![]() ![]() This test is provided to determine compliance with drug-release requirements where specified in individual monographs. Use the apparatus specified in the individual monograph. Replace the aliquots withdrawn for analysis with equal volumes of fresh Dissolution Medium at the temperature specified in the monograph or, where it can be shown that replacement of the medium is not necessary, correct for the volume change in the calculation. Keep the vessel covered for the duration of the test, and verify the temperature of the mixture under test at suitable times.
TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY SYSTEMS—GENERAL DRUG RELEASE STANDARDS
Apparatus 5 (Paddle over Disk)
Apparatus—
Use the paddle and vessel assembly from Apparatus 2 as described under Dissolution
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Apparatus Suitability Test and Dissolution Medium—
Proceed as directed for Apparatus 2 under Dissolution
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Procedure—
Place the stated volume of the Dissolution Medium in the vessel, assemble the apparatus without the disk assembly, and equilibrate the medium to 32 ± 0.5
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Time—
The test time points, generally three, are expressed in hours. Specimens are to be withdrawn within a tolerance of ±15 minutes or ±2% of the stated time, the tolerance that results in the narrowest time interval being selected.
Interpretation—
Unless otherwise specified in the individual monograph, the requirements are met if the quantities of active ingredient released from the system conform to Acceptance Table 1 for transdermal drug delivery systems. Continue testing through the three levels unless the results conform at either L1 or L2.
Acceptance Table 1
Apparatus 6 (Cylinder)
Apparatus—
Use the vessel assembly from Apparatus 1 as described under Dissolution
![]() ![]() ![]() Figure 2. Cylinder stirring element.5 (All measurements are expressed in cm unless noted otherwise.)
Dissolution Medium—
Use the medium specified in the individual monograph (see Dissolution
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Procedure—
Place the stated volume of the Dissolution Medium in the vessel of the apparatus specified in the individual monograph, assemble the apparatus, and equilibrate the Dissolution Medium to 32 ± 0.5
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Time—
Proceed as directed under Apparatus 5.
Interpretation—
Unless otherwise specified in the individual monograph, the requirements are met if the quantities of active ingredient released from the system conform to Acceptance Table 1 for transdermal drug delivery systems. Continue testing through the three levels unless the results conform at either L1 or L2.
Apparatus 7 (Reciprocating Holder)
Note—This apparatus may also be specified for use with a variety of dosage forms.
Apparatus—
The assembly consists of a set of volumetrically calibrated or tared solution containers made of glass or other suitable inert material6, a motor and drive assembly to reciprocate the system vertically and to index the system horizontally to a different row of vessels automatically if desired, and a set of suitable sample holders (see Figure 37 and Figures 4a–4d). The solution containers are partially immersed in a suitable water bath of any convenient size that permits maintaining the temperature, T, inside the containers at 32 ± 0.5
![]() Figure 3. Reciprocating disk sample holder.7
Dissolution Medium—
Use the Dissolution Medium specified in the individual monograph (see Dissolution
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Sample Preparation A (Coated tablet drug delivery system)—
Attach each system to be tested to a suitable sample holder (e.g., by gluing system edge with 2-cyano acrylate glue onto the end of a plastic rod or by placing the system into a small nylon net bag at the end of a plastic rod or within a metal coil attached to a metal rod).
Sample Preparation B (Transdermal drug delivery system)—
Press the system onto a dry, unused piece of Cuprophan4, nylon netting, or equivalent with the adhesive side against the selected substrate, taking care to eliminate air bubbles between the substrate and the release surface. Attach the system to a suitable sized sample holder with a suitable O-ring such that the back of the system is adjacent to and centered on the bottom of the disk-shaped sample holder or centered around the circumference of the cylindrical-shaped sample holder. Trim the excess substrate with a sharp blade.
Sample Preparation C (Other drug delivery systems)—
Attach each system to be tested to a suitable holder as described in the individual monograph.
Procedure—
Suspend each sample holder from a vertically reciprocating shaker such that each system is continuously immersed in an accurately measured volume of Dissolution Medium within a calibrated container pre-equilibrated to temperature, T. Reciprocate at a frequency of about 30 cycles per minute with an amplitude of about 2 cm, or as specified in the individual monograph, for the specified time in the medium specified for each time point. Remove the solution containers from the bath, cool to room temperature, and add sufficient solution (i.e., water in most cases) to correct for evaporative losses. Perform the analysis as directed in the individual monograph. Repeat the test with additional drug delivery systems as required in the individual monograph.
Interpretation—
Unless otherwise specified in the individual monograph, the requirements are met if the quantities of the active ingredients released from the system conform to Acceptance Table 2 under Dissolution
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1
Disk assembly (stainless support disk) may be obtained from Millipore Corp., Ashley Rd., Bedford, MA 01730.
2
A suitable device is the watchglass-patch-polytef mesh sandwich assembly available as the Transdermal SandwichTM from Hanson Research Corp., 9810 Variel Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311.
3
Use Dow Corning, MD7-4502 Silicone Adhesive 65% in ethyl acetate, or the equivalent.
4
Use Cuprophan, Type 150 pm, 11 ± 0.5-µm thick, an inert, porous cellulosic material, which is available from Medicell International Ltd., 239 Liverpool Road, London NI ILX, England.
5
The cylinder stirring element is available from Accurate Tool, Inc., 25 Diaz St., Stamford, CT 06907, or from VanKel Technology Group, 13000 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.
6
The materials should not sorb, react with, or interfere with the specimen being tested.
7
The reciprocating disk sample holder may be purchased from ALZA Corp., 1900 Charleston Road, P.O. Box 7210, Mt. View, CA 94039–7210 or VanKel Technology Group.
Auxiliary Information—
Please check for your question in the FAQs before contacting USP.
USP35–NF30 Page 302
Pharmacopeial Forum: Volume No. 31(1) Page 213
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