Abstract: A device for the unidirectional transdermal administration of a drug in an ointment, cream or jelly-like carrier comprising a laminar applicator adapted to receive a predetermined quantity of the drug on a skin-contacting surface thereof, the applicator including a drug-impervious lamina such as a layer of aluminum foil, overlying said skin-contacting surface, such that in use a unidirectional transfer of the drug from the carrier to the skin surface is ensured. The device is especially suitable for the transdermal administration of nitroglycerin, clonidine, methadone and scopolamine or any drug that is skin-permeable. The drug receiving surface may be embossed, pressed, or stamped to define one or more mini-recesses or receptacles for receiving the drug to be administered.

Abstract: A sustained absorption theophylline-containing pellet for oral administration comprises a core of theophylline or a pharmacological equivalent thereof and an organic acid embedded in a polymeric material in a multi-layer arrangement and an outer membrane which permits release of the theophylline 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 theophylline after 2 hours of measurement in a buffer solution at pH 7.5. Not more than 35% of the total theophylline is released after a total of 7 hours of measurement and not more than 65% of the total theophylline is released after a total of 13 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new pharmaceutical form for oral use, in the nature of delayed action and controlled absorption medicaments.The form of the present invention comprises an association of miniaturized granules obtained by high to very high compression: (a) with Ph control agents, (b) coated with excipients determining the slow penetration of digestive liquids, and/or (c) coated with a very thin layer of lipids. These miniaturized granules may contain glucose, may have pH control agents with different solubilities, and may be in the form of miniaturized granules with a pH gradient.

Abstract: A controlled absorption diltiazem formulation for oral administration comprises a pellet having a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid and a lubricant, and an outer membrane which permits release of diltiazem in an aqueous medium at a controlled rate which is substantially pH independent. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro, which when measured according to the Paddle Method of U.S. Pharmacopoeia XX, is not more than 10% of the total diltiazem after 2 hours of measurement in a buffered medium. Not more than 30% of the total diltiazem is released after a total of 4 hours measurement and not more than 40% of the total diltiazem is released after a total of 6 hours. 100% release is achieved after 12 hours, with a maximum of 80% of the total diltiazem being released after 8 hours.

Abstract: A controlled absorption methyldopa formulation for oral administration comprises a pellet having a core of methyldopa or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and an outer membrane which permits release of methyldopa 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 XX at 37.degree. C. and 75 r.p.m., is not more than 50% of the total methyldopa after one hour of measurement. Not more than 80% of the total methyldopa is released after a total of 3 hours of measurement and 100% release is achieved after a total of 7 hours.

Abstract: A sustained absorption theophylline-containing pellet for oral administration comprises a core of theophylline or a pharmacological equivalent thereof and an organic acid embedded in a polymeric material in a multi-layer arrangement and an outer membrane which permits release of the theophylline 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 theophylline after 2 hours of measurement in a buffer solution at pH 7.5. Not more than 35% of the total theophylline is released after a total of 7 hours of measurement and not more than 65% of the total theophylline is released after a total of 13 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new pharmaceutical form for oral use in the nature of delayed action and controlled absorption medicaments.This form comprises an association of miniaturized granules obtained by high to very high compression: (a) with pH control agents, (b) coated with excipients determining the slow penetration of digestive and/or (c) coated with a very thin layer of lipids. These miniaturized granules may contain glucose, nay have pH control agents with different solubilities, and may be in the form of miniaturized granules with a pH gradient.

Abstract: A device for transdermal administration of a drug comprises a reservoir containing the drug and a supporting strap, or band, which substantially surrounds a limb of the patient and holds the reservoir in position on a limb of the patient. The reservoir is generally non permeable to the drug, but has a membrane, or plate, of defined surface area through which said drug can pass. In use, this membrane or plate is held against the patient's skin to allow the drug to be absorbed. The device further includes cooperating locking mechanisms for detachably securing the reservoir on the strap or band whereby the supply of drug can be replenished by removing the spent reservoir and inserting a fresh one containing a new supply of the drug.