Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition useful for treating gastroesophageal reflux comprising oxethazaine and a carrier selected from alginic acid and alginates.

Abstract: A method of producing an absorbent composition. A polymeric material characterized as having surface anionic reactive sites is mixed with a source of multivalent metal ions to render the polymeric material sorbent of aqueous liquids. A dispersant is then added to form a wet slurry which is subsequently dried to a granular consistency.

Abstract: A drug delivery ophthalmic insert prepared by forming a water soluble solid polymer into a paste by the addition of a small fixed amount of water, drying the paste and then sectioning the paste into a plurality of rod shaped inserts is provided. The insert is rendered suitable for prolonged and sustained delivery of medication to the eye since it is formed by the addition of a small amount of water and has a surface area less than about 3 mm.sup.2. Specific water soluble solid polymers which may be used include methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, alginic acid and combinations thereof as well as mixtures of pilocarpine dispersed in methylcellulose and its combinations.

Abstract: The controlled release of therapeutically active agents is achieved from a controlled release matrix of sodium alginate and a calcium salt. When the composition is to be administered rectally, the matrix is combined with a therapeutically active agent and a suitable suppository base. When the composition is to be administered orally, the matrix further includes a higher aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymeric liquid crystals prepared from a polysaccharide and a solvent, preferably water, which are used to deliver nutrients, perfumes, flavors, drugs and other ingredients in foods, cosmetics, household soaps, health care products e.g. bar or liquid soaps, toothpaste, shampoos, creams, and lotions and other preparations. The encapsulated active vehicle comprises:(a) from about 0.001% to about 60% of an active; and(b) from about 40% to about 99.999% of a stable polymeric liquid crystal consisting essentially of:(1) from about 10% to about 90% of a solvent; and(2) from about 10% to about 90% of a polysaccharide having a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 1,000,000.

Abstract: A process for producing alginate capsules comprises slowly introducing an aqueous alginate solution into crosslinking solution of a polyvalent metal salt. The aqueous alginate solution has mannuronic units (M) and guluronic units (G) in a molar ratio between 0.4 and 1.9 and preferably an amount of (G) blocks greater than 50%. Preferably, the alginate is a sodium alginate having a viscosity, in a 0.5% solution in water at 25.degree. C., lower than 20 mPa.s measured with a TV Contraves viscosimeter having a No. 1 measurement body in the presence of a calcium chelate. The alginate concentration is between 0.2 and 2 weight percent. The polyvalent metal salt concentration in solution is from 3.4.times.10.sup.-3 to 6.8.times.10.sup.-2 M. The alginate capsules are employed in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: Bioadhesive pharmaceutical carrier consisting essentially of a polymer blend of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and xanthan gum or sodium alginate. The invention also provides for a method of control releasing a pharmaceutical active comprising incorporating an active into the bioadhesive pharmaceutical carrier. The invention is particularly adaptable for oral use and teething gels.

Abstract: Cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition consisting of a dispersion in a physiologically acceptable aqueous phase D of vesicles of ionic and/or nonionic amphiphilic lipid(s), the vesicles being bounded by one or more lipid lamellae, the lipid lamellae containing at least one retinoid compound and the aqueous dispersion phase a pyrimidine derivative. The said composition may be used by topical application on the hair and scalp.

Abstract: A method of preparing a freeze-dried dosage form including a water soluble active agent is disclosed. The water soluble active agent is bonded to an ion exchange resin to form a substantially water insoluble complex. This complex is then mixed with a compatible carrier and freeze-dried. The resulting freeze-dried dosage form contains an effective unit dosage amount of the active agent and exhibits enhanced compositional and physical stability, as well as permitting processing according to conventional freeze-drying techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical granule comprising cimetidine and 2-20% (w/w) relative to the cimetidine of a co-polymer of dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate and neutral methacrylic acid esters. Compositions of this invention have good palatability and dissolution characteristics.

Abstract: A packing material for the treatment of infections, particularly of the teeth and gums. A biocompatible, polymeric carrier material, typically calcium alignate, has dispersed therein an antibiotic ester which typically defines at least one ester group of 10 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule. The antibiotic ester is present in the polymeric carrier in an initial concentration sufficient to allow the continuous, controlled release of at least an inhibitory concentration of free antibiotic as a hydrolysis product from the antibiotic ester. The rate of release of free antibiotic is influenced by the presence of bacterial lipase, so that a higher concentration of infectious bacteria causes the release of higher concentrations of free antibiotic, hydrolyzed from the ester, in a feedback loop.

Abstract: A buoyant controlled release pharmaceutical powder formulation is provided which may be filled into capsules and releases a pharmaceutical of a basic character at a controlled rate regardless of the pH of the environment, which formulation includes a basic pharmaceutical, up to about 45% by weight of a pH dependent polymer which is a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate, up to about 35% by weight of a pH-independent hydrocarbon gelling agent having a viscosity of up to about 100,000 centipoises in 2% solution at 20.degree. C. and excipients.

Abstract: A novel anti-sunburn skin-care preparation, such as creams, foundations, milky lotions and the like, is proposed which contains, as the ultraviolet-absorbing and -shielding ingredient, a salt of ellagic acid with a polyvalent metal, e.g., calcium, barium and magnesium. The skin-care preparation is free from the problem of irritation and sensitization of human skin and exhibits excellent anti-sunburn effect with durability.

Abstract: A process for producing alginate capsules comprises slowly introducing an aqueous alginate solution into crosslinking solution of a polyvalent metal salt. The aqueous alginate solution has mannuronic units (M) and guluronic units (G) in a molar ratio between 0.4 and 1.9 and preferably an amount of (G) blocks greater than 50%. Preferably, the alginate is a sodium alginate having a viscosity, in a 0.5% solution in water at 25.degree. C. lower than 20 mPa.s measured with a TV Contraves viscosimeter having a No. 1 measurement body in the presence of a calcium chelate. The alginate concentration is between 0.2 and 2 weight percent. The polyvalent metal salt concentration in solution is from 3.4.times.10.sup.-3 to 6.8.times.10.sup.-2 M.The alginate capsules are employed in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: A face masque composition useful for treating human skin for improvement comprising about 1-70% of a hydrolzed grain endproduct, about, 0.1-15% of a seaweed derivative and about 20-95% water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound secretion absorbing hydrogel of the following composition:a) 20 to 70%-wt of at least one multivalent alcoholb) 10 to 35%-wt of at least one natural thickener (biopolymer)c) 0.05 to 12%-wt of at least one uncross-linked copolymer of one or more vinylcarboxylic acids and their salts (synthetic polymer)d) 0.05 to 10%-wt of a cross-linking agente) 0 to 50%-wt of water or physiological salineas well as to the use of this hydrogel as wound dressing.

Abstract: An alginate-based depot drug form for which the rate of release of the active substance in vitro can be adjusted very precisely is described.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for coating hydrogel capsules containing botanic tissue with an inert substance that decrease capsule surface adhesiveness and facilitates singulation and flowability of the hydrogel capsules. The coating may be composed of at least one hydrophobic powder capable of forming a discontinuous film about the capsule surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a microcapsule comprising a permeability-controllable membrane. This process comprises adjusting the ionic strength of a solution of a soluble chitin derivative, and then bringing this solution into contact with a solution of a polyanionic polysaccharide, its salt or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Balanced pH, thermo-irreversible gels are ideal vehicles for drug delivery to the skin of a mammal.

Abstract: A sweetness inhibited pharmaceutical product and a process for inhibiting sweetness is disclosed. In this product and process an effective sweetness inhibiting amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal heptyl sulfonate, an alkaline earth metal heptyl sulfonate, an alkali metal octyl sulfonate, an alkaline earth metal octyl sulfonate and mixtures thereof is added to an ingestible composition to which a sweetener has been added.

Abstract: There is provided an orally ingestible liquid composition for suspending therein an orally administrable pharmaceutically active composition releasable over an extended period of time comprises triglyceride of a medium chain length alkanoic acid or distilled acetylated monoglycerides, a liquid, high HLB polyglyceryl ester, and colloidal silicon dioxide together with a material soluble or dispersible therein and capable of being insolubilized by a pharmaceutically acceptable polyvalent cation and a solid pharmaceutically acceptable salt containing the cation required therefore. Sustained release compositions based thereon containing pharmaceutically active agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Etofenamate is used for the preparation of compositions useful in the treatment of bacterial, viral or fungicidal inflammations in the region of the oral cavity.

Abstract: A chlorhexidine complex is prepared by complexing chlorhexidine (a divalent, cationic antiseptic) with an anionic polymer such as algin or carboxymethylcellulose. The complex is insoluble but can be granulated or crushed to a fine powder. In powdered form the complex forms stable aqueous dispersions. The chlorhexidine complex is suitable for inclusion in oral hygiene compositions such as dentrifrices, and in other antibacterial compositions such as opthalmic under-eye-lid treatment capsules topical preparations and ocular solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the composition reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: A method of protecting soluble proteins such that their biological activity is preserved after freezing by exposing the protein to a carbohydrate and transition metal ion prior to freezing. The protected protein can then be thawed or lyophilized and rehydrated without denaturation of impairment of the protein's biological activity. The protein is preferably exposed to the carbohydrate by placing it in a 25-100 mM aqueous solution of carbohydrate and 2 mM Z.sup.+2. This method is especially effective in preserving the biological activity of fragile proteins such as the enzyme phosphofructokinase. The present method can be used to preserve pharmaceutically useful proteins in a frozen or freeze-dried form for storage and distribution. The treated protein can be thawed or rehydrated and administered directly to a user without removing the cryoprotectant since the carbohydrates and trace amounts of many transition metal ions are nontoxic.

Abstract: A dental treating composition and method are disclosed which reduces dental plaque and inhibits future formation of the same, when the dental treating composition is used on regular basis. Sodium alginate is used as a calcium ion chelating agent which weakens the bond between the plaque and the teeth thereby allowing easy removal by subsequent brushing. The use of benzalkonium chloride and zinc sulfate with the composition provides for desensitizing the teeth and elimination of halitosis.

Abstract: A buccal formulation for administering a medicament includes about 1-20% by weight of a soluble, pharmaceutically acceptable adhesive, about 1-10% by weight of a pharmaceutically acceptable disintegrant and a soluble, directly compressible tablet excipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the compositions reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of grainless, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: A delivery system useful in chewing gum, confectionary and pharmaceutical products comprising:(a) an insolubolized active ingredient; and(b) a cross-linked hydrocolloid multivalent cation alginate or carageenenate matrix entrapping said insolubolized active ingredient.A process of preparation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical, confectionery or food tablet coated on all its exterior surfaces with maltodextrin, which masks the characteristic taste of the tablet ingredients and does not have a slimy taste, with the coating composition comprising maltodextrin, an effective amount of a plasticizer to make the maltodextrin non-brittle and non-cracking when coated onto a tablet, an effective amount of a detackifier for making the maltodextrin and plasticizer non-tacky, a secondary film former to impart gloss and strength to the maltodextrin film coating, and a colorant for imparting color. A method of making tablets coated with maltodextrin.

Abstract: A thixotropic, spoonable soft gel in an aerated or non-aerated multiphase composition of emulsified glycerides dispersed in a continuous phase of hydrocolloid and has an RVT Brookfield viscosity of about 100,000-500,000 centipoises at room temperature and a TD spindle speed of 2.5 rpm.

Abstract: The invention relates to insecticidal formulations which have a pronounced residual action and contain (a) 0.1 to 20% by weight of an insecticidally active compound or compounds, (b) 1 to 40% by weight of a water-soluble gel-forming or lacquer-forming polymer, (c) 40 to 98% by weight of organic, water-miscible solvent, and (d) 0.1 to 10% by weight of one or more further additives.

Abstract: Provided is a wound covering material produced by applying an aqueous solution containing a polyvinyl alcohol with a degree of hydrolysis not less than 95 mol. % and a viscosity-average degree of polymerization not less than 1,500, a water-soluble C.sub.2-20 polyhydric alcohol having 2-8 hydroxyl groups in the molecule and a high-viscosity water-soluble macromolecular substance being different from polyvinyl alcohol with a viscosity of the 2% aqueous solution of 25.degree. C. not less than 300 cP, concentrations of said polyvinyl alcohol, said water-soluble polyhydric alcohol and said water-soluble macromolecular substance being adjusted respectively to 1.5-8% by weight, 10-85% by weight and 0.2-15% by weight, onto a flat or curved plate having 30,000-200,000 projections per m.sup.2, the total area occupied by the projections being 10-70% to a thickness from 0.5 to 5 mm, cooling the applied plate to a temperature not higher than -6.degree. C.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing products in the desired shape and ready for use for destroying harmful animals, by preparing a fluid, aqueous paste containing nutritive elements, at least one constituent which is toxic to the target animal, and a gelable constituent, putting the paste in the desired shape for the final product, gelling the paste, and preserving the gelled product thus obtained in a slightly acid, aqueous, saline medium or under a vacuum or an inert gas.

Abstract: A layer can be formed on skin, mucous membrane or other tissue by first applying an ointment on the skin or mucous membrane, said ointment containing a water-soluble alginate and an aqueous dispersion of hydrophilic lipid crystals. A calcium salt is then applied on the surface of the ointment, which converts the alginate to insoluble calcium salt. Pharmaceutically active components may be included in the ointment.