Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twelve hour period following oral administration. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro which when measured in a dissolution apparatus (Paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KC1 at pH 7.0 results in not more than 35% of the total diltiazem being released after 2 hours of measurement.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twelve hour period following oral administration. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro which when measured in a dissolution apparatus (Paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 results in not more than 35% of the total diltiazem being released after 2 hours of measurement.

Abstract: A non-aqueous pharmaceutical liquid suspension having improved bioavailability for oral administration comprises an active ingredient suspended in an edible, non-aqueous carrier vehicle such as an oil, wherein the active ingredient is in the form of controlled release particles containing the active ingredient and optionally an excipient in intimate admixture with at least one non-toxic polymer, the particles being coated with, distributed through or adsorbed onto said polymer, and the particles further having an average size in the range 0.1 to 150 microns and a predetermined release of active ingredient.

Abstract: A controlled release formulation comprising an adsorbate of a mixture of a pharmaceutically useful active ingredient and an inactive substance adsorbed on a cross-linked polymer. The inactive substance is selected to modify the dissolution of the active ingredient from the cross-linked polymer in vivo.

Abstract: A method of using nicotine in the treatment of various conditions susceptible to alleviation by nicotine therapy such as disease states characterized by reduced central cholinergic function. Nicotine is administered to a subject initially having a blood supply substantially free of nicotine at a dose and for a period sufficient to allow the subject to tolerate the dose and thereafter increasing the dose of nicotine at intervals until a therapeutic dose is achieved. Smokers may also benefit from the treatment regimen.

Abstract: A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming water insoluble synthetic polymer and optionally a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer, when said water soluble polymer is present, being effective to permit release of diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over not less than a twelve hour period following oral administration. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro which when measured in a dissolution apparatus (paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.

Abstract: A controlled release formulation comprising an adsorbate of a mixture of a pharmaceutically useful active ingredient and an inactive substance adsorbed on a cross-linked polymer. The inactive substance is selected to modify the dissolution of the active ingredient from the cross-linked polymer in vivo.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid and a lubricant, and a membrane surrounding the core comprising a multiplicity of sequentially applied and dried layers, each layer containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble, naturally occurring polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of the diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twelve hour period following oral administration.

Abstract: A sustained absorption propranolol-containing pellet for oral administration comprises a core of propranolol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an organic acid embedded in a polymeric material in a multi-layer arrangement and an outer membrane which permits release of the propranolol at a controlled rate in an aqueous medium. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro in an aqueous medium, which when measured in a basket assembly according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XX at 37.degree. C. and 75 r.p.m., is not more than 15% of the total propranol after 2 hours of measurement in a buffer solution at pH 7.5. Not more than 30% of the total propranolol is released after a total of 4 hours of measurement and not more than 63% of the total propranolol is released after a total of 6 hours.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of the diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twenty four hour period following oral administration.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twelve hour period following oral administration. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro which when measured in a dissolution apparatus (Paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KCl at pH 7.0 results in not more than 35% of the total diltiazem being released after 2 hours of measurement.

Abstract: A controlled absorption verapamil containing pellet formulation for oral adminstration comprises a core of a powder mixture containing verapamil or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and an organic acid and a polymeric material, said core comprising layers of said powder mixture and said polymeric material superimposed one upon the other and said polymeric material being present in an amount effective to ensure that all of said powder mixture is coated into said core and a multi-layer membrane surrounding said core, the number of layers in said membrane and the ratio of the various polymers comprising the membrane being effective to permit release of the verapamil from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a 24 hour period following oral administration, said rate being measured in vivo and having a Tmax between 6 and 16 hours.

Abstract: A controlled absorption quinidine formulation for oral administration comprises a pellet having a core of quinidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid and optionally other excipients, and an outer membrane which permits release of quinidine in an aqueous medium at a controlled rate which is substantially pH independent. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro, which when measured in a Basket Assembly according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI at 37.degree. C. and 75 r.p.m. is not more than 15% after one hour of measurement. Not more than 50% of the total quinidine is release after a total of 4 hours of measurement, not more than 80% is released after a total of 8 hours of measurement and not less than 90% release is achieved after a total of 24 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medicaments with a high degree of dissolution rate and solubility. These medicaments are characterized in that they are in amorphous form produced by spraying in the presence of a stabilizer and of an agent inhibiting the formation of crystals.