| abstract |
The present invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions for azole antimicrobial drugs such as itraconazole, saperconazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole. The pharmaceutical compositions are in the form of pellets which comprise a core and a drug emulsion layer, and optionally, a protective layer. The drug emulsion layer contains the azole antimicrobial drug, an emulsifier, a binder, and an absorbent aid. The preferred emulsifier is vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate. The preferred binder is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The preferred absorbent aid is DL malic acid. The drug is dissolved in organic solvents. The preferred organic solvents are ethanol and methylene chloride. The protective layer contains polyethylene glycol (PEG) 20,000, which is coated on the drug emulsion layer. |