Thomas James Baxter

US Patent:

H6726, Sep 5, 1989

Filed:

Dec 31, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/948379

Inventors:

Thomas H. Baxter - Skillman NJ
Umesh G. Dalvi - East Brunswick NJ

Assignee:

E. R. Squibb & Sons, Inc. - Princeton NJ

International Classification:

A61K 1300

US Classification:

424433

Abstract:

In accordance with the present invention an antifungal capsule formulation providing enhanced stability for antifungal agents subject to oxidative degradation, e. g. nystatin, is disclosed. The new formulation comprises an antifungal agent, in an amount of from about 0. 1 to about 50 percent by weight of the total formulation; and a nonaqueous carrier, throughout which said agent is uniformly dispersed. Additionally, an antifungal capsule formulation is disclosed wherein thixotropic properties are imparted to the drug carrier system by addition of a gelling agent, such as silicon dioxide. Such thixotropic properties are desired to promote and prolong adhesion of the drug system to the vaginal mucosa in the treatment of vaginal fungal invections. A low temperature method for fabricating capsules employing such a formulation is also disclosed, said method comprising forming a slurry of the antifungal agent and a nonaqueous liquid carrier, adding a gelling agent, if desired, to the so-formed slurry sufficient to form a thixotropic gel, and encapsulating said gel.