Formulation and Characterization of Patient-Friendly Dosage Form of Ondansetron Hydrochloride

Ondansetron hydrochloride is an intensely bitter antiemetic drug used to treat nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy. The purpose of the present work was to mask the taste of ondansetron hydrochloride and to formulate its patient-friendly dosage form. Complexation technique using indion 234 (polycyclic potassium with carboxylic functionality) and an ion-exchange resin was used to mask the bitter taste and then the taste-masked drug was formulated into an orodispersible tablet (ODT). The drug loading onto the ion-exchange resin was optimized for mixing time, activation, effect of pH, mode of mixing, ratio of drug to resin and temperature. The resinate was evaluated for taste masking and characterized by X-ray diffraction study and infrared spectroscopy. ODTs were formulated using the drug–resin complex. The developed tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, drug content, weight variation, content uniformity, friability, water absorption ratio, in vitro and in vivo disintegration time and in vitro drug release. The tablets disintegrated in vitro and in vivo within 24 and 27 s, respectively. Drug release from the tablet was completed within 2 min. The obtained results revealed that ondansetron HCl has been successfully taste masked and formulated into an ODT as a suitable alternative to the conventional tablets

The obesity epidemic: scope of the problem and management strategies

As the obesity epidemic increases, primary care clinicians are encountering obesity and health problems associated with obesity more frequently than ever before. In 2007, 41% of women were classified as obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics are more likely to be obese than white, non-Hispanics. A wide spectrum of health problems has been associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, osteoarthritis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Obesity has been shown to be a low-grade inflammatory state, which may be responsible for many of the comorbidities. The general consensus recommends screening for obesity and counseling to promote weight loss. In some cases, pharmacotherapy and or bariatric surgery may be recommended. Copyright © 2010 American College of Nurse-Midwives. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved