Abstract: A diffusional drug delivery device is described which can provide for delayed onset of therapeutic effect and for delivery of the therapeutic agent in predetermined temporal patterns at optimum rates. Delay means are provided between the agent reservoir and the surface through which the agent is released by diffusion to delay the release of agent at a therapeutic rate for predetermined times after application. Suitable means include a delay membrane disposed between the releasing surface and the agent reservoir which membrane is preferably free of undissolved agent and/or is initially impermeable to the agent and thereafter becomes permeable. One or more agent chambers defined by one or more of such membranes may be provided, whereby agents are released in a predetermined temporal pattern at optimal release rates.

Abstract: A dispenser for use in a fluid environment which is capable of delivery of a plurality of discrete drug-containing units in any desired delivery pattern or profile.

Abstract: A patient-care apparatus comprising a container for receiving a biological fluid, and a delivery device on the outside of the container, which device comprises a biocide that is released to the container for preventing the multiplication of and/or eliminating the presence of unwanted pathogens in the container.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising a wall that surrounds a compartment. The compartment comprises a beneficial agent composition and a push composition. A passageway in the wall connects the compartment with the exterior of the device for delivering the beneficial agent at a rate governed, in combination, by the wall, the beneficial agent composition and the push composition through the passageway of the device over time.

Abstract: A membrane capable of inhibiting agent release from a delivery system when no electrical current is flowing and yet provide minimal impedance to electrically-assisted agent delivery, useful both for incorporating into electrotransport agent delivery systems and for use in measuring agent release rates in in vitro testing.

Abstract: A diffusional drug delivery device is described which can provide for delayed onset of therapeutic effect and for delivery of the therapeutic agent in predetermined temporal patterns at optimum rates. Delay means are provided between the agent reservoir and the surface through which the agent is released by diffusion to delay the release of agent at a therapeutic rate for predetermined times after application. Suitable means include a delay membrane disposed between the releasing surface and the agent reservoir which membrane is preferably free of undissolved agent and/or is initially impermeable to the agent and thereafter becomes permeable. One or more agent chambers defined by one or more of such membranes may be provided, whereby agents are released in a predetermined temporal pattern at optimal release rates.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system and a formulation chamber are disclosed for administering a beneficial agent. The parenteral delivery system comprises a drip chamber and a formulation chamber. The formulation chamber comprises a wall surrounding an internal space and it has an inlet for admitting a liquid into the formulation chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the formulation chamber. The chamber houses an agent delivery system for releasing a beneficial agent into a liquid that enters the chamber.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a window material which allows the drug to diffuse therethrough but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A flow distributor is provided within the chamber for distributing the flow of IV fluid along the interior surface of the window. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the exterior surface of the window. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the window and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber.

Abstract: An implantable osmotically driven syringe is disclosed which can be used to deliver a beneficial agent, such as a drug, at a predetermined rate over an extended period of time. A movable piston divides the syringe into a beneficial agent-containing compartment and a driving compartment. The piston is movable into a position wherein the driving compartment has a volume of essentially zero. The syringe is driven by an osmotic engine which has a shaped wall surrounding, and in contact with, an osmotic solute. The wall is comprised of a semipermeable and/or microporous material which is permeable to the external fluid (e.g., water) but is impermeable to the solute. The engine also has a passageway forming a fluid flow path between the osmotic solute and the driving compartment. A portion of the wall is exposed to a fluid-containing external environment. At least about 30% of the wall which contacts the solute also is exposed to the fluid in the external environment.

Abstract: A delivery system is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent to an environment of use. The delivery system comprises a plurality of tiny dosage forms comprising a beneficial agent. The delivery system also comprises means for maintaining (a) the physical and chemical integrity of the dosage form and for (b) inhibiting delivery of the beneficial agent during non-performance of the delivery system.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising a coat that surrounds a drug. The coat comprises a subcoat and an overcoat thermally annealed to provide a single unit coat around the drug.

Abstract: A dispenser for use in a fluid environment which is capable of delivery of a plurality of discrete drug-containing units in any desired delivery pattern or profile.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising a cured emulsion that coat that surrounds a drug. The emulsion comprises a lower alkyl acrylate-lower alkyl methacrylate copolymer and ethyl cellulose. The emulsion optionally comprises a hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising a coat that surrounds a drug. The coat comprises a subcoat and an overcoat thermally annealed to provide a single unit coat around the drug.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

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 formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for parenteral use including intravenous delivering for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a material which is permeable to the drug but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the semipermeable/microporous wall portion. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the wall portion and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber. The rate of drug delivery from the device into the IV fluid is controlled by either the wall portion or a membrane layer in the drug delivery device.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus is disclosed comprising a formulation chamber and an electrotransport device on the outside of the formulation chamber for transporting an electrically charged drug from the outside into a medical fluid that flows through the formulation chamber over drug delivery time.

Abstract: An osmotically driven pump is provided that is capable of being miniaturized to a size suited for swallowing or implanting in an animal. The pump may be used to administer a drug in fluid form after an initial activation period during which substantially no drug is administered. The basic components of the pump are a shaped semipermeable membrane that encapsulates an osmotically effective solute and preferably a drug or other beneficial agent and a discharge port through which the drug or other beneficial agent is dispensed. A semipermeable or microporous outer cover surrounds the semipermeable membrane and seals it from an external aqueous environment. A water-swellable composition is operatively positioned between the end of the semipermeable membrane and the outer cover. Preferably, a water wicking layer at least partially surrounds the semipermeable membrane and is also sealed within the outer cover. In operation, the pump is placed in an aqueous environment.