Abstract: The present invention provides a method of achieving the time-specific delivery of a pharmaceutically active agent to a patient in need of the therapeutic effects of the pharmaceutically active agent. The method includes administering a pharmaceutical formulation comprising (a) a core including the pharmaceutically active agent to be delivered, and (b) a swellable polymeric coating layer substantially surrounding the core. The swellable polymeric coating layer delays the release of the pharmaceutically active agent from the core for a predetermined period of time dependent upon the thickness of the swellable polymeric coating layer. The swellable polymeric coating layer surrounding the core is provided by a new method which includes alternately (I) wetting the core with a binder solution, and (ii) coating the core with powdered polymeric particles a sufficient number of times to produce a time-specific dosage formulation having the desired thickness of swellable polymeric coating layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of achieving the time-specific delivery of a pharmaceutically active agent to a patient in need of the therapeutic effects of the pharmaceutically active agent. The method includes administering a pharmaceutical formulation comprising (a) a core including the pharmaceutically active agent to be delivered, and (b) a swellable polymeric coating layer substantially surrounding the core. The swellable polymeric coating layer delays the release of the pharmaceutically active agent from the core for a predetermined period of time dependent upon the thickness of the swellable polymeric coating layer. The swellable polymeric coating layer surrounding the core is provided by a new method which includes alternately (i) wetting the core with a binder solution, and (ii) coating the core with powdered polymeric particles a sufficient number of times to produce a time-specific dosage formulation having the desired thickness of swellable polymeric coating layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating early morning pathologies using a time-specific controlled release dosage formulation which is administered prior to sleep, and which permits or achieves delivery of a pharmaceutically active agent effective for the treatment of the specific early morning pathology to be treated, at about the time of awakening. The time-specific controlled release dosage formulation comprises (1) a core including the pharmaceutically active agent(s) effective for the treatment of the early morning pathology, and (2) a swellable polymeric coating layer substantially surrounding the core. The swellable polymeric coating layer delays the release of the pharmaceutically active agent from the core for a predetermined period of time dependent upon the thickness of the swellable polymeric coating layer, to effect delivery of the pharmaceutically active agent at about the time of awakening.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration. The compositions comprise an amount of neuromuscular blocking agent effective to produce muscular relaxation, and at least one zwitterionic substance having an isoionic point not greater than 7. The zwitterionic substance is present in an amount of between about 2 and about 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the composition. The resulting composition has a pH of less than 7.

Abstract: Dietetic formulations for oral use are described, made up of compact pellets of mixtures of .alpha.-amino acids, possibly coated by a waterproof protective film, which may be disgregated in the gastrointestinal juices. The process for obtaining regular granules includes the coordinated extrusion and cutting of the powdery or pasty amino acid mixtures with the subsequent possible desiccation and coating by immersion in solutions of zein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating early morning pathologies using a time-specific controlled release dosage formulation which is administered prior to sleep, and which permits or achieves delivery of a pharmaceutically active agent effective for the treatment of the specific early morning pathology to be treated, at about the time of awakening. The time-specific controlled release dosage formulation comprises (1) a core including the pharmaceutically active agent(s) effective for the treatment of the early morning pathology, and (2) a swellable polymeric coating layer substantially surrounding the core. The swellable polymeric coating layer delays the release of the pharmaceutically active agent from the core for a predetermined period of time dependent upon the thickness of the swellable polymeric coating layer, to effect delivery of the pharmaceutically active agent at about the time of awakening.