PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 2.G - Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Technologies

Callenges in the Oral Administration of Gastro-Resistant Formulations: The Role of Vehicles and Bottled Waters

Name of the presenter

Demeter, Adrienn Katalin

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, Department of Pharmaceutics

Authors

Adrienn Katalin Demeter¹, Dóra Farkas², Márton Király², Ádám Tibor Barna², Krisztina Ludányi², István Antal², Nikolett Kállai-Szabó²
1: Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes E. Street 7-9, 1092 Budapest, Hungary
2: Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes E. Street 7-9, 1092 Budapest, Hungary

Text of the abstract

Background/Objectives: Gastro-resistant multiparticulate systems are designed to protect drugs in acidic environments and to ensure intestinal release. In practice, the method of administration may need to be modified: pellet-containing capsules opened or tablets halved for patients with swallowing difficulties, yet the type of liquid used for administration is often not specified. This study examined the stability of gastro-resistant coated pellets after exposure to various aqueous media prior to ingestion.
Methods: To evaluate administration instructions, 103 Summaries of Product Characteristics of gastro-resistant products were reviewed. Pellets were produced using a bottom-spray fluidized bed process and coated with Eudragit L 30 D-55. Dissolution testing in pH 1.2 medium was performed after pre-soaking the pellets for 5, 15, and 30 min in beverages with various pH and conductivity. Drug release was measured by UV-VIS method, and morphological changes were assessed by image analysis. Marketed gastro-resistant products were also examined visually.
Results: SmPC review revealed that the beverage for intake was frequently unspecified. Among the tested beverages differences in pH and conductivity were observed. Alkaline medicinal mineral waters induced increased and time-dependent premature drug release compared to tap and filtered water. Image analysis indicated a reduction in surface area after exposure to alkaline media.
Conclusions: Contact with non-specified aqueous media before swallowing may weaken the protective function of gastro-resistant films. More explicit recommendations on suitable administration manipulation and media may improve therapeutic consistency.
Funding: SE 250+