Abstract: An osmotic device (10) for delivering an ergot alkaloid into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device (10) has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device (10) comprises a wall (12) surrounding a compartment (13) housing a layer of an ergot alkaloid (14) and a layer (16) of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway (17) in the wall (12) connects the ergot alkaloid (14) with the exterior of the device (10). The wall (12) is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer (16). In one embodiment the ergot alkaloid (14) has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer (16). The wall (12) is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of ergot alkaloid (14) remaining to be delivered.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising the antidiabetic drug glipizide for administering to a patient in need of glipizide therapy.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed that comprises means inside the dosage form for providing a substantially drug-free interval before the dosage form delivers a drug from inside the dosage form. The dosage form in an embodiment comprises a drug on the exterior of the dosage form, which drug is available for immediate delivery.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a dosage form for orally administering a drug in eight hours or less to the stomach and small intestine for a therapeutic result.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising means for delaying the delivery of drug from the dosage form following the administration of the dosage form to a patient in need of drug therapy.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed that comprises means inside the dosage form for providing a substantially drug-free interval before the dosage form delivers a drug from inside the dosage form. The dosage form in an embodiment comprises a drug on the exterior of the dosage form, which drug is available for immediate delivery.

Abstract: An osmotic device is disclosed comprising an exterior coat comprising an estrogenic and a progestogenic steroid that are delivered immediately as a contraceptive pair for fertility regulation in a female, and a compartment comprising an estrogenic steroid that is delivered at a controlled rate over a prolonged period of time for fertility regulation in a female.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising the antidiabetic drug glipizide for administering to a patient in need of glipizide therapy.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising granule means for delivering soluble to insoluble drug to a warm-blooded animal.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising nilvadipine for administering to a patient in need of cardiovascular therapy.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a drug, a neutral hydrogel and an ionic hydrogel. The composition can be administered from a delivery system to a biological receptor over time.

Abstract: A dosage form comprising (1) an immediately available dose of a beneficial drug followed by a timed delayed dose of drug, or (2) a timed delayed dose of drug.

Abstract: A device is disclosed with an internal space for receiving a beneficial agent. The device comprises a wall surrounding a compartment provided with an internal space and a hydrogel. A passageway in the wall connects the exterior of the device with the internal space. The passageway is used for filling the space with a beneficial agent, and then for dispensing the beneficial agent from the device.

Abstract: The invention is for a method of treating a decrease in estrogen secretion in a woman after the cessation of cyclic ovulation using a vaginal dispenser comprising a wall surrounding an internal lumen and having a pair of ends with one end placed inside the other end to form a closed dispenser. A vaginally administrable beneficial agent is housed in the lumen for release by the dispenser over time.

Abstract: A patient-care system is disclosed comprising a container housing a device that delivers an agent for controlling the presence of pathogens. Also, the device and a method are disclosed using the device for preventing pathogenic infections.

Abstract: A patient-care system is disclosed comprising a container housing a device that delivers an agent for controlling the presence of pathogens. Also, the device and a method are disclosed using the device for preventing pathogenic infections.

Abstract: A patient-care system is disclosed comprising a container housing a device that delivers an agent for controlling the presence of pathogens. Also, the device and a method are disclosed using the device for preventing pathogenic infections.

Abstract: A method for preventing an infection in a patient introduced through a indwelling catheter, the method comprising, connecting the patient to the catheter, connecting the catheter to a fluid receiving container, admitting into the container a biocidal dispensing device, and releasing a biocide into fluid in the container for inhibiting the growth of infectious bacteria in the container and concomitantly their introduction into the catheter and the patient.

Abstract: An intravaginal therapeutic system for the pre-programmed, unattended delivery of a drug is disclosed. The system comprises (a) a drug, (b) a delivery module comprising a reservoir for storing the drug in an amount for execution of the program, a rate controller which maintains the rate of drug delivered in a therapeutically effective amount throughout the life of the system, an energy source for transferring drug from the reservoir to the vagina, and a portal for releasing the drug from the module to the vagina, (c) a platform which integrates the module into a unit sized, shaped and adapted for insertion and retention in a vagina, and (d) therapeutic program which provides for the controlled release of drug to produce a beneficial effect over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for delivering a drug substantially-free of rapid precipitation from an osmotic device. The osmotic device comprises a semipermeable wall surrounding a compartment housing (1) a drug that exhibits limited solubility under neutral and acid conditions, and (2) a compound capable of evolving carbon dioxide in the presence of an acid in the environment of use. The method comprises, (a) imbibing fluid through the wall into the compartment at a rate determined by the permeability of the wall and the osmotic pressure gradient across the wall, (b) forming in the compartment a basic solution containing drug and compound, which solution is delivered from the compartment through the passageway, (c) reacting the compound with the acid in the environment at the device-environment interface for evolving carbon dioxide, thereby, (d) providing an effervescent suspension in the environment that delivers the drug in a finely dispersed form to the environment of use over time.