Abstract: An ophthalmic pharmaceutical composition containing acetylcysteine as the active ingredient having a mucolitic action, suitable for administration in eyedrops, where N-acetyl-cysteine is neutralised with base DEAE-dextrane in order to reach pH levels preferably between 6.0 and 7.5, and having a physiologically acceptable osmolarity less than 320 mOsm/kg. The presence of a neutralising agent for N-acetyl-cysteine that does not negatively affect the composition osmolarity allows the formulation to be isotonic or even hypotonic, thus avoiding the irritative and potentially damaging effects of previous ophthalmic products containing N-acetyl-cysteine.

Abstract: Mucoadhesive antimicrobial complexes of polycarbophil, i.e. a cross-linked polyacrylic acid with bioadhesive properties, and an imidazole or triazole derivative with antifungal or antiprotozoal activity, in its basic form, for use in the topical treatment of mucosal affections. The complexes are obtainable by dissolving each of the two starting products in a common solvent, then joining together the two solutions in relative amounts such as to contain the same number of equivalents of the two starting products, evaporating the solvent and then drying and, if required, pulverizing and sieving the product so obtained. Particularly preferred are formulations in gel in propylene glycol comprising an econazole-polycarbophil or omoconazole-polycarbophil complex, with an excess of polycarbophil, together with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and excipient substances, for use as sustained release antifungals for vaginal administration.

Abstract: A process for solubilizing in water and in aqueous vehicles sparingly water-soluble pharmaceutically active substances, comprising the following operations: 1) forming a complex of the pharmaceutically active substance with a pharmaceutically acceptable non-ionic polymer capable of forming complexes with the substance, and isolating the complex in solid form; 2) dissolving again the thus obtained complex in an aqueous medium by means of a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. The method allows to markedly increase the water-solubility of pharmaceutically active organic compounds which are intrinsically poorly or negligibly soluble in water, in order to obtain preparations that are stable in aqueous solution and contain therapeutically and commercially useful concentrations of active ingredient.

Abstract: The reclosable container (1), adapted to reduce the risk of contamination of the substance contained therein, comprises a hollow body (2) provided with a dispensing mouth (15) which can be plugged through respective detachable closure elements (4, 20, 23) which comprise plugs (6, 6b, 6c, 21, 21b, 25) which can be coupled to the mouth (15); the closure elements (4, 20, 23) are monolithic with the container (1); the plugs (6, 6b, 6c, 21, 21b, 25) are located on the closure elements (4, 20, 23) on the side thereof directed towards the mouth (15). The method comprises the formation of the closure elements (4, 20, 23) nonlithically with the container (1); during formation, the plugs (6, 6b, 6c, 21, 21b, 25) are formed on the closure elements (4, 20, 23) on the side of these elements which is directed towards the mouth (15); at the end of the formation, the plugs (6, 6b, 6c, 21, 21b, 25) are made to couple to the mouth (15).

Abstract: The polysaccharide fraction of tamarind gum, a product of natural origin obtained from the seeds of Tamarindus indica, is used for the production of a thickened ophthalmic solution having a pseudoplastic rheological behaviour and mucoadhesive properties. Said solution is useful as artificial tear and as vehicle for sustained release ophthalmic drugs. The concentrations of tamarind seed polysaccharide preferably employed in ophthalmic preparations for use as artificial tears, i.e. as products for replacing and stabilising the natural tear fluid, particularly indicated for the treatment of dry eye syndrome, are comprised between 0.7 and 1.5% by weight. The concentrations of tamarind seed polysaccharide preferably employed in the production of vehicles (i.e. delivery systems) for ophthalmic drugs, having the function of prolonging the permanence time of said medicaments at their site of action, are comprised between 1 and 4% by weight.