Abstract:
The present invention is generally related to alcohol free, liquid ranitidine formulations for oral administration. In particular, the present invention is related to stable, syrup formulations having ranitidine as an active ingredient for oral administration, processes for making the same, and methods of their use. The ranitidine of the present invention is stable in non-polar media or media having a relatively low polarity such that the dielectric constant is less than about 60, and is achieved by using certain saccharides, certain relatively high molecular weight starches, and/or certain celluloses instead of alcohol.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is generally related to alcohol free, liquid ranitidine formulations for oral administration. In particular, the present invention is related to stable, syrup formulations having ranitidine as an active ingredient for oral administration, processes for making the same, and methods of their use.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Ranitidine [N-[2-[[[5-(dimethylamino)methyl-2-furanyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]-N′-methyl-2- nitro-1,1-ethenediamine] and physiologically acceptable salts thereof (having, for example, the empirical formula C 13 H 22 N 4 O 3 S—HCl and the structural Formula I shown below) are disclosed in British Patent Specification No. 1565966. 
 
 Formula I:  
                         
 
         [0003]     According to current prescribing information, the compound of Formula I is indicated for short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer (most patients found to heal within 4 weeks; studies available have not assessed the safety of ranitidine in uncomplicated duodenal ulcer for periods of more than 8 weeks); maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of acute ulcers (no placebo-controlled comparative studies have been carried out for periods of longer than 1 year); the treatment of pathological hypersecretory conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and systemic mastocytosis); short-term treatment of active, benign gastric ulcer (most patients found to heal within 6 weeks; the usefulness of further treatment has not been demonstrated; studies available have not assessed the safety of ranitidine in uncomplicated, benign gastric ulcer for periods of more than 6 weeks); maintenance therapy for gastric ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing for acute ulcers (placebo-controlled studies have been carried out for 1 year); treatment of GERD (symptomatic relief found to commonly occurs within 24 hours after starting therapy with 150 mg b.i.d.); treatment of endoscopically diagnosed erosive esophagitis (symptomatic relief of heartburn found to commonly occur within 24 hours of therapy initiation with 150 mg b.i.d.); and maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis (placebo-controlled trials have been carried out for 48 weeks).  
         [0004]     Many of the formulations containing the compound of Formula I disclosed in British Patent Specification No. 1565966 are known to be unstable and, therefore, not appropriate for marketable formulations that are required to be stable. U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,790, on the other hand, discloses improved aqueous formulations of ranitidine that are more stable. That patent discloses ranitidine formulations having a pH in the range 6.5 to 7.5 that are suitable formulations for injections for intravenous and intramuscular administration, continuous infusions, and oral preparations such as syrups. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,249 discloses stabile, aqueous formulations of ranitidine containing ethanol as a stabilizer. That patent describes a pharmaceutical composition which is an aqueous formulation of ranitidine and/or one or more physiologically acceptable salts thereof containing ethanol and that is suitable for administration to patients and will, in general, contain at least one conventional pharmaceutical excipient in addition to the ethanol and ranitidine and/or physiologically acceptable salts thereof.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,265,449 discloses an aqueous pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising ranitidine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that contains alcohol and low color, metal, turbidity (LCMT) sucrose, which was found to improved stability, bioavailability and taste-masking of ranitidine while allowing the volume of the alcohol required in the solution to be reduced.  
         [0006]     A commercially available version of a stable pharmaceutically acceptable salt form of the compound of Formula I is known as ZANTAC® syrup, which is described in prescribing information as being a clear peppermint-flavored liquid that contains 16.8 mg of ranitidine-HCl equivalent to 15 milligrams (mg) of ranitidine per 1 milliliter (ml) (75 mg/5 mL) in bottles of 16 fluid ounces (one pint). Because of its relative instability, ZANTAC® is usually stored between about 4° and about 25° C. (39° and 77° F.) in tight, light-resistant containers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     It has been surprisingly found that aqueous syrup formulations containing the compound of Formula I, or other physiologically acceptable salts of ranitidine, can be stabilized without the use of ethanol or other alcohols as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,068,249 and 6,265,449, and at pH ranges that are higher and lower than the ranges set forth in those patents. In particular, it has been found that ranitidine is stable in non-polar media or media having a relatively low polarity such that the dielectric constant is less than about 60, the stability achieved by using certain saccharides, starches (preferably relatively high molecular weight starches), and/or certain celluloses instead of alcohol; buffers may or may not be needed.  
         [0008]     An advantage of the formulations of the present invention is the relatively high concentration of the saccharides that help mask the taste of ranitidine.  
         [0009]     Another advantage of the formulations of the present invention is that non-alcoholic aqueous formulations are generally preferred by, among others, parents who administer those formulations to their children.  
         [0010]     Thus, the present invention involves a pharmaceutical composition which is an aqueous formulation containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of ranitidine and/or one or more physiologically acceptable salts thereof for treatment of conditions mediated through histamine H 2 -receptors, the formulation having a pH preferably within the range of about 4.85 to about 7.99, and most preferably within the range of about 6.5 to about 7.5, making it suitable for administration to humans and other mammals.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention involves a pharmaceutical composition of the compound of Formula I, or other physiologically acceptable salts of ranitidine, that is stable when dissolved in or combined with one or more saccharides, one or more starches (preferably relatively high molecular weight starches), and/or celluloses as stabilizers. In addition, physiologically acceptable carriers, excipients, diluents, colorants, flavorants, and other substances may also be added.  
         [0012]     The preferred saccharides of the present invention include, but are not limited to, inverse sugar, dextrose, glucose, trehalose, lycasin (70% corn syrup), cyclodextrins, niacinamide, dextran, and other mono-, oligo- and poly-saccharides.  
         [0013]     The preferred starches of the present invention include, but are not limited to, maize starch, potato starch, pregelatinized starch, topiaco and hydroxyl ethyl starch (HES). Cyclodextrins, which are cyclic carbohydrates derived from starch, are also contemplated as part of the invention for use in the stable compositions of ranitidine hydrochloride.  
         [0014]     The preferred cellulose of the present invention include, but is not limited to, hydroxyl propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (HEC).  
         [0015]     The concentration of the stabilizers preferably varies from about 5% to about 80% volume per total final composition, preferably from about 40% to about 70% volume per total final composition, most preferably about 5%, especially in the case of cellulose.  
         [0016]     The concentration of the compound of Formula I is preferably about 16.8 mg/ml.  
         [0017]     Stable pharmaceutical formulations of ranitidine hydrochloride using PVP and niacinamide are also contemplated.  
         [0018]     Excipients include those that are suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions and include, but are not limited to suspending agents, dispersing or wetting agents, preservatives, coloring agents, flavoring agents, and sweetening agents.  
         [0019]     Stabilization of the ranitidine in the present invention is accomplished by, for example, reducing the dielectric constant of water. Water is a very polar medium and ranitidine, being a polar molecule, effectively degrades in water. By reducing the dielectric constant of the medium in which ranitidine will come in contact with, or by reducing the water activity at the reaction site, the stability of the ranitidine may be increased, which is to say that the degradation potential may be reduced.  
         [0020]     The hydrolytic degradation reaction involving ranitidine is essentially as follows:  
                         
 
         [0021]     Previous attempts to affect the degradation of ranitidine formulations focused on slowing down the rate of conversion of the ranitidine transition complex (k2) to the final degradation product. In the present invention, the stabilizers preferably reacts with water and thus reduces the water activity at the reaction site. That, in turn, slows down the rate of formation of the transition complex (k1), which controls the overall degradation of the ranitidine.  
         [0022]     It has been found that buffering may or may not be needed with the formulations of the present invention. If a buffer is used, the buffer can be, but is not limited to, acetate, citrate, phosphate, succinate, or any pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base with pKa ranging 4.5 to 6.5. The preferred buffer includes citric acid and disodium hydrogen orthophosphate, or potassium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate.  
         [0023]     Formulations of the present invention may be prepared by combining, in an appropriate sequence, an amount of the compound of Formula I, or other physiologically acceptable salts of ranitidine, with one or more saccharides or high molecular weight starches, and with one or more physiologically acceptable carriers, excipients, diluents, colorants, flavorants, or other substances, whereby the compound of Formula I is combined with the one or more saccharides or one or more high molecular weight starches, or one or more celluloses in order to achieve a generally stabilizing effect on the ranitidine. The resulting ranitidine concentration is about 15 mg/ml of free base (ranitidine plus water), preferably 16.8 mg/ml of free base.  
         [0024]     The formulations of the invention may be made according to the following process. First, potable water, e.g. 40 mL, is transferred into a beaker calibrated to a predetermined batch volume, e.g. 50 ml. An amount of raniditine is added to the water to make a solution having a desired concentration, e.g. about 16.8 mg/ml. Into that solution, a sufficient amount of a buffer is dissolved to obtain a target pH, e.g. about 4.85 to about 7.99, preferably about 6.5 to about 7.5. Next, a stabilizer, such as one or more saccharides, and/or high molecular weight starches, and/or HPC or other cellulose, is/are admixed with the water/ranitidine/buffer solution in an amount necessary to stabilize the raniditine. An amount of potable water is then added to fill to the predetermined batch volume.  
         [0025]     In addition to the above components, one or more excipients may be added to the solution along with the stabilizing agent.  
         [0026]     Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the following illustrative examples, make and utilize the compounds of the present invention and practice the methods. The following examples are given to illustrate the present invention. It should be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific conditions or details described in these examples.  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0027]     The formulations of the invention are made according to the following process. First, 40 ml of potable water are transferred into a beaker calibrated to a batch volume of 50 ml. An amount of ranitidine is added to the water to make a solution having a concentration of about 16.8 mg/ml. Into that solution, a sufficient amount of a buffer is dissolved to obtain desired pH. In some occasions. 0.1N NaOH was also used to adjust the pH in addition to buffer to get the target pH. Next, a stabilizing agent such as one or more saccharides and/or high molecular weight starches is/are admixed with the water/ranitidine/buffer solution in an amount necessary to stabilize the ranitidine. An amount of potable water is then added to create a batch volume of 50 ml. Samples of the resulting composition are introduced into 5-ml flint stopper vials for accelerated stability tests.  
         [0028]     In addition to the above components, one or more excipients may be added to the solution along with the stabilizing agent.  
       EXAMPLE 2  
       [0029]     Compositions and pharmaceutical compositions containing ranitidine hydrochloride are shown in Table 1 below.  
                                                 TABLE 1                                   LOT                   NO   FORMULATION   PH                                        RNT-2   Drug- 16.8 mg/ml   6.81           (Control)   KH 2 PO 4  1.0 mg/ml               K 2 HPO 4  2.4 mg/ml               Ethanol 7.5%               Water - q.s. to target volume           RNT-9   Drug 16.8 mg/ml,   5.6               Dextran- 10%               KH 2 PO 4  3.0 mg/ml               K 2 HPO 4  1.0 mg/ml               Corn syrup 16%               Water q.s. to target volume           RNT-10   Drug 16.8,   6.81               Dextran- 10%               KH 2 PO 4  1.0 mg/ml               K 2 HPO 4  2.4 mg/ml               Corn syrup 16%               Water q.s. to target volume           RNT-11   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   7.85               Dextran - 10%               Corn syrup 16%               KH 2 PO 4  1.0 mg/ml               K 2 HPO 4  2.4 mg/ml               pH adj. With 0.1N               Water q.s. to target volume           RNT-13   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   7.02               HydroxyEthyl Starch 10%               Corn syrup 16%               KH 2 PO 4  1.0 mg/ml               K 2 HPO 4  2.4 mg/ml               pH adj. with 0.1N NaOH               Water q.s. to target volume           RNT-14   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   7.83               Hydroxyethyl Starch - 10%               Corn syrup 16%               KH 2 PO 4  1.0 mg/ml               K 2 HPO 4  4.0 mg/ml               Water q.s. to target volume           RNT-20   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   5.22               Alcohol 7.5% (v/v)               No pH adjustment               Water q.s. to target volume           RNT-21   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   7.2               Alcohol 7.5% (v/v)               KH 2 PO 4  1.0 mg/ml               K 2 HPO 4  3.0 mg/ml               Water q.s. to target volume                      
 
       EXAMPLE 3  
       [0030]     Eight pharmaceutical compositions containing ranitidine hydrochloride were prepared according to the formulations shown in Table 2. Two-week and/or four-week stability tests were conducted at 40° C. on each formulation with assays of ranitidine-HCl being conducted initially at the start of each test and at the end of the two week and/or four week test period. The results of the tests are shown in Table 2.  
                                                                           TABLE 2                                       STABILITY ANALYSIS           (ASSAY OF RANITIDINE           HCL)                            2 WKS   4 WKS       LOT               AT   AT       NO   FORMULATION   PH   INITIAL   40° C.   40° C.                    RNT-   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   5.6   100%       106%       12   Starch 10%           corn syrup 16%           KH2PO4 3 mg/ml           Na2HPO4 1 mg/ml           Water qs to 1 ml       RNT-   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   7.85   100%       102%       14   HES 10%           corn syrup 16%           KH2PO4 1 mg/ml           Na2HPO4 4 mg/ml           Water qs to 1 ml       RNT-   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   5.22   100   99   98       20   Alcohol 7.5% (v/v)           No pH adustment           Water qs to target           volume       RNT-   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   7.2   100   99   96       21   Alcohol 7.5% (v/v)           KH2PO4 1 mg/ml           Na2HPO4 3 mg/ml           Water qs to target           volume       RNT-   Drug 16.8 mg/ml HPBCD   7.99   100%   96%       31   1.5 mg/ml           Niacinamide 3 mg/ml           pH adjusted with 0.1N           NaoH       RNT-   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   5.5   100   98   97       32   HPBCD 1.5 mg/ml           Niacinamide 3 mg/ml           HES 100 mg/ml           KH2PO4 3 mg/ml           Na2HPO4 1 mg/ml           Water qs to 1 ml       RNT-   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   7.83   100   NP   93       51   Niacinamide 10 mg/ml           pH adjusted with 0.1N           NaOH           Water qs to 1 ml       RNT-   Drug 16.8 mg/ml   7.84   100   NP   102        53   PVPK 10 mg/ml           KH2PO4 1 mg/ml           Na2HPO4 mg/ml           pH adjusted with 0.1N           NaOH           Water qs to 1 ml                  
 
       EXAMPLE 4  
       [0031]     We have also formulated ranitidine with hyrdoxypropyl cellulose (HPC). Hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a binder in the granulation step of tablet dosage form development. It has high affinity for water. Hence, it was theorized that the HPC is extensively hydrated by water thereby reduces the activity of water at the reaction site. A formulation, RNT-42, comprising ranitidine 16.8 mg/ml, hydroxypropyl cellulose 5%, KH 2 PO 4  3 mg/ml, Na 2 HPO 4  1 mg/ml., pH adjusted to 5.8 was prepared and its stability along with the simulated ranitidine syrup (innovator formulation) was evaluated. The samples ware assayed by the USP monograph method. The stability data is summarized in TABLE 4.  
                             TABLE 4                           STABILITY ASSAY OF RNT-42 at 40° C.                DAYS   ASSAY (% of target)                       INITIAL   103%           30 DAYS   102%           60 DAYS   103%           90 DAYS    99%                         Target: 16.8 mg/ml ranitidine HCl             
 
         [0032]     The impurity samples were taken at different time periods and were assayed by using a HPLC method described under ranitidine monograph in Pharm. Eur. Impurities B, C, E and G are identified as know impurities in the monograph. RRT means relative retention time of degradation peaks with reference to ranitidine peak. The impurities are summarized in TABLES 5-6.  
                                                                   TABLE 5                           IMPURITY AT 40° C. OF RNT-42                                Name of the           DAYS   RRT   Area %   Area   impurity                            30   0.27   0.11   3010   Un known               0.57   0.06   1690   Un known               0.58   0.06   1794   C               0.62   0.13   3662   Un known               0.85   0.17   4929   Un known           60   0.28   0.10   2395   Un known               0.55   0.21   4846   Un known               0.60   0.09   2213   C               0.70   0.08   1775   E               0.86   0.44   10359   Un known               1.16   0.16   3764   Un known           90   0.22   0.20   4237   Un known               0.28   0.13   2818   Un known               0.50   0.14   2915   B               0.57   0.14   2942   C               0.82   0.51   10550   Un known                      
 
         [0033]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 IMPURITY AT 25° C. OF RNT-42 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Name 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 of the 
               
               
                   
                 S.No. 
                 DAYS 
                 RRT 
                 Area % 
                 Area 
                 Impurity 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1 
                 90 
                 0.22 
                 0.057 
                 1217 
                 Un known 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 0.50 
                 0.083 
                 1795 
                 B 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 0.57 
                 0.090 
                 1945 
                 C 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       EXAMPLE 5  
       [0034]     The following composition (RNT-57) was prepared and assayed for stability and impurity: drug (ranitidine), 2.5% HPC, 5% HES, niacinamide 1.5 mg/ml, cyclodextrin 1.5 mg/ml, and buffers (pH adjusted 5.7).  
                             TABLE 7                           STABILTIY ASSAY OF RNT-57                DAYS   ASSAY (% of target)                       INITIAL   113           30 DAYS   111           60 DAYS   102                      
 
         [0035]     Target concentration: 16.8 mg/ml  
                                                                   TABLE 8                           IMPURITY AT 40° C. OF RNT-57                                Name of the           DAYS   RRT   Area %   Area   impurity                            Initial   0.28   0.09   2356   Un known               0.60   0.07   1803   C               1.16   0.09   2350   Un known           30   0.28   0.12   3039   Un known               0.55   0.15   3795   Un known               0.60   0.06   1570   C               0.86   0.26   6583   Un known               1.16   1.16   3230   Un known           60   0.12   1.24   29600   Un known               0.18   2.74   65566   G               0.26   0.17   3985   Un known               0.84   0.50   11944   Un known                      
 
       EXAMPLE 6  
       [0036]     The following composition (RNT-58) was prepared and assayed for stability and impurity: drug, 2.5% HPC, 5% HES, niacinamide 1.5 mg/ml, cyclodextrin 1.5 mg/ml, and buffer (pH adjusted 7.9). RNT-58 is identical to RNT-57 in composition with exception that pH is adjusted to 7.9.  
                                           TABLE 9                           STABILITY ASSAY OF RNT-58            S.NO.   DAYS   ASSAY (%)                    1   INITIAL   101       2   30 DAYS   101       3   60 DAYS   89                  
 
         [0037]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 IMPURITY AT 40° C. OF RNT-58 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Name of the 
               
               
                   
                 DAYS 
                 RRT 
                 Area % 
                 Area 
                 impurity 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Initial 
                 0.28 
                 0.06 
                 1312 
                 Un known 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.60 
                 0.06 
                 1257 
                 C 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 0.55 
                 0.16 
                 3753 
                 Un known 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.60 
                 0.13 
                 2919 
                 C 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.85 
                 0.34 
                 7669 
                 Un known 
               
               
                   
                   
                 1.16 
                 0.07 
                 1495 
                 Un known 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 0.20 
                 4.35 
                 113447 
                 G 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.85 
                 0.89 
                 22818 
                 Un known 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       EXAMPLE 7  
       [0038]     The following TABLES 10 and 11 compares the stability and impurities of the commercially available formulation (RNT-02) with RNT-42. RNT-02 is simulated version of commercially available formulation without flavor and preservatives. RNT-02 consists of the following ingredients:  
                                                       Ranitidine HCl:   16.8 mg/ml           Ethyl alcohol:   7.5% (v/v)           KH2PO4:     1 mg/ml           K2HPO4:    2.4 mg/ml           pH adjusted:   7.0                      
 
         [0039]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 STABILITY COMPARISON 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Potency 
                 Potency 
                 Potency 
               
               
                 Formulation 
                 1 month (%) 
                 2 months (%) 
                 3 months (%) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 RNT-42 
                 100 
                 98 
                 98 
               
               
                 Lead Formulation 
               
               
                 Control 
                 100 
                 97 
                 96 
               
               
                 RNT-02 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0040]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 IMPURITY COMPARISON 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 30 DAYS 
                 60 DAYS 
                 90 DAYS 
               
               
                   
                 Related Substances 
                 Related Substances 
                 Related Substances 
               
             
          
           
               
                 LOT# 
                 Impurity 
                 % Area 
                 RRT 
                 Impurity 
                 % Area 
                 RRT 
                 Impurity 
                 % Area 
                 RRT 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 RNT- 
                 Unknown 
                 0.11 
                 0.28 
                 Unknown 
                 0.10 
                 0.28 
                 Unknown 
                 0.20 
                 0.22 
               
               
                 42 
                 Unknown 
                 0.06 
                 0.57 
                 Unknown 
                 0.21 
                 0.55 
                 Unknown 
                 0.13 
                 0.28 
               
               
                   
                 Unknown 
                 0.06 
                 0.58 
                 C 
                 0.09 
                 0.60 
                 B 
                 0.14 
                 0.50 
               
               
                   
                 C 
                 0.13 
                 0.62 
                 E 
                 0.08 
                 0.70 
                 C 
                 0.14 
                 0.57 
               
               
                   
                 Unknown 
                 0.17 
                 0.85 
                 Unknown 
                 0.44 
                 0.86 
                 Unknown 
                 0.51 
                 0.82 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Unknown 
                 0.16 
                 1.16 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 0.53 
                   
                 Total 
                 1.08 
                   
                 Total 
                 1.12 
               
               
                 RNT- 
                 Unknown 
                 0.33 
                 0.33 
                 Unknown 
                 0.14 
                 0.18 
                 Unknown 
                 0.49 
                 0.55 
               
               
                 02 
                 C 
                 0.17 
                 0.59 
                 Unknown 
                 0.17 
                 0.44 
                 C 
                 0.47 
                 0.60 
               
               
                 Control 
                 Unknown 
                 0.33 
                 0.81 
                 C 
                 0.29 
                 0.59 
                 E 
                 0.13 
                 0.70 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Unknown 
                 0.47 
                 0.81 
                 Unknown 
                 0.86 
                 0.86 
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 0.83 
                   
                 Total 
                 1.07 
                   
                 Total 
                 1.95 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0041]     As shown above, the alcohol free formulation showed good stability at 40° C. as only 2% loss observed at over 3-month storage. Also, total impurities formed in the alcohol free formulation are lower than that of the simulated innovator formulation. Based on this data we can project a shelf life of 3 years under ambient storage conditions. There are quite a few impurities greater than 0.1%. However, the degradation products observed under accelerated conditions may not necessarily form under ambient storage condition. The stability at 3 months at 25° C. showed only one impurity peak.  
       EXAMPLE 8  
       [0042]     The following composition (RNT-R1) was prepared and assayed for stability and impurity: drug 16.8 mg/mL and HPC 50.0 mg/mL (pH adjusted 5.73 with 0.1N sodium hydroxide).  
                                                                                                                                                                                   TABLE 12                           Stability of RNT-R1 at 40° C.                STABILITY           IMP.           TIME   (%)   IMP. (%)   RRT   NAME   pH                    Initial   100   Impurities not detected   5.73            30 Days   97.9   0.07   0.60   C   6.00               0.27   0.88   UK            Total impurities   0.34                60 Days   96.8   0.38   0.26   UK   6.32               0.14   0.55   UK               0.18   0.60   C               0.42   0.88   UK               0.26   1.27   UK            Total impurities   1.38                90 Days   95.5   0.42   0.26   UK                   0.33   0.46   UK               0.17   0.55   UK               0.24   0.60   C               0.54   0.88   UK               0.14   1.24   UK            Total impurities   1.84                 UK—unknown            IMP—impurity             
 
         [0043]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Stability of RNT-R1 at 25° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 TIME 
                 STABILITY 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 (HRS) 
                 (%) 
                 IMP. % 
                 RRT 
                 IMP. NAME 
                 pH 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 INITIAL 
                 100.0 
                 NOT DETECTED 
                 5.73 
               
             
          
           
               
                  90 DAYS 
                 99.1 
                 0.04 
                 0.88 
                 UK 
                 5.54 
               
               
                 180 DAYS 
                 99.0 
                 0.06 
                 0.88 
                 UK 
                 5.82 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0044]     The accelerated stability of RNT-R1 showed comparable impurity profile compared to the pilot formulation (RNT-42).  
       EXAMPLE 9  
       [0045]     In the next study, we studied the stability of RNT-R1 in the presence of sweetener and preservative. The formulation composition and stability data presented below:  
                                                 Composition (RNT-R2)                                    Drug:   16.8   mg/ml           HPC:   50.0   mg/ml           Sodium saccharin:   3.0   mg/ml           Methylparaben-Na (MPS):   0.7   mg/ml           Propylparaben-Na: (PPS):   0.2   mg/ml           pH adjusted with 0.1N NaOH:   5.69                      
 
         [0046]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 STABILITY AND IMPURITIES OF RNT-R2 AT 40° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 TIME 
                 STABILITY 
                   
                   
                 IMP 
                   
               
               
                 (HRS) 
                 (%) 
                 IMP. % 
                 RRT 
                 NAME 
                 pH 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 INITIAL 
                 100.0 
                 NOT DETECTED 
                 5.73 
               
             
          
           
               
                 30 DAYS 
                 98.2 
                 0.27 
                 0.88 
                 UK 
                 6.01 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total impurities 
                 0.27 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 60 DAYS 
                 97.1 
                 0.19 
                 0.27 
                 UK 
                 6.33 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.23 
                 0.45 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.52 
                 0.88 
                 UK 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total impurities 
                 0.94 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 90 DAYS 
                 96.4 
                 0.23 
                 0.26 
                 UK 
                 6.32 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.17 
                 0.45 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.69 
                 0.88 
                 UK 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total impurities 
                 1.09 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0047]     The stability of RNT-R2 appears to be better than that of RNT-R1. The number of impurity peaks limited to three and total peak are is around 1.1% compared to 1.84% for the RNT-R1. The pH of the syrup at the end of 3 months is also below 6.5.  
                                                                                     TABLE 15                           STABILITY AND IMPURITIES OF RNT-R2 AT 25° C.            TIME   STABILITY                       (HRS)   (%)   IMP. %   RRT   IMP NAME   pH                    INITIAL   100.0   IMPURITIES NOT DETECTED   5.73             90 Days   99.0   0.05   0.83   UK   6.01       180 Days   99   0.07   0.83   UK   6.26                  
 
       EXAMPLE 10  
       [0048]     In the next set of experiment, we tested the stability of RNT-R2 in the presence of buffer at pH 7.8. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the effect of weakly alkaline pH condition on the stability of ranitidine. The composition (RNT-R3) and the stability is presented below.  
         [0049]     Composition (RNT-R3):  
                                                           Drug   16.8   mg/ml           HPC   50.0   mg/ml           KH 2 PO 4     1.0   mg/ml           Na 2 HPO 4     4.0   mg/ml           Sodium Saccharin   3.0   mg/ml           MPS   0.7   mg/ml           PPS   0.2   mg/ml           pH   7.79                      
 
         [0050]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 16 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 STABILITY AND IMPURITIES OF RNT-R3 AT 40° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 TIME 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 (HRS) 
                 ASSAY (%) 
                 IMP. % 
                 RRT 
                 IMP NAME 
                 pH 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 INITIAL 
                 100.0 
                 Impurities not detected 
                 7.84 
               
             
          
           
               
                 30 Days 
                 96.9 
                 0.35 
                 0.58 
                 C 
                 7.78 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.31 
                 0.88 
                 J 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total Impurities 
                 0.66 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 60 Days 
                 94.2 
                 0.12 
                 0.11 
                 H 
                 7.42 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.06 
                 0.53 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.18 
                 0.56 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.12 
                 0.72 
                 E 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.68 
                 0.83 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.08 
                 1.27 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.30 
                 1.32 
                 I 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.40 
                 1.61 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.39 
                 1.69 
                 A 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total Impurities 
                 2.33 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 90 Days 
                 91.3 
                 0.16 
                 0.11 
                 H 
                 7.45 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.05 
                 0.51 
                 B 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.21 
                 0.55 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.13 
                 0.72 
                 E 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.83 
                 0.83 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.31 
                 1.27 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.40 
                 1.35 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.25 
                 1.64 
                 UK 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Total Impurities 
                 2.34 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0051]     As shown in the table, the alkaline conditions have adverse effect on the stability of ranitidine syrup and also observed late eluting degradation products.  
                                                                                                   TABLE 17                           STABILITY OF RNT-R3 AT 25° C.                            IMP           TIME (HRS)   ASSAY (%)   IMP. %   RRT   NAME   pH                    INITIAL   100.0   NOT DETECTED   7.84            90 DAYS   97.1   0.04   0.83   UK   7.41               0.08   1.65   UK            TOTAL IMPURITES   0.12                  
 
         [0052]     Even at room temperature we observed 3% degradation suggesting that the HPC containing ranitidine syrup is not as stable under neutral to weakly alkaline conditions. The HPC containing formulation showed better stability under weakly acidic condition.  
       EXAMPLE 11  
       [0053]     In the next set of experiments we studied the stability of RHT-R2 in the presence Xylitol (RNT-R5) and Xylitol plus flavoring agent (mint oil) (RNT-R6). We have conducted these trials in triplicate, i.e., three batches were made per lot. The data presented here is the mean of the three batches. The syrup was stored in PET bottles. The compositions and the stability data presented below.  
         [0054]     Composition (RNT-R5):  
                                                           Drug   16.8   mg/ml           HPC   50.0   mg/ml           Xylitol   50.0   mg/ml           Sodium Saccharin   3.0   mg/ml           MPS   0.5   mg/ml           PPS   0.05   mg/ml           pH   5.55                      
 
         [0055]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 17 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 STABILITY AND IMPURITIES OF RNT-R5 AT 40° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Imp 
                   
               
               
                 TIME (HRS) 
                 ASSAY (%) 
                 IMP. % 
                 RRT 
                 name 
                 pH 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 INITIAL 
                 100.0 
                 NOT DETECTED 
                 5.55 
               
             
          
           
               
                 30 DAYS 
                 97.3 
                 0.45 
                 0.23 
                 UK 
                 5.65 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.26 
                 0.45 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.08 
                 0.53 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.37 
                 0.82 
                 D 
               
               
                   
                   
                 0.21 
                 1.23 
                 UK 
               
             
          
           
               
                 TOTAL IMPURITIES 
                 1.37 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0056]     Composition (RNT-R6):  
                                                           Drug   16.8   mg/ml           HPC   50.0   mg/ml           Xylitol   50.0   mg/ml           Sodium Saccharin   3.0   mg/ml           MPS   0.5   mg/ml           PPS   0.05   mg/ml           Pippermint   0.001   mg/ml           pH   5.81                      
 
         [0057]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 18 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 STABILITY AND IMPURITIES OF RNT-R6 AT 40° C. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 TIME 
                 ASSAY 
                   
                   
                 Imp 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (HRS) 
                 (%) 
                 IMP. % 
                 RRT 
                 name 
                 pH 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 INITIAL 
                 100.0 
                 NOT DETECTED 
                 5.81 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 30 DAYS 
                 97.5 
                 0.22 
                 0.23 
                 UK 
                 6.15 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 0.13 
                 0.45 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 0.05 
                 0.53 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 0.09 
                 0.82 
                 D 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 0.21 
                 1.23 
                 UK 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 0.15 
                 1.36 
                 UK 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 TOTAL IMPURITIES 
                   
                 0.85 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       EXAMPLE 12  
       [0058]     Based on the stability data of the pilot batches, RNT-R2 had been chosen for further development. Several taste masking studies have been conducted; and it was found that the combination of RNT-R2 with raspberry flavor, orange flavor and peppermint flavor has provided a taste-masked formulation. The composition of the formulation is given below:  
         [0059]     Composition of Flavored RNT-R2:  
                                                       Drug   16.8 mg/ml            HPC   50.0 mg/ml            Sodium Saccharin   3.0 mg/ml           MPS   0.7 mg/ml           PPS   0.2 mg/ml           Pippermint flavor   0.4% (v/v)           Orange flavor   2.0% (v/v)           Raspberry flavor   2.0% (v/v)           pH   5.69                      
 
         [0060]     Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the various embodiments shown and described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.  
         [0061]     An alcohol-free aqueous pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising ranitidine and/or one or more physiologically acceptable salts thereof with a stabilizing effective amount of a cellulose, a starch, or a saccharide, wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 4.85 to about 7.99.