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16 pages, 4753 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Galenic Strategies for Developing Gastro-Resistant Omeprazole Formulation for Pediatrics

by Khadija Rouaz-El-Hajoui, Encarnación García-Montoya, Marc Suñé-Pou, Josep María Suñé-Negre and Pilar Pérez-Lozano

Children 2024, 11(8), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080945 - 5 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2180

Abstract

Objectives: This study addresses a critical need in pediatric pharmacotherapy by focusing on the development of an enteric formulation of omeprazole for pediatric use. Omeprazole, a widely used proton pump inhibitor, is essential for treating various gastrointestinal disorders in children. The main objective is to design a compounding formula that can be prepared in hospital pharmacy services without the need for industrial equipment, which is often unavailable in these settings. Methods: The research applied different galenic strategies to overcome the challenges of omeprazole’s instability in acidic environments and its complex pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties. The experiments were conducted sequentially, employing salting out, ionic gelation, and matrix granulation strategies. Based on the results obtained, the control conditions and parameters for the various trials were established. Results: Among the techniques used, wet granulation proved to be the most promising, achieving a gastro-resistance level of 44%. In contrast, the ionic gelation and salting-out techniques did not yield satisfactory results. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the need to adopt alternative formulation strategies to ensure the stability of omeprazole. This goal requires a multidisciplinary approach and continuous effort to design omeprazole formulations that meet quality standards and appropriate gastro-resistance requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatric Formulations Update)

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8 pages, 1542 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Antioxidant Role of Hemp Phytocomplex in Cannabis Oil-Based Extracts

by Camillo Morano, Michele Dei Cas, Gabriella Roda, Adalberto Fabbriconi, Eleonora Casagni, Marco Pallavicini, Cristiano Bolchi, Gloria Pallotti, Francesco Romaniello and Pierangela Rovellini

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(9), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15091102 - 4 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2455

Abstract

The therapeutic use of Cannabis oil extracts is constantly increasing. However, in Italy, they are allowed to be prepared with only a few methods and matrices. With this work, we aimed to assess how the different processes might affect the chemical composition of two different matrices (olive oils and medium chain triglycerides oils - MCT), accounting as variables for both the presence of Cannabis dried apices of the female flower and the adding of tocopherol acetate as an antioxidant. The macerated oils were prepared with four of the methods allowed according to the Italian legislation (Romano-Hazekamp, Cannazza-Citti, SIFAP and Calvi) and analyzed for normal and oxidized tocopherols, oxidized and conjugated fatty acids and volatile carbonyl compounds (VCCs), all using liquid chromatography coupled to UV or PDA detectors. According to our results, neither normal nor oxidized tocopherols are affected by the addition of antioxidants or Cannabis, while the oxidation state (according to the levels of oxidized and conjugated fatty acids) is often altered in either case. The VCCs concentrations, on the other hand, are never notably altered. These results suggest a worthless use of antioxidants in Cannabis macerated oils preparations, while the dried apices of female flowers might have a protective role in maintaining the oil oxidation state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Cannabinoid Research)

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36 pages, 3104 KB

Open AccessReview

Mini-Tablets: A Valid Strategy to Combine Efficacy and Safety in Pediatrics

by Guendalina Zuccari, Silvana Alfei, Danilo Marimpietri, Valentina Iurilli, Paola Barabino and Leonardo Marchitto

Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15010108 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 10434

Abstract

In the treatment of pediatric diseases, mass-produced dosage forms are often not suitable for children. Commercially available medicines are commonly manipulated and mixed with food by caregivers at home, or extemporaneous medications are routinely compounded in the hospital pharmacies to treat hospitalized children. Despite considerable efforts by regulatory agencies, the pediatric population is still exposed to questionable and potentially harmful practices. When designing medicines for children, the ability to fine-tune the dosage while ensuring the safety of the ingredients is of paramount importance. For these purposes solid formulations may represent a valid alternative to liquid formulations for their simpler formula and more stability, and, to overcome the problem of swelling ability, mini-tablets could be a practicable option. This review deals with the different approaches that may be applied to develop mini-tablets intended for pediatrics with a focus on the safety of excipients. Alongside the conventional method of compression, 3D printing appeared particularly appealing, as it allows to reduce the number of ingredients and to avoid both the mixing of powders and intermediate steps such as granulation. Therefore, this technique could be well adaptable to the daily galenic preparations of a hospital pharmacy, thus leading to a reduction of the common practice of off-label preparations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Medicines for Rare Pediatric Diseases)

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21 pages, 386 KB

Open AccessReview

A Descriptive Overview of the Medical Uses Given to Mentha Aromatic Herbs throughout History

by Henrique Silva

Biology 2020, 9(12), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology9120484 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 10047

Abstract

Mints have been among the most widely used herbs for medicinal purposes since ancient civilizations. They are still presently used for numerous purposes, including non-medicinal, which makes them economically relevant herbs. Information regarding the medical and scientific uses given to mints throughout history are vastly scattered and/or incomplete. The aim of this paper is to provide an extensive descriptive overview of the medical uses given to these herbs, highlighting both the authors in medical culture responsible for their dissemination, as well as their major galenic formulations. Databases on medical science, reference textbooks on medical history, botanics (aromatic herbs), and pharmacognosy were consulted. The use of mints remotes to Classical Antiquity, with major contributions from Pliny the Elder. In the Middle Ages, the increased knowledge surrounding mints came from Byzantine physicians, while, in the Modern Age, technological developments allowed the production of mint-based products which have become part of elaborate galenic formulas employed by an increasing number of physicians, as well as have also stimulated both scientific and artistic interests alike. In present-day medicine, several mints and mint-based products are being researched as potential therapeutic alternatives for many diseases, while also being vastly employed in food and cosmetic industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactivity of Medicinal Plants and Extracts)

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