Patent ID: 6436441
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: A61K

Abstract:
A method for providing drug-release not only in the upper digestive tract including stomach and small intestine but also in the lower digestive tract including the colon, comprising the steps of:(A) orally administering a preparation having a gelation index of 70% or more, said preparation comprising: (1) a drug, wherein the amount of said drug is not more than 85% by weight based on the total preparation, (2) an additive which has a solubility such that the volume of water required for dissolving 1 gram of said additive is not more than 5 ml, wherein the amount of said additive is from 5 to 80% by weight based on the total preparation, and (3) a hydrogel-forming polymer having a viscosity of not less than 1000 cps as measured at 1% concentration in water at 25Â° C., wherein the amount of said hydrogel-forming polymer is from 10 to 95% by weight based on the total preparation and not less than 70 mg per one preparation; (B) substantially complete gelling of the preparation in the upper digestive tract including stomach and small intestine; (C) through travelling in gel-form to the lower digestive tract, releasing the drug not only in the upper digestive tract including stomach and small intestine but also in the lower digestive tract including the colon.