Abstract: Provided herein are energy storage devices. In some cases, the energy storage devices are capable of being transported on a vehicle and storing a large amount of energy. An energy storage device is provided comprising at least one liquid metal electrode, an energy storage capacity of at least about 1 MWh and a response time less than or equal to about 100 milliseconds (ms).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising spheroids comprising a water-soluble active ingredient or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, microcrystalline cellulose and a sugar. Preferably the active ingredient is hydromorphone hydrochloride and the sugar is lactose. Surprisingly the incorporation of a sugar improves the dissolution rate of the spheroid formulation instead of reducing the dissolution rate by competing with the active ingredient for solubilization.

Abstract: A controlled release composition including spheroid cores of diltiazem. or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and optionally a spheronizing agent, the cores being coated with a controlled release layer, and a method of manufacturing the same, is disclosed. The spheronizing agent when present is preferably microcrystalline cellulose. Ethylcellulose is a preferred release coating. The controlled release coating preferably contains a plasticizer, a surfactant and a tack-modifier.

Abstract: A controlled release preparation for oral administration contains tramadol, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as active ingredient.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a laxative composition in dosage unit form which comprises the steps of melting a normally solid stool softener; dispersing and/or dissolving a stimulant laxative compound in the molten stool softener and mixing to obtain a uniform mixture; filling the molten dispersion into hard gelatin capsule shells; and allowing the capsules to cool and the melt or dispersion to solidify.

Abstract: A solid oral dosage form comprising diltiazem (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof) in controlled release form and hydrochlorothiazide in immediate release form. Preferably, the controlled release component comprises a plurality of spheroids comprising diltiazem and a spheronizing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lousicidal shampoo composition of phenothrin as lousicidal agent distributed in a shampoo base of water and one or more surface active agents, the shampoo containing as antimicrobial preservative 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol alone or in combination with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol.

Abstract: A solid controlled release, oral dosage form, the dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of hydromorphone or a salt thereof in a matrix wherein the dissolution rate in vitro of the dosage form, when measured by the USP Paddle Method of 100 rpm in 900 ml aqueous buffer (pH between 1.6 and 7.2) at 37.degree. C. is between 12.5% and 42.5% (by weight) hydromorphone released after 1 hour, between 25% and 55% (by weight) hydromorphone released after 2 hours, between 45% and 75% (by weight) hydromorphone released after 4 hours and between 55% and 85% (by weight) hydromorphone released after 6 hours, the in vitro release rate being independent of pH between pH 1.6 and 7.2 and chosen such that the peak plasma level of hydromorphone obtained in vivo occurs between 2 and 4 hours after administration of the dosage form.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical iodophor preparation having predictable microbicidal effectiveness and long duration of action comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVPI), free iodine, a source of iodide ions and a source of iodate ions, the preparation having a ratio of available (titratable) iodine to iodide between 2:1 and 10:1, a pH between 5 and 6 and a free iodine concentration between 2 and 20 ppm, wherein the amount of iodate ion in the preparation is sufficient to maintain the free iodine concentration between 2 and 20 ppm for at least 12 months at 20.degree. C.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the application of an oral pharmaceutical to the mucosa of the oral or nasal cavity, for sustained release there of the drug. The arrangement of the invention comprises a body which has a size and shape suitable for insertion into and retention in the oral or nasal cavity, the body being formed of granules of a higher aliphatic alcohol and a hydrated water soluble hydroxyalkyl cellulose having the drug distributed therethrough. This body is coated with a cellulose derivative which is adherent to the mucosa. As a consequence, upon insertion into the oral or nasal cavity, the body adheres to the mucosa and the drug is there slowly released and absorbed into the body. The arrangement is preferably in the form of a buccal tablet, particularly a kidney shaped buccal tablet. Any drug suitable for oral administration can be used, morphine being preferred. The cellulose derivative which is preferred is hydroxypropyl cellulose.

Abstract: Antihypertension action is achieved without diuresis by administration of a thiazide diuretic in an amount which while being sufficient to achieve antihypertension is insufficient to achieve diuresis. Such administration in a non-diuretic amount is effected in 4-8 consecutive hourly doses to achieve reduction of blood pressure without high urine output. The invention further relates to complexes of thiazides with mixed cation-anion exchange resins, to insoluble basic metal hydroxy thiazide salts, the salts of thiazide with calcium disodium edetate or disodium edetate, to molecular complexes of thiazides with long chain polymers such as hydroxy alkyl cellulose polymers, carboxy methyl cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone, to beta-adrenergic blocking amine-thiazide salts and to amiloride thiazide salts.

Abstract: A solid controlled release, oral dosage form, the dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of hydromorphone or a salt thereof in a matrix wherein the dissolution rate in vitro of the dosage form, when measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml aqueous buffer (pH between 1.6 and 7.2) at 37.degree. C. is between 12.5% and 42.5% (by weight) hydromorphone released after 1 hour, between 25% and 55% (by weight) hydromorphone released after 2 hours, between 45% and 75% (by weight) hydromorphone released after 4 hours and between 55% ad 85% (by weight) hydromorphone released after 6 hours, the in vitro release rate being independent of pH between pH 1.6 and 7.2 and chosen such that the peak plasma level of hydromorphone obtained in vivo occurs between 2 and 4 hours after administration of the dosage form.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition in the form of a multiphase (especially a bilayered, optionally coated) tablet. The tablet has a narcotic analgesic phase containing a therapeutically effective quantity of a narcotic analgesic or an analgesically effective salt thereof (e.g. codeine phosphate) and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory phase containing a therapeutically effective quantity of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory carboxylic acid or an anti-inflammatory salt or ester thereof (e.g. ibuprofen). The narcotic analgesic phase is free from a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory carboxylic acid or salt or ester thereof, stearic acid and stearate salt, and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory phase is free from a narcotic analgesic or salt thereof, stearic acid and a stearate salt. Further, both the narcotic analgesic phase and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory phase contain a self-lubricating, compression aid, especially a self-lubricating, direct compression aid, such as microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: A solid controlled release, oral dosage form, the dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of dihydrocodeine or a salt thereof in a controlled release matrix wherein the dissolution rate in vitro of the dosage form, when measured by the USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml aqueous buffer (pH between 1.6 and 7.2) at 37.degree. C. is between 25% and 60% (by weight) dihydrocodeine released after 1 hour, between 45% and 80% (by weight) dihydrocodeine released after 2 hours, between 60% and 90% (by weight) dihydrocodeine released after 3 hours and between 70% and 100% (by weight) dihydrocodeine released after 4 hours, the in vitro release rate being independent of pH between pH 1.6 and 7.2 and chosen such that the peak plasma level of dihydrocodeine obtained in vivo occurs between 2 and 4 hours after administration of the dosage form.

Abstract: A solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient incorporated in a matrix comprising a first substance selected from a water soluble polydextrose and a water soluble cyclodextrin and a second substance selected from a C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 fatty alcohol and a polyalkylene glycol.Preferably the first substance is a cyclodextrin, especially a beta-cyclodextrin, while the second substance is a C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 fatty alcohol, especially stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol. The matrix may also contain a cellulose ether, especially a hydroxyalkylcellulose or a carboxyalkylcellulose.

Abstract: A solid, controlled release, pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient incorporated in a controlled release matrix comprising a water soluble polydextrose.The controlled release matrix may also contain at least one of a digestibele C.sub.8 --C.sub.50 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon, especially a C.sub.12 --C.sub.36 fatty alcohol, and a polyalkylene glycol, especially polyethylene glycol. Optionally, the matrix may contain a cellulose ether, especially a hydroxyalkylcellulose or a carboxyalkylcellulose.

Abstract: A vaginal pharmaceutical composition having sperm motility enhancing activity comprising a sperm motility enhancing amount of at least one sperm motility enhancing amino acid or amino acid salt in combination with a vaginally acceptable diluent or carrier.Preferred active materials are aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, histidine, asparagine, glutamine and arginine aspartate. L-amino acids or salts are particularly preferred.The preparation may be in the form of a pessary, a cream, a liquid douche, a gel, an aerosol foam or a controlled delivery device.

Abstract: A contraceptive composition for application to the vagina of a female mammal comprising a contraceptive amount of a contraceptive combination, the combination containing a spermicidal or sperm-immobilizing polyethoxyethanol and a beta-adrenergic blocker (as herein before defined).The polyethoxyethanol may be, for example, an octoxynol or, which is preferred, a nonoxynol, especially nonoxynol-9. The beta-adrenergic blocker is preferably a spermicidal or sperm-immobilizing beta-adrenergic blocker, propranolol (in particular the d-isomer) being especially preferred.The composition may also contain a spermicidal or sperm-immobilizing preservative.