Faculty Articles

Deterred Drug Abuse Using Superabsorbent Polymers

Publication Title

Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

ISSN

1744-7593

Publication Date

11-1-2016

Keywords

chemistry, drug liberation, kinetics, polyethylene glycols, polymers, substance-related disorders, tablets, tramadol, water

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether selected superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) could be used as a suitable alternative to thwart extraction, filtration, and syringeability attempts for abuse. Many abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) rely on high molecular weight polymers such as poly(ethylene oxide) to provide crush and extraction resistance. However, these polymers suffer from slow dissolution kinetics, and are susceptible to a variety of abuse conditions.

METHODS: Several commercially available SAPs were evaluated for swelling behavior in extraction solvents, and tableting properties. Post-compaction abuse properties were evaluated by recoverable volume and syringeability after solvent extraction. Drug release and percent drug extraction were conducted using tramadol HCl as a model drug.

RESULTS: Certain SAPs had the ability to rapidly imbibe solvent and effectively stop extraction processes in a variety of solvents, including water and water/alcohol mixtures. Tablets containing SAP and drug showed no effect on drug release in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS: SAPs possess adequate properties for tableting, and maintain their high and fast swelling properties after compaction. The fast and extensive interactions of SAPs with aqueous medium are a major advantage over non-crosslinked high molecular weight viscosifying agents such as poly(ethylene oxide).

DOI

10.1080/17425247.2016.1218459

Volume

13

Issue

11

First Page

1523

Last Page

1531

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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