| abstract |
A controlled release pharmaceutical composition for oral use comprising a solid dispersion of i) at least one therapeutically, prophylactically and/or diagnostically active substance, which at least partially is in an amorphous form, ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer that has plasticizing properties, and iii) optionally a stabilizing agent, the at least one active substance having a limited water solubility, and the composition being designed to release the active substance with a substantially zero order release. The polymer is typically a poly ethylene glycol and/or polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of at least about 20,000 in crystalline and/or amorphous form or a mixture of such polymers, and the active substance is typically carvedilol. The composition may comprise a coated matrix, the coating comprising a first cellulose derivative which is substantially insoluble in the aqueous medium, and at least one of a) a second cellulose derivative which is soluble or dispersible in water, b) a plasticizer, and c) a filler. |