International Journal of Farmacia

Improving Flow and Compression of Natural Polymers for Diclofenac SR Tablets via Co-processing with Microcrystalline Cellulose

B. Sudheer, Bodla Jahanvi, Kanda Santhi, A. Sambasiva Rao — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate sustained-release (SR) tablets of Diclofenac Sodium using co-processed excipients via the direct compression technique. To overcome the poor flow properties of natural polymers, three different co-processed excipients were prepared: Guar Gum with Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), Sodium Alginate with MCC, and Xanthan Gum with MCC, each in three distinct ratios. Nine formulations (GM1-GM3, SM1-SM3, XM1-XM3) were compressed into 200 mg tablets and evaluated for pre-and post-compression parameters. All formulations exhibited excellent flow properties and produced tablets with acceptable hardness (5.5-6.5 kg/cm²), low friability (<0.31%), and uniform weight. The in-vitro drug release study over 12 hours revealed that the drug release rate was retarded with an increase in polymer concentration and followed the order: Guar Gum > Sodium Alginate > Xanthan Gum. Kinetic modeling indicated that the drug release best fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, with the release mechanism being anomalous transport, a combination of diffusion and polymer erosion. Among all, formulation XM3, containing Xanthan Gum and MCC in a 2:1 ratio, was identified as the optimized formulation. It demonstrated superior tablet hardness (6.5 kg/cm²), the lowest friability (0.22%), and provided a near-ideal zero-order drug release profile (R²=0.985), achieving 98% drug release in a controlled manner over 12 hours. It was concluded that co-processing Xanthan Gum with MCC produces a robust excipient suitable for directly compressing a highly effective Diclofenac Sodium SR tablet.

Naegleria fowleri and Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis: From Environmental Reservoirs to Fatal CNS Infections

Guddanti RajaSree, Chevuru Baby Shalini, Afroz Patan, Yadala Prapurna Chandra — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Naegleriafowleri, a thermophilic, free-living amoeba, is the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressing and often fatal infection of the central nervous system. During exposure to contaminated warm freshwater, the parasite enters the human host via the nasal cavity, migrates along the olfactory nerves, and induces severe inflammation in the brain. Despite its high fatality rate (> 95 %) , effective treatment remains elusive due to delayed diagnosis and limited therapeutic efficacy. Current diagnostic approaches include microscopy, PCR, and imaging techniques, but these are seldom applied promptly to alter outcomes. Therapeutic regimens typically involve amphotericin B, miltefosine , and combination antimicrobials, although survival is rare. Recent advances in drug repurposing, nanotechnology-based delivery systems, and immunotherapeutic strategies show potential but require further validation and assessment of effectiveness. Preventive measures, including public awareness initiatives and improved water treatment, are currently the most effective means of reducing the risk of PAM. This review provides an updated synthesis of the literature focusing on the causative agent, pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, treatment options, and prevention strategies for N. fowleri infection. Background: Naegleriafowleri is a free-living, thermophilic amoeba that causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but fatal CNS infection. It inhabits warm freshwater environments such as lakes and hot springs. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nasal cavity, allowing the amoeba to reach the brain via the olfactory nerves. With a mortality rate above 95%, early diagnosis and improved preventive strategies are critical to reduce its devastating impact.

Impact of Screen Time on Eye Physiology and Health: A Comprehensive Review

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid proliferation of digital devices in daily life has led to unprecedented levels of screen exposure, raising concerns about its impact on ocular physiology and overall eye health. Prolonged screen use has been associated with a spectrum of visual and physiological complications, including digital eye strain, dry eye disease, accommodative fatigue, myopia progression, retinal oxidative stress, and circadian rhythm disruption. These effects are mediated through multiple pathways, including reduced blink rate, tear film instability, sustained near-focus, and high-energy visible light exposure, affecting both anterior and posterior ocular structures as well as neuroendocrine function. Certain populations, such as children, adolescents, office workers, and the elderly, are particularly susceptible due to developmental, occupational, or age-related vulnerabilities. Preventive strategies including visual hygiene practices, ergonomic adjustments, blue-light mitigation, nutritional support, and lifestyle modifications play a critical role in mitigating these effects. Emerging technological innovations, such as smart glasses, adaptive displays, eye-tracking systems, AI-based monitoring, ocular exercise devices, and light therapy, offer additional avenues for personalized intervention and real-time ocular health management. This review integrates physiological, clinical, and technological evidence, highlighting the mechanisms, manifestations, at-risk populations, and preventive approaches, providing a comprehensive framework for maintaining visual health in the digital era. Future research should focus on longitudinal assessment, validation of emerging technologies, and development of personalized strategies to minimize ocular strain while supporting modern digital lifestyles.

Formulation and Evaluation of Empagliflozin and Linagliptin Immediate Release Tablet

Manasa patlolla, Mohammad Omar — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study focuses on the development and assessment of immediate-release tablets with Empagliflozin and Lingagliptin for effective type 2 diabetes mellitus management. Using the wet granulation technique, tablets were made with Excipients like mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, Crospovidone, and Crospovidone. The compatibility of drugs and Excipients was confirmed through FTIR analysis. The parameters for pre-compression and post-compression fell within acceptable limits, guaranteeing good flow properties and mechanical strength. Batch F6 demonstrated optimal results among all formulations, exhibiting acceptable hardness, friability of less than 1%, and uniform weight and drug content. Rapid drug release was demonstrated in in-vitro dissolution studies, with 98.96% of Empagliflozin and 99.32% of Linagliptin achieved within 30 minutes, adhering to first-order kinetics. Stability studies, carried out according to ICH guidelines, showed no significant changes in physical or chemical properties. The optimized formulation was shown to be stable and effective, making it appropriate for producing an immediate therapeutic response in diabetes management.

Hydrogel-Based Smart Drug Delivery Systems: Injectable and Implantable Platforms

M. Vimalraj, D. Kumarasamyraja, Nivetha S.R — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hydrogel-based smart drug delivery systems have emerged as one of the most transformative platforms in modern pharmaceutics, offering unique advantages in terms of biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and the ability to respond to environmental or physiological stimuli. Injectable and implantable hydrogels have particularly gained attention for their capacity to provide localized, controlled, and sustained release of therapeutic agents, reducing systemic toxicity and improving patient compliance. Hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix, providing a hydrated three-dimensional environment suitable for drug encapsulation, protection, and on-demand release. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels that react to pH, temperature, redox state, enzymes, and external triggers such as light, ultrasound, or magnetic fields further expand their applications in cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, diabetes management, and infectious disease control. Injectable hydrogels enable minimally invasive administration, in situ gelation, and conformability to irregular tissue defects, while implantable hydrogels offer durable depots for long-term delivery, particularly for hormones, analgesics, anticancer agents, and vaccines. Recent advances in hybrid hydrogels incorporating nanomaterials, bioactive molecules, and 3D printing have broadened their therapeutic potential. However, challenges related to long-term biostability, sterilization, large-scale manufacturing, and regulatory approval remain. This review critically examines the design principles, stimuli-responsiveness, therapeutic applications, and translational challenges of injectable and implantable hydrogel-based smart drug delivery systems, highlighting current clinical progress and future perspectives.