The effect of poloxamer viscosity on liquid-filling of solid dispersions in hard gelatin capsules.

Preliminary studies were undertaken on poloxamers to investigate their suitability for liquid-fill formulations for hard gelatin capsules. Poloxamers with viscosity in the range (0.32-2.

Influence of rheological behaviour of particulate/polymer dispersions on liquid-filling characteristics for hard gelatin capsules.

Lactose/poloxamer dispersions were prepared by mixing under vacuum to achieve a de-aerated mix with good capsule filling properties and disperse phase uniformity at 70 degrees C. Satisfactory capsule filling of molten dispersions was achieved up to a limiting concentration of disperse phase, dependent on particle size distribution and continuous phase viscosity. Lactose/poloxamer dispersions exhibited thixotropic shear thinning behaviour with an abrupt increase in apparent viscosity above a limiting concentration of disperse phase.

In-line assessment of pulmonary drug delivery using light obscuration.

A candidate optical technology for characterisation of the value and quality of the drug dose delivered to a patient from an inhaler is examined. The theoretical reasoning behind the design of this technology is presented with reference to the optical scattering of the drug cloud. A technical implementation is presented; based upon the light obscuration signature, observed in the delivery path during drug delivery.