Drug delivery - pharmaceutics

• Levodopa is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and is available in a prolonged release formulation.
• Extended release oral tablet formulations of levodopa are also available.
• Examples of levodopa formulations can be found in the emc.
• Patients may require a more rapid onset of action, for example, those suffering from early morning or afternoon akinesia, or who exhibit “delayed on” or “wearing off” phenomena.
• Exelon transdermal patch is used for the delivery of rivastigmine.
• ADHD/ADD treatment presents a challenge due to the rate of drug release.
• An osmotic delivery system is used in ADHD/ADD treatment.
• Concerta has an in-vitro drug release profile.
• Comparison of plasma drug profiles is a common aspect of drug development.
• Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a challenge for brain tumour therapy.
• The structure of Carmustine (BCNU) is important in brain tumour therapy.
• A biodegradable polymer is used in Gliadel wafers.
• Solid poly(anhydrides) degrade to soluble acids in water over days to weeks depending on polymer composition.
• Surface erosion of biodegradable poly(anhydride) wafer releasing drug locally over time is a feature of brain tumour therapy.
• Gliadel is implanted after surgical removal of tumour in brain tumour therapy.