Abstract: The action of controlled release medications is extended by incorporation into the controlled release matrix for a medication a mixture of the salt form of the medication with the free base form of the medication in a proportion of a 75-25% by weight of the salt form to 25-75% by weight of the free base form, the weight amounts being calculated with respect to the active base.

Abstract: Molecular coordination complexes are formed between a cellulose polymer and a non-polar solid aliphatic alcohol containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms optionally substituted with an aliphatic group containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms by solvating the polymer with a volatile polar solvent and reacting the solvated cellulose polymer directly with the aliphatic alcohol, preferably as a melt. The resulting composition may be dried. This constitutes the complex. The composition has utility as a matrix in controlled release formulations since it has a uniform porosity which may be varied.

Abstract: A preparation for percutaneous administration of nitroglycerine, said preparation comprising nitroglycerine incorporated in a cream base in an amount not less than about 0.05% by weight based on the total weight of the preparation. The composition may also contain other medicaments, the bioavailability of which is enhanced by the nitroglycerine. The action of the preparation against for example angina may be brought about by having an appropriate amount of nitroglycerine or as additional medicament another medicament active against angina. The preparation may contain an hydroxyalkylcellulose which may provide, in combination with a waxy component in the cream, for example a higher aliphatic alcohol, a prolonged release effect. The preparation has advantages particularly as regards bioavailability over prior uniphasic ointments.

Abstract: Slow release pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of a higher aliphatic alcohol and a hydrated hydroxy-alkyl cellulose in ratio of from 2:1 to 4:1 parts by weight and comprising from 20 to 40 percent by weight of the composition; the method for making the same, and their inclusion in pharmaceutical dosage forms intended for oral administration, to provide a slow release of a therapeutically active compound during a predetermined period of time of from five to ten hours, after oral ingestion by humans and animals.