to in order to allow good processability. To ensure good dissolution behavior, the volume of the units should not exceed a value of preferably 20 mm ³ , more preferably 10 mm ³ and more preferably 8.5 mm ³ .

The first active ingredient-containing unit, however, may be in the form of a powder or a powder mixture. This is possible because the first drug-containing unit does not have to have gastric juice-resistant properties, since it should release the first drug as immediately as possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the second and optional third drug-containing units are pellets, in another, tablets, in particular microtablets. In a likewise embodiment according to the invention, pellets and tablets, in particular microtablets, can be used in combination.

The composition of the pharmaceutical form of at least one first, at least one second and optionally at least one third active substance-containing unit allows the sequential release of poorly soluble and / or other active ingredients, so that a multiple daily administration of the active substance (s) can be simulated.

The second active ingredient unit

As mentioned above, the dosage form comprises at least one first and at least one second active ingredient-containing unit, in particular a plurality of second active ingredient-containing units. The associated advantage lies in the possibility of flexible adaptation of the various active ingredient-containing units to the solubility behavior of the active ingredient or of the active ingredients.

In a preferred embodiment, the first drug-containing unit is designed so that it quickly dissolves on contact with the gastric juice and releases the first active ingredient, and optional other active ingredients. If the first active ingredient, as preferred according to the invention, is a weak base, it is predominantly protonated in the acidic medium of the stomach, so that it dissolves and can be absorbed. As a result, an appropriate amount of active substance is absorbed very quickly after ingestion, while that portion of the active substance which is in the second and optional third unit remains unaffected.

It is preferred that the second active ingredient-containing unit is designed such that the first active ingredient from this unit is not yet released in the stomach. This is preferably achieved in that the second unit comprises a polymer which does not dissolve in the environment of the stomach. The first active ingredient thus remains protected in the second drug-containing unit from the liquid in the stomach, does not dissolve and is not absorbed. In particular, this polymer can form a matrix in which the first active ingredient is dispersed (hereinafter "active substance matrix"). The polymer of the matrix is hereinafter called "matrix polymer".

The matrix polymer may be gastric juice-soluble or gastric juice-insoluble. If it is insoluble in water, the second active ingredient-containing unit need not have an enteric coating, because the matrix polymer alone can prevent the release. On the other hand, if the matrix polymer is soluble in the gastric juice, it is preferable to provide the second active substance-containing unit with an enteric coating.

Thus, the second drug-containing moiety may be coated with a polymer, particularly a gastric juice-insoluble polymer. Corresponding polymers are known to the person skilled in the art and are referred to below as "coating polymers".

coating

Preferably, the second active ingredient-containing unit is provided with a coating of a coating polymer. This coating preferably comprises a coating polymer which has acid groups which are charged in the deprotonated state. Coating polymers containing such acid groups dissolve better in the basic environment of the gut than other polymers. Furthermore, they do not dissolve in the acidic environment of the stomach, they are insoluble in gastric juice. Preferably, the coating polymer has at least 0.3 acid functions per monomer. The acid function may be a carboxylic acid group. In particularly preferred embodiments, the coating polymer is a polymer containing methacrylic acid monomers include, in particular Eudragit ^® L-100-55.

Further preferred coating polymers are cellulose derivatives, in particular those which have been esterified with organic acids. The organic acids may be aromatic and / or aliphatic, wherein in a preferred embodiment, a cellulose derivative is used that is both aromatic and aliphatic esterified. The organic acids should preferably have not more than 10 carbon atoms, but preferably they should comprise at least 2 carbon atoms. In one embodiment of the invention, the coating polymer is cellulose acetate phthalate.

Furthermore, cellulose ethers can also be used as cellulose derivatives. In this case, it is preferable to use cellulose etherified with short-chain alkyl groups. "Short chain" means that the alkyl radicals preferably have up to four carbon atoms. The alkyl radicals are furthermore preferably unbranched. A particularly preferred cellulose ether is ethylcellulose.

Furthermore, shellac can be used as a coating polymer.

Preferably, a plasticizer, which may be glycerol triacetate, is added to the coating polymer.

In particular, the coating of the second drug-containing moiety preferably contains a coating polymer which dissolves in the upper intestinal tract at a pH of at least 6. Those skilled in such coating polymers are known. In one embodiment, a coating polymer which is a copolymer of methacrylic acid and alkyl methacrylate monomers is used. Here, the molar ratio of acid monomers to ester monomers, which are the starting materials of this coating polymer, preferably at least 45:55 and more preferably at most 70:30.

This coating ensures that the second active ingredient-containing unit dissolves only at a pH of at least 6. Such a pH typically prevails in the upper intestinal tract (jejunum).

The design of the dosage form according to the invention thus makes it possible to set a release characteristic which comprises more than one release phase. After the first release phase in the stomach - mediated by the first drug-containing unit - a second release phase will take place in the upper intestine section due to the disintegration of the second drug-containing unit, allowing a significantly prolonged release.

According to the invention, the coating of the second active ingredient-containing unit preferably consists of at least 90% by weight of the coating polymer and the plasticizer. Preferably, the coating consists of at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, of these two components.

drug matrix

Since only small amounts of fluid are available in the human intestine, it is advisable to support the dissolution of the first active ingredient in the intestine. This can be accomplished by providing a variety of small drug-containing units as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the first active ingredient may be finely dispersed in the second active ingredient-containing unit. "Finely dispersed" means that the active ingredient is distributed in the form of small particles in a drug matrix.

When this active ingredient-containing unit has a coating, the active substance matrix, as described above, may consist of the same material as the coating or of another material.

Furthermore, the second active ingredient-containing unit preferably comprises a dispersion of the first active ingredient in an active substance matrix. The drug matrix then comprises the dispersed drug and a dispersant.

The dispersant may comprise or consist of a matrix polymer. The matrix polymer is preferably a water-soluble polymer. Preferred water-soluble matrix polymers are polyvinylpyrrolidone, water-soluble celluloses, polyethylene glycols and poloxamers. Particularly preferred are hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and polyethylene glycols having average molecular weights of 6,000 to 20,000.

Alternatively, the matrix polymer may be the same polymer as used for the coating of this active ingredient-containing unit. When PVP is used as a matrix polymer, it should have an average molecular weight in a range of 10,000 to 100,000, more preferably 25,000 to 60,000.

It has been found that the dissolution behavior of the first active ingredient can be substantially improved if the mass ratio of first active ingredient to matrix polymer in the second active ingredient-containing unit, and preferably also in the optional third unit, assumes a value of at most 1: 1, the active ingredient is thus present at most in an amount corresponding to the mass of the matrix polymer. Particularly preferably, this ratio is at most 1: 2 and more preferably at most 1: 2.3. If the proportion of the matrix polymer in this ratio is lower, the matrix polymer can no longer sufficiently promote the dissolution of the first active ingredient. If the amount of the matrix polymer is greater compared to the active ingredient, the dissolution of even poorly soluble active ingredients is greatly improved.

In principle, the amount of matrix polymer can be selected as high as desired within the scope of a range that appears reasonable to the person skilled in the art. However, so that the mass of the drug-containing unit and thus the whole dosage form is not too high, the ratio of active ingredient to matrix polymer should not fall below a value of 1:15. In preferred embodiments, the lower limit of this ratio is at least 1:10.

Further, the drug matrix may comprise a complexing agent. Preferred complexing agents are cyclodextrins. Also fatty acid esters, in particular sucrose fatty acid esters can be contained in the second active ingredient-containing unit. The enumerated substances can be contained in the active substance matrix and have a positive influence on the solubility of the first active substance.

In preferred embodiments, the active ingredient matrix consists of at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight and most preferably at least 90% by weight of one or more of the abovementioned substances (complexing agent, fatty acid ester, matrix polymer), in particular one or more of the mentioned polymers.

In summary, therefore, the second active ingredient-containing unit preferably comprises an active substance matrix in which the first active ingredient is dispersed. Further, the drug-containing unit preferably comprises a coating comprising a coating polymer. In addition, the second active ingredient-containing unit may comprise a second active ingredient.

The dosage form according to the invention comprises at least one active substance-containing unit of this type, but preferably it comprises a multiplicity of these units, specifically in particular at least 10, more preferably at least 30, more preferably at least 100.

The second active ingredient-containing unit is preferably in the form of a pellet or a tablet. This preferably also applies to the optional third active ingredient-containing unit. In particularly preferred embodiments, the optional third drug-containing moiety differs from the second drug-containing moiety only in terms of the matrix polymer and / or the coating polymer.

The third active ingredient unit

In particularly preferred embodiments, the dosage form according to the invention in addition to the first and second active ingredient-containing unit additionally comprises at least one third active ingredient-containing unit.

The third active ingredient-containing unit is preferably designed substantially as the second active ingredient-containing unit with the proviso that this unit is intended to release the first active ingredient in the lower intestinal section (ileum, colon).

In the lower part of the intestine there are higher pH values than in the upper part of the intestine. Therefore, the third active ingredient-containing unit is preferably provided with a coating which dissolves only at pH values of at least 7. Those skilled in such coatings are known. In particular, such a coating may be a polymeric coating. Preferably, this coating is prepared by mixing Eudragit ^® L100 and Eudragit ^® S100. The mixing ratio is preferably 1 to 10 to 5 to 10 based on the mass.
Eudragit ^® L100 corresponds to poly (methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) 1: 1 (CAS 25086-15-1).
Eudragit ^® S100 corresponds to poly (methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) 1: 2 (CAS 25086-15-1).
Eudragit ^® L100-55 corresponds to poly (methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) 1: 1 (CAS 25212-88-8).

According to the invention, the coating of the third active ingredient-containing unit preferably consists of at least 90% by weight of the coating polymer and the plasticizer. Preferably, the coating consists of at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, of these two components.

In particular, the third active ingredient-containing unit comprises a coating containing a coating polymer which dissolves in the lower intestine portion at a pH of at least 7. Those skilled in such coating polymers are known. Preferably, a coating polymer which is a copolymer of methacrylic acid and alkyl methacrylate monomers is used. The molar ratio of acid monomers to ester monomers is preferably at least 25:75 and at most 40:60. Furthermore, this polymer can also be used as a matrix polymer, so that the third active ingredient-containing unit has a matrix of this polymer. The active ingredient is then preferably dispersed in the matrix. Preferred matrix polymers in the third active ingredient-containing unit are water-soluble polymers. Preferred water-soluble matrix polymers are polyvinylpyrrolidone, water-soluble celluloses, polyethylene glycols and poloxamers. Particularly preferred are hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and polyethylene glycols having average molecular weights of 6,000 to 20,000.

Alternatively, the matrix polymer may be the same polymer as used for the coating of this active ingredient-containing unit. When PVP is used as a matrix polymer, it should have an average molecular weight in a range of 10,000 to 100,000, more preferably 25,000 to 60,000.

It has been found that the dissolution behavior of the first active ingredient can be substantially improved if the mass ratio of the first active ingredient to the matrix polymer in the third active ingredient-containing unit assumes a value of at most 1: 1, ie the active ingredient is at most present in an amount which Mass of the matrix polymer corresponds. Particularly preferably, this ratio is at most 1: 2 and more preferably at most 1: 2.3. If the proportion of the matrix polymer in this ratio is lower, the matrix polymer can no longer sufficiently promote the dissolution of the first active ingredient. If the amount of the matrix polymer is greater compared to the active ingredient, the dissolution of even poorly soluble active ingredients is greatly improved.

In principle, the amount of matrix polymer can be selected as high as desired within the scope of a range that appears reasonable to the person skilled in the art. However, so that the mass of the drug-containing unit and thus the whole dosage form is not too high, the ratio of active ingredient to matrix polymer should not fall below a value of 1:15. In preferred embodiments, the lower limit of this ratio is at least 1:10.

Further, the third drug-containing moiety may comprise a complexing agent. Preferred complexing agents are cyclodextrins. Also fatty acid esters, in particular sucrose fatty acid esters may be contained in the third active ingredient-containing unit. The enumerated substances can be contained in the active substance matrix and have a positive influence on the solubility of the first active substance. In preferred embodiments, the active ingredient matrix consists of at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight and most preferably at least 90% by weight of one or more of the abovementioned substances (complexing agent, fatty acid ester, polymer), in particular one or more of the mentioned polymers.

Since, in a preferred embodiment, the second and third active ingredient-containing units differ from one another only by their coating polymer, the above-mentioned unit for the second active ingredient-containing unit also applies to the third active ingredient-containing unit.

In summary, therefore, the third active ingredient-containing unit preferably comprises an active substance matrix in which the first active ingredient is dispersed. Further, the drug-containing unit preferably comprises a coating comprising a coating polymer. In addition, the second active ingredient-containing unit may comprise a second active ingredient.

The dosage form according to the invention comprises at least one active substance-containing unit of this type, but preferably it comprises a multiplicity of these units, specifically in particular at least 10, more preferably at least 30, more preferably at least 100.

The third active ingredient-containing unit is preferably in the form of a pellet or a tablet.

The first active ingredient

The active ingredient-containing units contain at least one first active ingredient. The first active ingredient is preferably weakly basic. "Weakly basic" means that the first active ingredient has a pK _B value of not less than 2.0. Therefore, the first active ingredient in the dosage form according to the invention is preferably an active ingredient which comprises at least one amino group. The first active ingredient preferably has a solubility of less than 10 mg / ml at a pH of 1.1.

In this description, "poorly soluble" and "insoluble" in the case of doubt and preferably mean that the substance thus described in the corresponding medium has a solubility of less than 0.5 mol / l, in particular less than 0.1 mol / l. "Gastric juice insoluble" should in doubt and preferably mean that the substance so designated in an aqueous solution having a pH of 1.1 has a solubility of less than 0.5 mol / l, in particular less than 0.1 mol / l ,

"Soluble" or "readily soluble" preferably describes substances having better solubility properties than those described above under "poorly soluble" and "insoluble".

If the term "plurality" is used in this description, then in case of doubt it means a number of more than 10.

The first active ingredient is preferably selected from active ingredients having poor solubility in aqueous media, also in an acidic and / or alkaline medium, in particular these are active substances from the group of antihistamines and / or calcium antagonists. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first active ingredient is cinnarizine or a salt of cinnarizine.

In principle, each active substance can benefit from the administration in the dosage form according to the invention, which is to be administered three times a day when rapid-release dosage forms are used.

Examples of active ingredients and active ingredient classes which can advantageously be used as the first active ingredient in the context of the present invention are:
Medicines for the treatment of pain and pain therapy with peripherally acting analgesics, centrally acting analgesics and adjuvant non-analgesics. These are the following analgesics and adjuvants:
Acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam, paracetamol, metamizole, celecoxib, parecoxib, tramadol, pethidine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, piritramide, tilidine, morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, levomethadone, fentanyl, sufentanil, buprenorphine, pentazocine, naloxone, Flupirtine, carbamazepine, metoprolol, metoclopramide, amitryptiline, doxepin, clomipramine, mianserin, maprotiline, triptans such as naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, calcium antagonists such as: flunarizine, topiramate, valproic acid, phenytoin, baclofen, other agents such as: botulinum toxin, ergotamine , Lisuride, methysergide, pizotifen, oxcarbazepine, gabapentin and lamotrigine, dexamethaone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, diazepam, tetrazepam, tizanidine, butylscopolamine, combination of tilidine and naloxone.

Drugs for the treatment of the nervous system, alone or in combination, eg seizure disorders (clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, clobazam, phenytoin, clomethiazole, valproic acid, phenobarbital, gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, topiramate, ethosuximide, levetrazetam, mesuximide, Primidone, nitrazepam, vigabitrin), Parkinson's disease (levodopa, with benserazide / carbidopa, bromocriptine, cabergoline, dihydroergocriptine, lisuride, pergolide mesilate, pramipexole, ropinirole, apomorphine, biperiden, metixene hydrochloride, trihexphenidyl, entacapone, amantadine, bupidine, selegiline, apomorphine) , Stroke (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, heparin, phenprocoumon, warfarin, protamine, phytomenadione, nimodipine, paracetamol, tramadol, buprenorphine), intracranial pressure (furosemide, mannitol), tremor (propranolol, clozapine, alprazolam, primidone).

Drugs for the treatment of phytochemical disorders such as anxiety disorders (alprazolam, diazepam, fluoxetine, paroxetine, chlorprothixene, levomepromazine, thioridazine, flupentixol, fluspirilene, etc.), depression (imipramine, amitripytline, desipramine, maprotiline, minase-rin, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine , Trazodone, moclobemide, miratazepam, etc.), psychoses and schizophrenia (sulpiride, promazine, melperone, thioridazine, chlorprothixene, perazine, pimozide, fluphenazine, olanzapine, risperidone, etc.), sleep disorders (triazolam, Brotizolam, oxazepam, flurazepam, nitrazepam , Temazepam, zolpidemtratrat, zopiclone, promethazine, chlorprothixene, pipamperone, thioridazine, chloral hydrate, etc.) restlessness and confusion (alprazolam, oxazepam, doxepin, clomipramine, imipramine, thioridazine, perazine, etc.), dementia of the Alzheimer's type (donepezil, Rivastigmine, tacrine, memantine, nimodipine, seleginine, etc.).

Drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease / angina pectoris (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidrogel, ticlopidine, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin, molsidomine, trapidil, metoprolol, bisoprolol, atenolol, acebutolol, carvedilol, nitrendipine, nifedipine, diltiazem, verapamil , Benazepril, lisinopril, ramipril, fosinopril, enalapril, etc.), myocardial infarction and heart failure (isosorbide mono- and dinitrate, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, captoprol, ramipril, lisinopril, candesartan, eproartan, irbesatan, losartan, chlorthalidone, xipamide, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, Piretanide, triameterene, digitalis glycosides, carvedilol, metoprolol, prazosin, etc.), cardiac arrhythmia (ajmaline, quinidine, disopyramide, flecainide, propafenone, propranolol, carvedilol, amiodarone, verapamil, diltiazem, etc.), hypertension (metoprolol, atenolol, urapidil, Clonidine, dihydralazine, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, felodipine, israpidine, lacidipine, diltiazem, Captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, ramnipril, verapamil, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesatan, losartan, doxazosin, bunazosin, prazosin, terazosin, moxonidine, dihydralazine, minoxidil).

Drugs, alone or in combination, for the treatment of the respiratory tract and lungs (Theophylline, Methylprednisolone, Flucorton, Dexamethasone, Monteculast, Roxithromycin, Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Doxycycline, Ampicillin and Sulbactam, Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime, Clindamycin , Cefotiam, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, piperacillin, moxifloxacin, etc.).

Drugs for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas (fluconazole, mesalazine, sulfasalazine, budenoside, azathioprine, prednisone, metronidazole, infliximab, loperamide, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, vancomycin, esomeprazole, lansoparcol, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, cimetidine, famotidine , Ranitidine, nizatidine, sucralfate, misoprostol, metoclopramide, pirenzepine, bisacodyl, domperidone, sulpiride, alizapride, dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine, flunarizine, levomeprazine, ondansetron, betahistine, aprepitant, etc.).

Antiinfective drugs with antibiotics or antivirally active substances (acyclovir, amantadine, azithromycin, bacampicillin, cefaclor, cefazolin, cefixime, cefprozil, ceftriaxone, chloroquine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, dicloxacillin, doxycycline, econazole, erythromycin, ethambutol, fosfomycin, flucloxacillin, fluconazole, Fusidic acid, gramicidin, idoxuridine, indinavir, interferon, itraconazole, isoniazid, josamycin, ketoconazole, lamivudine, lomefloxacin, mafenide, mebendazole, mesalazine, mezlozillin, mupirocin, miconazole, naftifine, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, oxacillin, oxytetracycline, piperacillin, praziquantel, Primaquim, proguanil, ribavirin, rifabutin, rimantadine, roxothromycin, saquinavir, spectinomycin, spriramycin, stavudine, sulbactam, teiucoplanin, terbinafine, tetracycline, tetroxoprim, ticarcillin, tinidazole, tromantadine, tolnaftate, vancomycin, zidovudine, zalcitabine, etc.).

Drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, theobromine, caffeine, theophylline, etc.).

The active ingredient is preferably dispersed in the form of small particles in the active substance matrix. This means that the average particle size of the first active ingredient in the second active ingredient-containing unit, and in particular also in the optional third active ingredient-containing unit, preferably does not exceed 1000 nm. More preferably, the mean particle size of the first active ingredient in the second active ingredient-containing unit, and in particular in the third active ingredient-containing unit, is not more than 300 nm.

The particle size of the active ingredient is determined as follows: the matrix is dissolved in a medium in which the drug particles are insoluble. From this suspension, the particle size distribution is determined by means of laser diffraction.

If "particle sizes" are mentioned in this description and nothing else is stated, in case of doubt the term Ferret's diameter is always meant, as it can be determined for example by means of microscopic methods.

Structure of the dosage form

The dosage form according to the invention is preferably designed such that it releases the active substance-containing units after taking the dosage form by the patient. This can basically be achieved in various ways. The pharmaceutical form may, for example, have a carrier matrix in which the active ingredient-containing units are embedded. The carrier matrix is then preferably selected so that it dissolves very rapidly on contact with the gastric juice. The expert is familiar with corresponding matrix materials, in particular, these may be water-soluble polymers. For example, these may be polymers that have been described above as being water-soluble.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the pharmaceutical form has a shell which encloses the active ingredient-containing units. The sheath is preferably designed so that it dissolves very quickly on contact with the gastric juice. In particular, the sheath may be the sheath of a hard capsule commonly used in pharmaceutical technology. Preferred materials from which the shell can be made are water-soluble polymers, especially gelatin.

There are also drug forms according to the invention, which have no shell. In particular, the active ingredient-containing units may be contained in a bag which is opened by the patient and whose contents can be taken. The dosage form may also be in the form of sticks containing the active ingredient-containing units.

Furthermore, the active ingredient-containing units can also be compressed to form a body, so that the dosage form is in the form of a MUPS (Multiple Unit Pellet System).

The second active ingredient

In addition to the first active ingredient, the dosage form according to the invention preferably contains a second active ingredient. The second active ingredient may have good solubility in water. It is preferred according to the invention that the second active ingredient has a permanent charge, which gives it the good water solubility. A preferred example of such an active ingredient is dimenhydrinate. However, it is also possible to use other active substances of comparable therapeutic relevance.

Examples of active ingredients and active ingredient classes which can advantageously be used as second active ingredient in the context of the present invention are:
Medicines for the treatment of pain and pain therapy with peripherally acting analgesics, centrally acting analgesics and adjuvant non-analgesics. These are the following analgesics and adjuvants:
Acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam, paracetamol, metamizole, celecoxib, parecoxib, tramadol, pethidine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, piritramide, tilidine, morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, levomethadone, fentanyl, sufentanil, buprenorphine, pentazocine, naloxone, Flupirtine, carbamazepine, metoprolol, metoclopramide, amitryptiline, doxepin, clomipramine, mianserin, maprotiline, triptans such as naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, calcium antagonists such as: flunarizine, topiramate, valproic acid, phenytoin, baclofen, other agents such as: botulinum toxin, ergotamine , Lisuride, methysergide, pizotifen, oxcarbazepine, gabapentin and lamotrigine, dexamethaone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, diazepam, tetrazepam, tizanidine, butylscopolamine, combination of tilidine and naloxone.

Drugs for the treatment of the nervous system, alone or in combination, eg seizure disorders (clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, clobazam, phenytoin, clomethiazole, valproic acid, phenobarbital, gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, topiramate, ethosuximide, levetrazetam, mesuximide, primidone, Nitrazepam, vigabitrin), Parkinson's syndrome (levodopa, with benserazide / carbidopa, bromocriptine, cabergoline, dihydroergocriptine, lisuride, pergolide mesilate, pramipexole, ropinirole, apomorphine, biperiden, metixene hydrochloride, trihexphenidyl, entacapone, amantadine, bupidine, selegiline, apomorphine), stroke ( Acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, heparin, phenprocoumon, warfarin, protamine, phytomenadione, nimodipine, paracetamol, tramadol, buprenorphine), intracranial pressure (furosemide, mannitol), tremor (propranolol, clozapine, alprazolam, primidone).

Drugs for the treatment of phytochemical disorders such as anxiety disorders (alprazolam, diazepam, fluoxetine, paroxetine, chlorprothixene, levomepromazine, thioridazine, flupentixol, fluspirilene, etc.), depression (imipramine, amitripytline, desipramine, maprotiline, minase-rin, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine , Trazodone, moclobemide, miratazepam, etc.), psychoses and schizophrenia (sulpiride, promazine, melperone, thioridazine, chlorprothixene, perazine, pimozide, fluphenazine, olanzapine, risperidone, etc.), sleep disorders (triazolam, Brotizolam, oxazepam, flurazepam, nitrazepam , Temazepam, zolpidemtratrat, zopiclone, promethazine, chlorprothixene, pipamperone, thioridazine, chloral hydrate, etc.) restlessness and confusion (alprazolam, oxazepam, doxepin, clomipramine, imipramine, thioridazine, perazine, etc.), dementia of the Alzheimer's type (donepezil, Rivastigmine, tacrine, memantine, nimodipine, seleginine, etc.).

Drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease / angina pectoris (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidrogel, ticlopidine, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin, molsidomine, trapidil, metoprolol, bisoprolol, atenolol, acebutolol, carvedilol, nitrendipine, nifedipine, diltiazem, verapamil , Benazepril, lisinopril, ramipril, fosinopril, enalapril, etc.), myocardial infarction and heart failure (isosorbide mono- and dinitrate, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, captoprol, ramipril, lisinopril, candesartan, eproartan, irbesatan, losartan, chlorthalidone, xipamide, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, Piretanide, triameterene, digitalis glycosides, carvedilol, metoprolol, prazosin, etc.), cardiac arrhythmia (ajmaline, quinidine, disopyramide, flecainide, propafenone, propranolol, carvedilol, amiodarone, verapamil, diltiazem, etc.), hypertension (metoprolol, atenolol, urapidil, Clonidine, dihydralazine, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, felodipine, israpidine, lacidipine, diltiazem, Captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, ramnipril, verapamil, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesatan, losartan, doxazosin, bunazosin, prazosin, terazosin, moxonidine, dihydralazine, minoxidil).

Drugs, alone or in combination, for the treatment of the respiratory tract and lungs (Theophylline, Methylprednisolone, Flucorton, Dexamethasone, Monteculast, Roxithromycin, Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Doxycycline, Ampicillin and Sulbactam, Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime, Clindamycin , Cefotiam, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, piperacillin, moxifloxacin, etc.).

Drugs for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas (fluconazole, mesalazine, sulfasalazine, budenoside, azathioprine, prednisone, metronidazole, infliximab, loperamide, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, vancomycin, esomeprazole, lansoparcol, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, cimetidine, famotidine , Ranitidine, nizatidine, sucralfate, misoprostol, metoclopramide, pirenzepine, bisacodyl, domperidone, sulpiride, alizapride, dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine, flunarizine, levomeprazine, ondansetron, betahistine, aprepitant, etc.).

Antiinfective drugs with antibiotics or antivirally active substances (acyclovir, amantadine, azithromycin, bacampicillin, cefaclor, cefazolin, cefixime, cefprozil, ceftriaxone, chloroquine, ciprofloxacin, clotrimazole, dicloxacillin, doxycycline, econazole, erythromycin, ethambutol, fosfomycin, flucloxacillin, fluconazole, Fusidic acid, gramicidin, idoxuridine, indinavir, interferon, itraconazole, isoniazid, josamycin, ketoconazole, lamivudine, lomefloxacin, mafenide, mebendazole, mesalazine, mezlozillin, mupirocin, miconazole, naftifine, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, oxacillin, oxytetracycline, piperacillin, praziquantel, Primaquim, proguanil, ribavirin, rifabutin, rimantadine, roxothromycin, saquinavir, spectinomycin, spriramycin, stavudine, sulbactam, teiucoplanin, terbinafine, tetracycline, tetroxoprim, ticarcillin, tinidazole, tromantadine, tolnaftate, vancomycin, zidovudine, zalcitabine, etc.).

Drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, theobromine, caffeine, theophylline, etc.).

The second active ingredient may be contained, for example, only in the first active ingredient-containing unit, in particular if it is an active ingredient with a long half-life. With such drugs, a controlled repeated release is not required due to the long duration of action after ingestion.

In other embodiments, especially when the second active ingredient has a shorter half-life, the other active ingredient-containing units also contain the second active ingredient. In a particularly preferred embodiment, all active ingredient-containing units contain both the first and the second active ingredient.

Distribution of the active ingredients

The first active ingredient is preferably present in an amount of at least 1 mg, more preferably at least 10 mg, and most preferably at least 30 mg in the dosage form. The maximum amount of the first active ingredient in the dosage form is preferably 1000 mg, more preferably 500 mg, more preferably 250 mg and most preferably 100 mg. Of course, the meaningful amount of active ingredient in the dosage form depends on the chosen active ingredient. Within the scope of the dosage form concept of this invention, the distribution of the total amount of active ingredient to the various active ingredient-containing units is significantly more important to the success of the invention than the absolute amount of active ingredient.

The preferred distribution of the first active ingredient on the active ingredient-containing units depends on the absorption rates of the active ingredient in the various intestine sections and the desired release characteristics.

The entirety of the first active ingredient-containing units together preferably contains at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight and particularly preferably at least 40% by weight of the first active ingredient, based on the total mass of the first active ingredient in the dosage form. The entirety of the first active ingredient-containing units preferably contains not more than 70 wt .-%, more preferably not more than 60 wt .-% and particularly preferably not more than 50 wt .-% of the first active ingredient based on the total mass of the first active ingredient in the drug form. Particularly preferred is a proportion of 25 to 35 wt .-% of the first active ingredient in the entirety of the first active ingredient-containing units.

The entirety of the second active ingredient-containing units together preferably contains at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight and particularly preferably at least 40% by weight of the first active ingredient, based on the total mass of the first active ingredient in the dosage form. The total of the second active ingredient-containing units together preferably contains not more than 70 wt .-%, more preferably not more than 60 wt .-% and particularly preferably not more than 50 wt .-% of the first active ingredient based on the total mass of the first active ingredient in the dosage form. Particularly preferred is a corresponding proportion of 25 to 35 wt .-% in the total of the second active ingredient-containing units.

The total of the third active ingredient-containing units together preferably contains at least 10 wt .-%, more preferably at least 20 wt .-% and particularly preferably at least 40 wt .-% of the first active ingredient based on the total mass of the first active ingredient in the dosage form. The total of the third active ingredient-containing units preferably contains not more than 70 wt .-%, more preferably not more than 60 wt .-% and particularly preferably not more than 50 wt .-% of the first active ingredient based on the total mass of the first active ingredient in the drug form. Particularly preferred is a corresponding proportion of 25 to 35 wt .-% in the total of the third active ingredient-containing units.

If the second active ingredient is a readily water-soluble active ingredient, it does not necessarily have to be present in a small particle size or dispersed in a drug matrix. If, however, the second active ingredient is likewise a poorly water-soluble substance, this second active ingredient is preferably introduced into the active ingredient-containing units just like the first active ingredient, in particular the distribution of the second active ingredient to the active ingredient-containing units is preferably identical to the distribution of the first Active ingredient on the active ingredient-containing units.

Preferably, the active ingredients are distributed in approximately equal parts to the existing active ingredient-containing units. "Approximately" means that deviations in both directions of about 10 wt .-% are still according to the invention.

Especially for drugs that have a short half-life, it may be useful to use a drug form with three drug-containing units, one of which releases the first drug preferably in the lower intestine section. So it can be ensured that even many hours after taking the drug form further active ingredient is released. Such a dosage form simulates a three times daily intake of a rapid-release dosage form.

The dosage form according to the invention preferably comprises at least one first, at least one second and at least one third active substance-containing unit, wherein the second and third active substance-containing unit are designed so that they release the active substance (s) over a relatively long period of time.

It is particularly preferred that the first active ingredient-containing unit does not have an enteric coating. The second and third active ingredient-containing unit, however, preferably have an enteric coating, so that these units release no active ingredient in the stomach. Alternatively or in addition to the enteric coating, the second and / or third drug-containing moiety may contain the first drug in a matrix comprising a gastric juice-insoluble polymer.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the dosage form according to the invention has exactly two active substances, namely the first and the second active ingredient. In alternative embodiments, the dosage form has exactly one active ingredient.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dosage form comprises at least one first, at least one second and at least one third active substance-containing unit, wherein the first active substance-containing unit is a fast-release unit which already dissolves in the stomach. The second and third active ingredient-containing unit are preferably coated with enteric coating, so that they first dissolve in the intestine. The second and third active ingredient-containing units preferably have an active substance matrix which comprises a water-soluble polymer and at least one first and preferably also a second active substance.

With the dosage form according to the invention, a sequential release of active substance can be achieved, wherein a multiple daily intake is simulated. This improves the compliance of patients who are treated with such a dosage form compared to those who need to take a fast-releasing form several times a day. The combination of various small active ingredient-containing units which release one or more active ingredients in different sections of the gastrointestinal tract with a finely dispersed active ingredient in a matrix, a sufficient bioavailability can be achieved even with poorly soluble drugs. The type of active ingredient is not critical to the success of the invention. In fact, this invention can also be used in drugs that dissolve poorly both in the stomach and in the intestine. In this case, it would be particularly advantageous to disperse the drug in all three drug-containing units in a matrix, so that its dissolution is already supported in the stomach.

The dosage forms of this invention are oral dosage forms. This means that they are intended for oral use. The dosage forms according to the invention may be, for example, capsules, tablets, granules, sachets, sachets, pellets or sticks.

Due to the simpler structure of the first drug-containing unit, less auxiliaries are needed in the first unit. Therefore, the proportion by weight of the first drug-containing unit in the drug form is relatively low. Thus, the proportion by weight of the first active ingredient-containing unit is usually less than 25 wt .-%, preferably even less than 20 wt .-%. According to the invention, the proportion of the first active ingredient-containing unit will preferably be at least 8% by weight and more preferably at least 12% by weight.

The proportion by weight of the second active ingredient-containing unit in the pharmaceutical form should preferably be at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight and preferably at most 60% by weight, more preferably at most 50% by weight.

The proportion by weight of the optional third active ingredient-containing unit in the dosage form according to the invention should preferably be at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight and preferably at most 60% by weight, more preferably at most 50% by weight.

The benefit of this dosage form according to the invention can be, for example, that the first drug-containing unit immediately releases the first drug in the stomach, the second drug-containing unit releases a further portion of the first drug in the small intestine and an optional third drug-containing unit in the large intestine releases another portion of the drug , This dosage form is then no sustained release dosage form in the conventional sense, because the active ingredient, once arrived at the site of release, not slowed down, but released immediately. Poorly soluble active substances can be released according to the invention in this way. With a conventional retarded form, this effect could not be achieved.

According to the invention, therefore, a dosage form which rapidly releases the first active substance at several different locations in the gastrointestinal tract and thus enables the absorption of poorly soluble active substances.

production method

The invention also relates to a production process for the dosage form according to the invention. The method comprises the step of producing at least one first and at least one second and optionally at least one third active ingredient-containing unit and introducing at least these units into a dosage form.

The step of producing at least the second and third drug-containing units preferably comprises the preparation of a drug matrix comprising a matrix material and the first drug. This step preferably comprises mixing the first active ingredient with the matrix material in a solvent and preparing a granulate.

The preparation of the granules preferably comprises a step of drying a mixture containing matrix material, solvent and first active ingredient. The granules have particle sizes of preferably at most 25 microns and preferably at least 10 microns. The solvent is preferably an alkanol, in particular methanol, ethanol, n-propanol or isopropanol.

In particular, spray drying, freeze drying and vacuum drying are suitable as the drying process. Spray drying is particularly preferred. The granules can also be prepared by spraying a solution of active compound onto a support of matrix material. In addition, a granulation step can be carried out before drying.

Granule production by extrusion is also according to the invention. The granules may already be used according to the invention active ingredient-containing units, in particular active ingredient-containing units that should dissolve in the stomach immediately. The properties of the active ingredient-containing units thus obtained then depend essentially on the type of matrix material, provided that the units are not additionally provided with a coating.

Optionally, the preparation of solid bodies, such as in particular pellets or tablets from the resulting granules and optional adjuvants followed. The auxiliaries are in particular selected from fillers, disintegrants, lubricants and flow agents. Particularly preferred excipients are lactose, methyl cellulose, corn starch, fumed silica, talc and magnesium stearate.

In particular, when the matrix material does not comprise substantial proportions of a gastric juice-insoluble polymer, the solid bodies can be subsequently provided with a coating which preferably comprises a gastric juice-insoluble coating polymer and an optional plasticizer. This is preferably done in commercial coating equipment such as fluidized bed plants, coating plants or pellet coating plants. The coating can significantly affect the release properties of the respective active ingredient-containing unit.

Subsequently, the active ingredient-containing units thus obtained are combined with optional auxiliaries or further constituents to form a dosage form according to the invention.

In particular embodiments of this invention, the drug-containing units are filled into a hard capsule.

In other embodiments, the units are embedded in a carrier matrix.

Still other embodiments provide that the drug-containing units are compressed into a body, so that a MUPS is obtained.

In likewise embodiments according to the invention, the active ingredient-containing units are filled into a bag or into a stick.

The present invention also relates to the use of a dosage form according to the invention for the treatment of patients who require treatment with sparingly soluble active substances. These agents are especially those that are to be administered three times a day. Such active ingredients are in particular those which are described above as the first active ingredient. Preferred uses of this dosage form are thus the treatment of vertigo of various origins.

As mentioned above, the dosage form according to the invention may be a MUPS dosage form. The active ingredient-containing units are preferably embedded in a carrier matrix. A preferred formulation for a carrier matrix in which the active ingredient-containing units may be contained in the sense of a MUPS may have the following composition (in% by weight):
Disintegrants, preferably microcrystalline cellulose: 8% -100%
Binder, preferably corn starch: 2% -25%
Plasticizer, preferably fumed silica: 0.1% -4%
Lubricant, preferably magnesium stearate: 0.1% -4%
Filler, preferably calcium phosphate and / or lactose: 3% -30%

This carrier matrix preferably constitutes at least 30% by weight of the pharmaceutical form in the MUPS dosage form according to the invention.

The dosage form according to the invention has a high content of disintegrants (disintegrants) in order to accelerate the dissolution of the drug form in the gastrointestinal tract. The content of disintegrant can be up to 60 wt .-%. Preferably, the content of disintegrant is up to 50 wt .-%. At least 20% by weight should be the disintegrant content to allow for sufficiently rapid disintegration. In preferred embodiments, the disintegrant content is at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight. Preferred disintegrants are biopolymers, especially polysaccharides. Particular preference is given to starches, starches and celluloses, in particular microcrystalline cellulose.

The content of matrix polymer in the dosage form will preferably not exceed 35% by weight. Preferably, the matrix polymer content will be at most 20% by weight and more preferably at most 10% by weight. If matrix polymer is used, its content should preferably not be less than 4% by weight and more preferably not less than 6% by weight.

The dosage form should have a total of preferably at most 1000 mg, more preferably at most 750 mg and more preferably at most 650 mg, so that the drug form can be easily taken. However, so that the handling is not impaired, the minimum weight of the dosage form according to the invention is preferably 175 mg, more preferably 250 mg.

Examples Preparation of a Drug Form with Microtablets

A dosage form according to the invention with the first active ingredient cinnarizine and the second active ingredient dimenhydrinate was produced. Cinnarizine is a weak base that has a water solubility of 1.55 mg / ml at pH 1.1. At pH 3.0 the solubility is only about 0.05 mg / ml, at pH 6.5 still about 0.00025 mg / ml. Thus, cinnarizine is the ideal drug to demonstrate the benefits of the present invention.

First, a molecular disperse mixture of cinnarizine with the matrix polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was prepared. The cinnarizine was thus dispersed in a matrix of a water-soluble polymer. In this dispersion, the first active ingredient is in particles below the visible limit (<150 nm) or partially dissolved before. The dispersion was prepared as follows: Cinnarizine was treated with PVP having an average molecular weight of about 40,000 in acetone and sprayed in a spray drying plant. The product obtained had an average grain size of 10-25 microns and a cinnarizine content of 12.38 wt .-% in a PVP matrix.

As the second and third drug-containing unit, microtablets having a diameter of 1.7 mm and an average height of 1.7 mm were prepared. These microtablets can be produced very well on a rotary press with multiple tools, especially if the above recipe is complied with. It is the resulting granules are compressed with the above-mentioned excipients to form a tablet.

The microtablets were prepared as follows: 161.6 mg of the cinnarizine dispersed in PVP matrix were mixed with 40 mg of dimenhydrinate and some adjuvants to control flow and to prevent sticking and on a multi-tool rotary press to 1.7 mm diameter and 1 microtiter tablets , 7 mm height pressed.

The coatings were applied to the microtablets in a fluidized bed system with sausage insert.

For the preparation of the second active ingredient-containing unit, the micro-tablets were coated with a coating of Eudragit ^® L100-55 with an appropriate amount of plasticizer (glycerol triacetate). The coating is stable for at least 60 minutes at a pH of 1.2. The coating is dissolved at a pH of 6.0 to 6.5, the micro-tablets disintegrate and release the active ingredients.

To produce the third drug-containing unit, the micro-tablets were coated in a mass ratio of 2 to 8 and glycerol triacetate with a coating of Eudragit ^® L100 and S100 as a plasticizer. The microtablets have a resistance of at least 60 minutes in the stomach, but do not decompose at a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 but the coating dissolves from a pH of 7.0. Here, too, the multicompartments disintegrate and release the active ingredients.

In addition, a first drug-containing unit was prepared in the form of a powder. This first drug-containing unit contained 20 mg cinnarizine and 40 mg dimenhydrinate and excipients.

Then, a capsule machine (Zanasi 48E) was equipped with a powder dosing station and two microtablets to fill the drug-containing units in capsules of size 00eL. These capsules were each filled with 246 mg of the second and third active ingredient-containing units and 80 mg of the first active ingredient-containing unit.

Thus, drug forms were obtained with three drug-containing units in a capsule. Each drug-containing unit comprised 20 mg cinnarizine and 40 mg dimenhydrinate.

The dosage form should release 25-45% of both drugs within 60 minutes in 0.1 N HCl. Within a further 60 minutes at pH 6.5 a total of 60-80% should be released and after a further 120 minutes more than 80% should be released.

Description of the pictures

shows a theoretical release profile of a commercial drug form that releases an active ingredient over a prolonged period.

shows the plasma levels of a poorly soluble drug, which are achieved with such a conventional preparation in vivo using the example of cinnarizine. As discussed above, this conventional dosage form is not suitable for simulating three times a day administration of a weakly basic, poorly water-soluble drug.

shows the release course of a dosage form according to the invention. The inventive form releases the active ingredient gradually, so that the three times daily intake is simulated. Due to the special design of the active ingredient-containing units, a good release profile is achieved. It is to be expected that this will also be confirmed in vivo.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2006/0998865 A2 [0005]
• WO 2006/099864 A2 [0005]

Claims (10)

Pharmaceutical form comprising - at least one first drug-containing unit and - at least one second drug-containing unit, wherein the units comprise a first active ingredient, characterized in that the first unit immediately releases the first drug in the stomach and the second unit is enteric-coated. Pharmaceutical form according to claim 1, wherein the second active ingredient-containing unit is a pellet, a tablet or a granule. A dosage form according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second active ingredient-containing unit comprises an enteric coating containing a coating polymer. The dosage form according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the second active ingredient-containing unit contains an active ingredient matrix comprising a matrix polymer and the first active ingredient, wherein the first active ingredient is dispersed in the active substance matrix. Pharmaceutical form according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein it has at least one third active ingredient-containing unit. A dosage form according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the units comprises a second active substance. Pharmaceutical form according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the mass ratio of the first active ingredient to the matrix polymer in the second active ingredient-containing unit is at most 1: 1. The dosage form according to at least one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the third active ingredient-containing unit comprises a drug matrix comprising a matrix polymer and the first drug, wherein the first drug is dispersed in the drug matrix and the mass ratio of first drug to matrix polymer in the second drug-containing unit at most 1: 1 Pharmaceutical form according to at least one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first active ingredient in the matrix of the second drug-containing unit in a particle size of 1000 nm does not exceed. Process for the preparation of a dosage form according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps a. Producing the active substance-containing units, b. Assembly of the active ingredient-containing units to the drug form.

Images