Hypnotics tablet with double-layer structure

Abstract

The invention discloses a double-layer tablet, wherein one layer has hole in which the ingredients of the other layer are filled; the number of said hole is 1-3, the diameters of the holes are 1-10 mm. Each layer of the double-layer tablet includes the active ingredients and the adjuvant materials and can be the rapid-release layer or sustained-release layer respectively. The preparation method: Preparing respectively a component I and a component II, both of them containing the active ingredients and the pharmaceutical excipients, and preparing the tablet having holes from component I; Forming the double-layer tablet composed of the component I layer and the component II layer after pressing said tablet having holes with the component II together; and filling the component II into the holes during compressing. It is proved by tests that the double-layer table in the invention is featured with high physical stability, hard breaking during transportation and storage, approximately constant release of medicine and usefulness of keeping stable plasma concentration of the medicine in the patient; thus, the effectiveness and safety of the medicine taken by the patient are improved greatly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention refers to the field of medicinal preparation, specifically a novel double-layer tablet and a preparation method thereof.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

A double-layer tablet is a double-phase medicine-release system having a double-layer structure, which not only can achieve the ideal pharmacokinetic behavior by combining two medicines together or combining identical medicine in different release modes together, but improve the stability of the medicines having incompatibility and give the special functions to the tablet.

In preparation of the double-layer tablet, to ensure the medicine of double-layer tablet has the stable structure during the shelf life is the most demanding and practical technology in pharmaceuticals industry.

The double-layer tablet in the prior art includes two layers of tablets which are adhered to each other; and the preparation method thereof is to press the two layers of tablets one by one usually, for example, mix the medicinal active ingredients and the pharmaceutical excipients of one layer of the double-layer tablet and press the mixture into one layer of tablet; then prepare the double-layer tablet after pressing this tablet with the medicinal active ingredients and the pharmaceutical excipients of the other layer of tablet together.

The double-layer tablet of the prior art is featured with poor physical stability, easy breaking and separation of the two layers; and the preparation may be cracked, etc. during transportation and storage as a result of difference of dilatation coefficients among the different pharmaceutical excipients because different pharmaceutical excipients are applied to the two layers of tablets usually.

Therefore, it is necessary to improve the physical stability of the double-layer tablet and ensure integrity of the preparation during transportation and storage.

CONTENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention is to provide a double-layer tablet, which featured with high physical stability, not easy to broken during transportation and storage, approximately constant release of medicine and capability of improving effectiveness and safety of the patient taking the medicine.

The invention achieves the purpose of the above-mentioned invention by designing the double-layer tablet having a new structure, wherein the technical solution is as follows:

The double-layer tablet refers to a double-layer medicine-release mode, which is formed by combining two layers of tablets together, wherein one layer of tablet has hole. Moreover, said hole has the ingredients of the other layer of tablet when the preparation is prepared.

Each layer of said double-layer tablet includes the active ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients, wherein the active ingredients in each layer can be one or two or more than two active ingredients. The active ingredients in two layers of the double-layer tablet can be the same or different from each other.

Each layer of the double-layer tablet can be the quick release layer or the sustained-release layer, respectively.

The number of said holes is 1-3, preferably 1.

The diameters of said holes are 1-10 mm, preferably 2-6 mm.

Said double-layer tablet can be coated, etc. by using the conventional method in this field in accordance with the actual need.

A method of preparing said double-layer tablet includes the steps of:

1) Preparing respectively a component I and a component II, both of them containing the active ingredients and the pharmaceutical excipients, and said component I and the component II are granules or powder;

2) Implementing the first tabletting: preparing the tablet having hole from component I (also called tablet I below);

3) Implementing the second tabletting: forming the double-layer tablet composed of the component I layer and the component II layer after pressing said tablet having holes with the component II together; and filling the component II into the holes during compressing.

Said hole can be formed by using a compressing mould having holes, or punching the tablets after compressing

Moreover, in one embodiment of the invention, the tablet I with hole is formed from the component I by using an annular punch.

As for the advantages of the invention, the component I layer of the double-layer tablet has holes; the double-layer tablet acquired is very firm and cannot be separated during transportation and storage because the component II is filled in the holes of the tablet I. See FIG. 1-3 for structure.

The preparation method of the double-layer tablet in the invention is applicable for preparation of all kinds of double-layer tablet. Further, the technicians in this field can select all kinds of conventional pharmaceutical excipients in accordance with actual need.

The pharmaceutical excipients is one or more selected from sustained-release material, filler, disintegrating agent, lubricant, binder and glidant. The sustained-release material is one or more preferably selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose and hydroxy propyl cellulose; the filler is one or more preferably selected from lactose, pregelatinized starch and microcrystalline cellulose; the disintegrating agent is one or more preferably selected from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl starch and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone; the lubricant is one or more preferably selected from stearic acid, magnesium stearate and talcum powder; the binder is one or more preferably selected from polyvidone, hydroxy propyl cellulose and hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose; and the glidant is superfine silica powder preferably.

The component I in the invention preferably includes following ingredients with percentages by weight:

Medicine                   1-60%
Sustained-release material 0-25%
Disintegrating agent       0-6%
Binder                     0~5%
Filler                     5-60%
Lubricant                  0.1-0.5%
Glidant                    0.1-0.5%

The granules II in the invention preferably include following ingredients with percentages by weight:

Medicine                   1~90%
Sustained-release material 0~40%
Disintegrating agent       0~6%
Binder                     0~5%
Filler                     5~90%
Lubricant                  0.1~0.5%
Glidant                    0.1~0.5%

The double-layer table of the invention also includes the coating preferably, wherein the coating comprises following components with percentage:

Hydroxypropylmethyl-cellose E5 40-60%
Polysorbate 80                 20-35%
Talcum powder                  6-12%
Titanium dioxide               2-6%

The following refers to an example of the double-layer tablet prepared in accordance with the solution of the invention and combining with the analgesic quick release/sustained release:

A analgesic double-layer controlled-release tablet comprises a quick release layer and a sustained-release layer; both quick release layer and sustained-release layer comprise the active ingredients having analgesic effect and pharmaceutical excipients, wherein said sustained-release layer has holes in which the granules of medicine of the quick release layer are filled; the diameters of the holes are 2-6 mm.

Said active ingredients having analgesic effect refer to one or more selected from aspirin, magnesium salicylate, sodium salicylate, choline magnesium trisalicylate, diflunisal, bisalicylate, ibuprofen, indometacin, flurbiprofen, phenoxy ibuprofen naproxen, nabumetone, piroxicam, phenylbutazone, diclofenac sodium, fenoprofen, ketoprofen, ketorolac, tetraclofenamic acid, sulindac, tolmetin, anisodamine, and the derivatives of the above-mentioned compounds; said quick release layer and said sustained-release layer include the identical or different active ingredients; said pharmaceutical excipients refer to one or more selected from filler, disintegrating agent, lubricant, binder and glidant.

All kinds of pharmaceutical excipients listed below can be selected, but are not limited to the scope of the invention. Actually, all kinds of pharmaceutical excipients used in the invention can be the pharmaceutical excipients which are used by the technicians in this field generally in accordance with actual need, for example, said filler refers to one or more selected from lactose monohydrate, lactose, pregelatinized starch and microcrystalline cellulose; said disintegrating agent refers to one or more selected from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium carboxymethyl starch and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone; said lubricant is one or more selected from stearic acid, magnesium stearate and talcum powder; said binder is one or more selected from polyvidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and said glidant is silicon dioxide. Moreover, the sustained-release layer in the analgesic double-layer tablet also comprises the sustained-release material.

Said sustained-release material is one or more selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose; and said sustained-release layer comprises the following component by weight:

Analgesic medicine         40-60%
Sustained-release material 25~35%
Filler                     13~24%
Lubricant                  0.5 or 1%
Glidant                    0.5 or 1%;

Said quick release layer and the quick release granule comprise the following component by weight:

Analgesic medicine   30-60%
Disintegrating agent 3~6%
Filler               30~60.5%
Binder               0~5%
Lubricant            0.5 or 1%
Glidant              0.5 or 1%.

Said double-layer controlled-release tablet also comprises the coating which includes the following component by weight:

Hydroxypropylmethyl-cellose E5 30%
Polysorbate 80                 14%
Talcum powder                  5%
Titanium dioxide               2%
Water                          Appropriate

A method of preparing the analgesic double-layer controlled-release layer comprises the steps of:

1) Preparing the sustained-release granules after mixing the analgesic medicine, the sustained-release material and the pharmaceutical excipients; and preparing the quick release granules after mixing the analgesic medicine and the pharmaceutical excipients;

2) Pressing the sustained-release granules into the sustained-release layer having holes, and putting the sustained-release layer into a punching die of a tablet press; implementing the second tableting after filling the quick release granules to form the double-layer tablet composed of the quick release layer and the sustained-release layer, wherein the quick release granules are filled in the holes of the sustained-release layer.

3) Implementing coating.

The following refers to one example of the double-layer tablet prepared in accordance with the solution of the invention and combining with the hypnotic quick release/sustained release:

Said hypnotic medicine is one of zolpidem, zaleplon, zopiclone, triazolam, midazolam, flurazepam, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, nitrazepam, estazolam, alprazolam or lorazepam, and the derivatives of the above-mentioned compounds; said sustained-release material is one or more selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose and hydroxy propyl cellulose; and said pharmaceutical excipients is one or more selected from filler, disintegrating agent, lubricant, binder and glidant.

Said filler is one or more selected from lactose monohydrate, lactose, pregelatinized starch and microcrystalline cellulose; said disintegrating agent refers to one or more selected from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium carboxymethyl starch and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone; said lubricant is one or more selected from stearic acid, magnesium stearate and talcum powder; said binder is one or more selected from polyvidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and said glidant is silicon dioxide.

Said sustained-release layer in the double-layer controlled-release tablet comprises following components by weight:

Hypnotic medicine          8-12%
Sustained-release material 30-35%
Filler                     52-61%
Lubricant                  0.5 or 1%
Glidant                    0.5 or 1%;

Said quick release layer and the quick release granules comprise following components by weight:

Hypnotic medicine    5~10%
Disintegrating agent 2~6%
Filler               80.5~91%
Binder               0~5%
Lubricant            0.5 or 1%
Glidant              0.5 or 1%

The method of preparing said hypnotic double-layer controlled-release tablet comprises steps of

1) Preparing the sustained-release granules after mixing the hypnotic medicine, the sustained-release material and the pharmaceutical excipients; and preparing the quick release granules after mixing the hypnotic medicine and the pharmaceutical excipients;

2) Pressing the sustained-release granules into the sustained-release layer having holes, and putting the sustained-release layer into the punching die of the tablet press; implementing the second tableting after filling the quick release granules to form the double-layer tablet composed of the quick release layer and the sustained-release layer, wherein the quick release granules are filled in the holes of the sustained-release layer.

3) Implementing coating, wherein the formula of the coating layer and the preparation method are the same as those of the analgesic double-layer controlled-release tablet.

The invention has the technical effects as follows:

1) Nice physical stability

One layer of the double-layer tablet has holes which will be filled by the components of the other layer during preparation of tablets; therefore, the two layers of tablets are combined together tightly, and cannot be separated easily during storage and transportation.

2) Effectiveness and safety of the medicine improved

It is detected by leaching test that the time limit of disintegration of the double-layer controlled-release tablet is 10-30 s; the sustained-release layer shows the zero order release mode, that is, approximately constant release of medicine, which can facilitate implementation of keeping the stable plasma concentration of the medicine in patient; thus, the effectiveness and the safety of the medicine taken by the patient are improved greatly.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is the structure diagram of a double-layer tablet having one hole.

FIG. 2 is the structure diagram of the double-layer tablet having two holes.

FIG. 3 is the structure diagram of the double-layer tablet having three holes.

In FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, 1 indicates the tablet I, 2 indicates the tablet II, and 3 indicates the hole.

FIG. 4 is the leaching curve of the double-layer tablet in hypnotic embodiment 1 (wherein four curves indicate the table I-no hole available, table I having holes with diameters 3 mm, tablet I having holes with diameters 4 mm and table I having holes with diameters 6 mm, respectively)

FIG. 5 indicates comparison of three leaching curves of the double-layer tablet having sustained-release layer with holes (diameters 4 mm and 6 mm) and the sustained-release layer with no hole available in hypnotic embodiment 1.

FIG. 6 indicates comparison of three leaching curves of the double-layer tablet having sustained-release layer with holes (diameters 4 mm and 6 mm) and the sustained-release layer with no hole available and only quick release layer in hypnotic embodiment 2.

FIG. 7 indicates comparison of three leaching curves of the double-layer tablet having sustained-release layer with holes (diameters 4 mm and 6 mm) and the sustained-release layer with no hole available in hypnotic embodiment 3.

FIG. 8 indicates comparison of two leaching curves of the double-layer tablet having sustained-release layer with holes (diameters 4 mm and 6 mm) and the sustained-release layer with no hole available in hypnotic embodiment 4.

FIG. 9 is an in vitro release curve of the double-layer controlled-release tablet in analgesic embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is the in vitro release curve of the double-layer controlled-release tablet in analgesic embodiment 2.

FIG. 11 is the leaching curve of the double-layer controlled-release tablet in analgesic embodiment 3.

FIG. 12 is the leaching curve of the double-layer controlled-release tablet in analgesic embodiment 4.

IMPLEMENTATIONS

The double-layer controlled-release tablet in analgesic embodiments 1-5 is composed of a quick release layer and a sustained-release layer. See Table 1 below for two layers of granules for tabletting the double-layer tablets:

TABLE 1
Prescriptions of the double-layer controlled-release tablet in all embodiments (1000 tablets, g)
Component	Embodiment 1	Embodiment 2	Embodiment 3	Embodiment 4	Embodiment 5
Sustained-release granules
Ibuprofen	250	250		300	200
Ketoprofen
Naproxen			300
Hydroxypropyl	50	100	0	25	150
methylcellulose K1001v
Hydroxypropyl	100	50	125	100	25
methylcellulose K4M
Lactose monohydrate	95	95	65	70	120
Silicon dioxide	2.5	2.5	5	2.5	2.5
Magnesium stearate	2.5	2.5	5	2.5	2.5
Total of sustained-release part	500	500	500	500	500
Sustained-release granules
Acetaminophen					150
Ibuprofen				150
Ketoprofen	75
Naproxen		100	150
Lactose	87.5	62.5	50	25	75
Microcrystalline cellulose	63.75	60	40	50	0
Polyvidone	8.75	0	0	0	10
Hydroxypropyl cellulose-HF	0	12.5	0	7.5	0
Croscarmellose sodium	10	10	7.5	15	12.5
Silicon dioxide	2.5	2.5	1.25	1.25	1.25
Magnesium stearate	2.5	2.5	1.25	1.25	1.25
Total of quick release part	250	250	250	250	250

The coating can be applied to said double-layer tablet and the coating comprises following components:

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 30
Polysorbate 80                   14
Talcum powder                    5
Titanium dioxide                 2
80% alcohol/aqueous solution     Appropriate

The follows explains the preparation method of the double-layer controlled-release tablet of analgesic embodiments 1-5.

Analgesic Embodiment 1

1. Preparation of sustained-release granules:

• • (1) Weigh ibuprofen sifted by a 60-mesh screen in accordance with the formula, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100LV, K4M and lactose, mix them uniformly; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and transfer the materials mixed to a wet type granulator.
  • (2) Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 70% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step.
  • (3) Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • (4) Dry and sifting the granules.
  • (5) Acquiring the sustained-release granules for preparing the sustained-release layer.

2. Preparation of quick release granules:

• • (1) Mix ketoprofen, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvidone in accordance with the formula and screen the mixture by using the 60-mesh screen; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate, which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and mix them uniformly in a mixer.
  • (2) Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 80% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • (3) Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • (4) Dry and sifting the granules.
  • (5) Add croscarmellose sodium in accordance with the extra-addition method and mix croscarmellose sodium and dry granules uniformly.
  • (6) Acquiring the quick release granules, which for forming the quick release layer and filling the holes of the sustained-release layer.

3. Preparation of double-layer controlled-release tablet:

• • (1) Press the granules of the sustained-release layer, the silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate left into the sustained-release tablets with holes in the middle, wherein the diameters are 3 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Moreover, press the sustained-release tablets without hole.
  • (2) Put the sustained-release tablets into a punching die of a tablet press and fill the granules of quick-release layer; implement the second compressing in the way of shallow concave punching to form the double-layer tablets.
  • (3) Disperse hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 in accordance with the formula in the ethanol with concentration of 80%; add polysorbate 80 after swelling; stir the mixture until the materials are dissolved completely and add titanium dioxide and talcum powder; then stir them uniformly and filter the mixture as the coating liquid.
  • (4) Implement coating for the double-layer tablets, increasing the weight of each tablet for 5%, then dry and solidify the tablets.

The sustained-release layer should be pressed into the sustained-release tablets without hole, with holes having diameters 3 mm, with holes having diameters 4 mm and with holes having diameters 6 mm in this embodiment to implement the leaching test, in order to investigate effect of the hole diameter of the sustained-release layer for leaching, wherein the greater the hole diameter of the sustained-release layer is, the faster the leaching speed would be.

The double-layer tablet prepared is applied to leaching test in order to investigate the sustained-release effect after quick release, wherein the quick release layer has been leached completely when sampling and detecting after 0.5 h, see FIG. 9 for the result. The zero-order release effect is shown in the sustained-release layer, that is, the medicine is approximately released at constant speed. Moreover, the in vitro release at constant speed is useful for keeping the stable plasma concentration of the patient; and it is worth mentioning that the greater the diameter of the hole of the sustained-release layer, the faster the release speed would be.

Analgesic Embodiment 2

1. Preparation of sustained-release granules:

• • (1) Weigh ibuprofen sifted by a 60-mesh screen in accordance with the formula, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100LV, K4M and lactose, mix them uniformly; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and transfer the materials mixed to a wet type granulator.
  • (2) Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 75% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step.
  • (3) Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • (4) Dry and sifting the granules.
  • (5) Acquiring the sustained-release granules for preparing the sustained-release layer.

2. Preparation of quick release granules:

• • (1) Mix naproxen, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxy propyl cellulose-HF and sodium carboxymethylcellulose in accordance with the formula, screen by using the 60-mesh screen; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and mix them uniformly in the mixer.
  • (2) Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 90% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • (3) Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • (4) Dry and sifting the granules.
  • (5) Acquiring the quick release granules, which for forming the quick release layer and filling the holes of the sustained-release layer.

3. Preparation of double-layer controlled-release tablet:

• • (1) Press the granules of the sustained-release layer, the silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate left into the sustained-release tablets with holes in the middle, wherein the diameters are 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively.
  • (2) Put the sustained-release tablets into a punching die of a tablet press and fill the granules of quick-release layer; implement the second compressing in the way of shallow concave punching to form the double-layer tablets.
  • (3) Disperse hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 in accordance with the formula in the ethanol with concentration of 80%; add polysorbate 80 after swelling; stir the mixture until the materials are dissolved completely and add titanium dioxide and talcum powder; then stir them uniformly and filter the mixture as the coating liquid.
  • (4) Implement coating for the double-layer tablets, increasing the weight of each tablet for 5%, then dry and solidify the tablets.

Sampling and detection are implemented within 0.25 h in order to investigate the disintegrating speed of the quick release layer of the double-layer tablet and the sustained-release effect after quick release of the double-layer tablet, wherein the quick release layer is leached more than 85%; and see FIG. 10 for the result. The zero-order release effect is shown in the sustained-release layer, that is, the medicine is approximately released at constant speed. Moreover, the in vitro release at constant speed is useful for keeping the stable plasma concentration of the patient; and it is worth mentioning that the greater the diameter of the hole of the sustained-release layer, the faster the release speed would be.

Analgesic Embodiment 3

1. Preparation of sustained-release granules:

• • (1) Weigh naproxen sifted by a 60-mesh screen in accordance with the formula, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100LV, K4M and lactose, mix them uniformly; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and transfer the materials mixed to a wet type granulator.
  • (2) Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 80% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step.
  • (3) Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • (4) Dry and sifting the granules.
  • (5) Acquiring the sustained-release granules for preparing the sustained-release layer.

2. Preparation of quick release granules:

• • (1) Mix naproxen, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxyl propyl cellulose-HF in accordance with the formula and screen the sodium carboxymethylcellulose by using the 60-mesh screen; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and mix them uniformly in the mixer.
  • (2) Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 90% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • (3) Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • (4) Dry and sifting the granules.
  • (5) Acquiring the quick release granules, which for forming the quick release layer and filling the holes of the sustained-release layer.

3. Preparation of double-layer controlled-release tablet:

• • (1) Press the granules of the sustained-release layer, the silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate left into the sustained-release tablets with holes in the middle, wherein the diameters are 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Moreover, press the sustained-release tablets without hole.
  • (2) Put the sustained-release tablets into a punching die of a tablet press and fill the granules of quick-release layer; implement the second compressing in the way of shallow concave punching to form the double-layer tablets.
  • (3) Disperse hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 in accordance with the formula in the ethanol with concentration of 80%; add polysorbate 80 after swelling; stir the mixture until the materials are dissolved completely and add titanium dioxide and talcum powder; then stir them uniformly and filter the mixture as the coating liquid.
  • (4) Implement coating for the double-layer tablets, increasing the weight of each tablet for 5%, then dry and solidify the tablets.

The leaching tests are implemented for the double-layer tablet prepared in order to investigate the sustained-release effect after quick release of the tablet. Seen from the leaching curve, the quick release effect and sustained-release effect are significant; and see the FIG. 11 for the result.

Analgesic Embodiment 4

1. Preparation of sustained-release granules:

• • (1) Weigh ibuprofen sifted by a 60-mesh screen in accordance with the formula, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100LV, K4M and lactose, mix them uniformly; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and transfer the materials mixed to a wet type granulator.
  • (2) Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 70% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step.
  • (3) Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • (4) Dry and sifting the granules.
  • (5) Acquiring the sustained-release granules for preparing the sustained-release layer.

2. Preparation of quick release granules:

• • (1) Mix ibuprofen, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxy propyl cellulose-HF in accordance with the formula and screen the sodium carboxymethylcellulose by using the 60-mesh screen; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and mix them uniformly in the mixer
  • (2) Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 90% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • (3) Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • (4) Dry and sifting the granules.
  • (5) Acquiring the quick release granules, which for forming the quick release layer and filling the holes of the sustained-release layer.

3. Preparation of double-layer controlled-release tablet:

• • (1) Press the granules of the sustained-release layer, the silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate left into the sustained-release tablets with holes in the middle, wherein the diameters are 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Moreover, press the sustained-release tablets without hole.
  • (2) Put the sustained-release tablets into a punching die of a tablet press and fill the granules of quick-release layer; implement the second compressing in the way of shallow concave punching to form the double-layer tablets.
  • (3) Disperse hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 in accordance with the formula in the ethanol with concentration of 80%; add polysorbate 80 after swelling; stir the mixture until the materials are dissolved completely and add titanium dioxide and talcum powder; then stir them uniformly and filter the mixture as the coating liquid.
  • (4) Implement coating for the double-layer tablets to increase the weight of each tablet for 5%, then dry and solidify the tablets.

The single-layer quick release tablet and the double-layer tablets are prepared to implement the leaching tests in order to investigate the disintegrating speed of the quick release layer of the medicine and the effect of the hole diameter of the sustained-release layer to the sustained-release effect, wherein the quick release layer has been leached more than 90% when sampling and detecting after 0.5 h. Moreover, the linear effect of the in vitro leaching curve of the sustained-release layer having hole diameter of 4 mm is superior to the one of the in vitro leaching curve of the sustained-release layer having hole diameter of 6 mm in this embodiment; and see FIG. 12 for the result.

Analgesic Embodiment 5

The preparation method is the same as that in the embodiment 3, but the ingredients used are different, seeing the Table 1

The following shall explain the stability test of the analgesic double-layer tablet in the invention:

Test 1 Friability Test

The inventor selected 100 double-layer tablets with the sustained-release layers without hole, 100 double-layer tablets with the sustained-release layers having holes with diameters of 3 mm, 4 mm or 6 mm respectively to implement the friability testing and comparison study by using the friability tester, wherein the raw materials, the pharmaceutical excipients and the proportion were implemented in accordance with the embodiment 1; and see Table 2 for the result.

TABLE 2
Result of friability testing and comparison of double-layer tablet
Type of the testing	Quantity of tablets subjected
double-layer tablet	to breaking in 100 tablets
	Diameter	Number of tablets	Number of tablets
Number of holes	of hole	broken	laminated
0	—	20	11
1	6 mm	9	0
1	4 mm	1	0
1	3 mm	1	0

It was proved from the result of said friability test that:

• • 1) The occurrence rate of breaking of the double-layer tablets having holes in the invention was reduced greatly, and no lamination occurred.
  • 2) The size of the diameter of the hole plays an active role in preventing lamination; but the degree of breaking of the double-layer tablet would be affected when the diameter of the hole is great.Test 2 Effect of High Humidity to Stability of Medicine

20 double-layer tablets were selected from the embodiment 4 respectively, and were placed in the stability testing box to observe after 24 h, wherein the humidity was set at RH95%; and the temperature was set at 25° C. See Table 3 for the result.

TABLE 3
Effect of high humidity to stability of medicine
	Type of testing
	double-layer tablet	Number of tablets subjected
Formula of the	Number of	Diameter	to lamination among 100
double-layer tablet	holes	of hole	tablets
In accordance with	0	—	17
the embodiment 4	1	6 mm	0
	1	4 mm	0
	1	3 mm	0

The result indicated that the double-layer tablet of the invention still had nice stability and was not subjected to lamination under the condition that the ambient humidity was great, the swelling degree of the quick release layer was greater than that of the sustained-release layer and the double-layer tablet could not be separated easily although the quick release layer in the prescription included the super disintegrating agent, and the disintegrating agent had strong hygroscopicity.

Test 3 Effect of Number of Holes in Double-Layer Tablet to Stability

The double-layer tablets with sustained-release layers having no hole and the double-layer tablets having sustained-release layers with one, two and three holes were pressed in accordance with the formula in embodiment 3 (the quick release layer included only the active ingredients and excipient, but did not include the binder); 20 tablets were selected respectively to implement the friability tests in the friability tester and carry out comparison study; and see Table 4 for the result.

TABLE 4
Effect comparison of number of holes to stability
	Number of tablets
Type of testing	subjected to lamination
double-layer tablet	among 100 tablets
	Number of holes	Number
	in the sustained-	of tablets	Number of tablets
Formula	release layer	broken	laminated
In accordance with	0	15	9
the embodiment 3	1	6	0
	2	2	0
	3	1	0

It was proved by said friability test that:

1. The occurrence rate of breaking of the double-layer tablets having holes was reduced greatly, and no lamination occurred.

2. The number of the tablets broken would be reduced along increasing number of the holes.

See Table 5 for the prescription of the double-layer controlled-release tablet in hypnotic embodiments 1-5.

TABLE 5
Component	Embodiment 1	Embodiment 2	Embodiment 3	Embodiment 4	Embodiment 5
Sustained-release granules
Zolpidem tartrate	24	24	/	/	/
Zopiclone	/	/	30	/	36/
Zaleplon	/	/	/	30
Hydroxypropyl	30	60	105	0	90
methylcellulose K1001v
Hydroxypropyl	60	30	0	105	15
methylcellulose K4M
Lactose monohydrate	183	183	159	159	156
Silicon dioxide	1.5	1.5	3	3	1.5
Magnesium stearate	1.5	1.5	3	3	1.5
Total of sustained-release part	300	300	300	300	300
Quick release granules
Zolpidem tartrate	8	8	/	/	/
Zopiclone	/	/	5	/	10
Zaleplon	/	/	/	5	/
Lactose	57	55.5	60	60	55
Microcrystalline cellulose	25.5	25.5	31	25	25.5
Polyvidone	3.5	0	0	0	3.5
Hydroxypropylmethyl-cellose-	0	5	0	3	0
HF
Croscarmellose sodium	4	4	2	6	5
Silicon dioxide	1	1	1	0.5	0.5
Magnesium stearate	1	1	1	0.5	0.5
Total of quick release part	100	100	100	100	100

The formula of the coating of the double-layer controlled-release tablet in hypnotic embodiments 1-5 is the same as that in said hypnotic embodiment.

The preparation method comprises steps of:

Hypnotic Embodiment 1

1. Preparation of sustained-release granules:

• • {circle around (1)} Weigh zolpidem tartrate, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellose K100LV, K4M and lactose monohydrate sifted by the 60-mesh screen in accordance with the formula and mix them uniformly; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and transfer the materials mixed to the wet type granulator.
  • {circle around (2)} Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 70% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step.
  • {circle around (3)} Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • {circle around (4)} Dry and sifting the granules.
  • {circle around (5)} Acquiring the sustained-release granules for preparing the sustained-release layer.

2. Preparation of quick release granules:

• • {circle around (1)} Mix zolpidem tartrate, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and polyvidone in accordance with the formula and screen the mixture by using the 60-mesh screen; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and mix them uniformly in the mixer.
  • {circle around (2)} Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 80% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • {circle around (3)} Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • {circle around (4)} Dry and sifting the granules.
  • {circle around (5)} Add croscarmellose sodium and dry granules in accordance with the extra-addition method and mix them uniformly.
  • {circle around (6)} Acquiring the quick release granules which for forming the quick release layer and filling the holes of the sustained-release layer.

3. Preparation of double-layer controlled-release tablet:

• • {circle around (1)} Press the granules of the sustained-release layer, the silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate left into the sustained-release tablets with holes in the middle, wherein the diameters are 3 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Moreover, press the sustained-release tablets without hole.
  • {circle around (2)} Put the sustained-release tablets into a punching die of a tablet press and fill the granules of quick-release layer; implement the second compressing in the way of shallow concave punching to form the double-layer tablets.
  • {circle around (3)} Disperse hydroxypropylmethyl-cellose E5 in accordance with the formula in the ethanol with concentration of 80%; add polysorbate 80 after swelling; stir the mixture until the materials are dissolved completely and add titanium dioxide and talcum powder; then stir them uniformly and filter the mixture as the coating liquid.
  • {circle around (4)} Implement coating for the double-layer tablets to increase the weight of each tablet for 5%, then dry and solidify the tablets.

The sustained-release layer should be pressed into the sustained-release tablets without hole, with holes having diameters 3 mm, with holes having diameters 4 mm and with holes having diameters 6 mm in this embodiment to implement the leaching test, in order to investigate effect of the hole diameter of the sustained-release layer to leaching, wherein the greater the hole diameter of the sustained-release layer is, the faster the leaching speed would be. Moreover, see FIG. 4 for the result.

The double-layer tablet prepared is applied to leaching test in order to investigate the sustained-release effect after quick release, wherein the quick release layer has been leached completely when sampling and detecting after 0.5 h, see FIG. 5 for the result. See from the figure, the hole of the sustained-released layer can facilitate release at constant speed.

Hypnotic Embodiment 2

1. Preparation of sustained-release granules:

• • {circle around (1)} Weigh zolpidem tartrate, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellose K100LV, K4M and lactose monohydrate sifted by the 60-mesh screen in accordance with the formula and mix them uniformly; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and transfer the materials mixed to the wet type granulator.
  • {circle around (2)} Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 75% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • {circle around (3)} Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • {circle around (4)} Dry and sifting the granules.
  • {circle around (5)} Acquiring the sustained-release granules for preparing the sustained-release layer.

2. Preparation of quick release granules:

• • {circle around (1)} Mix zolpidem tartrate, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxy propyl cellulose-HF in accordance with the formula and screen the sodium carboxymethylcellulose by using the 60-mesh screen; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and mix them uniformly in the mixer.
  • {circle around (2)} Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 90% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • {circle around (3)} Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • {circle around (4)} Dry and sifting the granules.
  • {circle around (5)} Acquiring the quick release granules which for forming the quick release layer and filling the holes of the sustained-release layer.

3. Preparation of double-layer controlled-release tablet:

• • {circle around (1)} Press the granules of the sustained-release layer, the silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate left into the sustained-release tablets with holes in the middle, wherein the diameters are 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Moreover, press the sustained-release tablets without hole.
  • {circle around (2)} Put the sustained-release tablets into a punching die of a tablet press and fill the granules of quick-release layer; implement the second compressing in the way of shallow concave punching to form the double-layer tablets.
  • {circle around (3)} Disperse hydroxypropylmethyl-cellose E5 in accordance with the formula in the ethanol with concentration of 80%; add polysorbate 80 after swelling; stir the mixture until the materials are dissolved completely and add titanium dioxide and talcum powder; then stir them uniformly and filter the mixture as the coating liquid.
  • {circle around (4)} Implement coating for the double-layer tablets to increase the weight of each tablet for 5%, then dry and solidify the tablets.

The single-layer quick release tablet and the double-layer tablets are prepared to implement the leaching tests in order to investigate the disintegrating speed of the quick release layer of the medicine and the sustained-release effect after quick release of the double-layer tablet, wherein the quick release layer has been leached more than 90% when sampling and detecting after 0.25 h. Moreover, see FIG. 6 for the result.

Hypnotic Embodiment 3

1. Preparation of sustained-release granules:

• • {circle around (1)} Weigh zopiclone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100LV, K4M and lactose sifted by the 60-mesh screen in accordance with the formula and mix them uniformly; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and transfer the materials mixed to the wet type granulator.
  • {circle around (2)} Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 80% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • {circle around (3)} Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • {circle around (4)} Dry and sifting the granules.
  • {circle around (5)} (5) Acquiring the sustained-release granules for preparing the sustained-release layer.

2. Preparation of quick release granules:

• • {circle around (1)} Mix zopiclone, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxy propyl cellulose-HF in accordance with the formula and screen the sodium carboxymethylcellulose by using the 60-mesh screen; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and mix them uniformly in the mixer.
  • {circle around (2)} Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 90% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • {circle around (3)} Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • {circle around (4)} Dry and sifting the granules.
  • {circle around (5)} Form the quick release layer and fill the holes of the sustained-release layer after acquiring the

3. Preparation of double-layer controlled-release tablet:

• • {circle around (1)} Press the granules of the sustained-release layer, the silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate left into the sustained-release tablets with holes in the middle, wherein the diameters are 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Moreover, press the sustained-release tablets without hole.
  • {circle around (2)} Put the sustained-release tablets into a punching die of a tablet press and fill the granules of quick-release layer; implement the second compressing in the way of shallow concave punching to form the double-layer tablets.
  • {circle around (3)} Disperse hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 in accordance with the formula in the ethanol with concentration of 80%; add polysorbate 80 after swelling; stir the mixture until the materials are dissolved completely and add titanium dioxide and talcum powder; then stir them uniformly and filter the mixture as the coating liquid.
  • {circle around (4)} Implement coating for the double-layer tablets to increase the weight of each tablet for 5%, then dry and solidify the tablets.

The double-layer tablets prepared are applied to leaching test in order to investigate the sustained-release effect after quick release of the tablet; the quick release layer has been leached completely when sampling and detecting after 0.5 h. Moreover, see FIG. 7 for the result.

Hypnotic Embodiment 4

1. Preparation of sustained-release granules:

• • {circle around (1)} Weigh zaleplon, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K100LV, K4M and lactose sifted by the 60-mesh screen in accordance with the formula and mix them uniformly; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and transfer the materials mixed to the wet type granulator.
  • {circle around (2)} Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 80% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • {circle around (3)} Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • {circle around (4)} Dry and sifting the granules.
  • {circle around (5)} (5) Acquiring the sustained-release granules for preparing the sustained-release layer.

2. Preparation of quick release granules:

• • {circle around (1)} Mix zaleplon, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxy propyl cellulose-HF in accordance with the formula and screen the sodium carboxymethylcellulose by using the 60-mesh screen; then add silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate which are ½ of the dosages in the formula; and mix them uniformly in the mixer.
  • {circle around (2)} Prepare the ethanol solution with concentration of 90% and prepare the soft material for the mixture in the first step
  • {circle around (3)} Implement granulation for the soft material prepared by using a 24-mesh screen.
  • {circle around (4)} Dry and sifting the granules.
  • {circle around (5)} Form the quick release layer and fill the holes of the sustained-release layer after acquiring the

3. Preparation of double-layer controlled-release tablet:

• • {circle around (1)} Press the granules of the sustained-release layer, the silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate left into the sustained-release tablets with holes in the middle, wherein the diameters are 4 mm and 6 mm, respectively. Moreover, press the sustained-release tablets without hole.
  • {circle around (2)} Put the sustained-release tablets into a punching die of a tablet press and fill the granules of quick-release layer; implement the second compressing in the way of shallow concave punching to form the double-layer tablets.
  • {circle around (3)} Disperse hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 in accordance with the formula in the ethanol with concentration of 80%; add polysorbate 80 after swelling; stir the mixture until the materials are dissolved completely and add titanium dioxide and talcum powder; then stir them uniformly and filter the mixture as the coating liquid.
  • {circle around (4)} Implement coating for the double-layer tablets to increase the weight of each tablet for 5%, then dry and solidify the tablets.

The single-layer quick release tablet and the double-layer tablets are prepared to implement the leaching tests in order to investigate the disintegrating speed of the quick release layer of the medicine and the sustained-release effect after quick release of the double-layer tablet, wherein the quick release layer has been leached more than 90% when sampling and detecting after 0.25 h. Moreover, see FIG. 8 for the result.

Hypnotic Embodiment 5

The preparation method is the same as that in the embodiment 3, but the ingredients to be used are different, seeing the Table 1

Friability Test and Stability Test of Hypnotic Tablet

100 double-layer tablets having sustained-release layer without hole and 100 double-layer tablets having sustained-release layer with holes of different diameters are prepared respectively in accordance with the formula and the method in the embodiment 1 in order to implement friability testing and comparison study in the friability tester respectively; and see Table 6 for the result.

TABLE 6
Testing object		Number of
	Drilling condition of	Number of	tablets
	sustained-release layer	tablets broken	laminated
Double-layer	Without hole	12	8
tablet in accordance	Hole with diameter of	4	0
with the formula in	6 mm
embodiment 1	Hole with diameter of	1	0
	4 mm
	Hole with diameter of	1	0
	3 mm

The result indicates that:

1. The double-layer tablets with sustained-release layer having holes are not subjected to lamination.

2. The tablets having small diameters would less likely to be broken.

20 double-layer tablets with sustained-release layer having no hole and 20 double-layer tablets with sustained-release layers having holes of different diameters were prepared in accordance with the formula and method in the embodiment 4 respectively, and were placed in the stability testing box, wherein the humidity was set at RH95%; and the temperature was set at 25° C.

Observe the double-layer tablets after 24 h, and see Table 7 for the result.

TABLE 7
Testing object
	Drilling condition of	Number of
	sustained-release layer	tablets laminated
Double-layer tablets	Without hole	17
in accordance with	Hole with diameter of 6 mm	0
the formula in	Hole with diameter of 4 mm	0
embodiment 4	Hole with diameter of 3 mm	0

The quick release layer of the formula includes the super disintegrating agent having strong hygroscopicity; the degree of swelling of the quick release layer is greater than that of the sustained-release layer, and upper layer and the lower layer of the double-layer tablet without hole may be separated from each other when the ambient humidity is great. The quick release granules in the hole may swell after absorbing the moisture when the sustained-release layer has the hole, and the quick release layer may be combined with the sustained-release layer more tightly. Therefore, the double-layer tablet having hole is not subjected to separation during the test.

The result indicated that the double-layer tablet of the invention could keep the stability in the high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

20 double-layer tablets with sustained-release layer having no hole and 20 double-layer tablets with sustained-release layers having different number of holes were prepared in accordance with the formula and method in the embodiment 3 respectively, and were placed in the friability tester to carry out the friability testing and comparison study, wherein the quick release layer included only the active ingredients and the excipient, but did not include the binder. Moreover, see Table 8 for the result.

TABLE 8
Testing object
	Drilling condition	Number
	of sustained-	of tablets	Number of
	release layer	broken	tablets laminated
Double-layer tablets	0	15	9
in accordance	1	6	0
with the formula	2	2	0
in embodiment 3	3	1	0

The result indicates that:

1. The double-layer tablets with sustained-release layer having holes are not subjected to lamination. 2. The double-layer tablets having more holes would less likely to be broken.

Seen from the above-mentioned result, the double-layer tablet prepared in the invention has the physical stability superior to the common double-layer tablet, and is more useful for storage and transportation; further, the medicine in the double-layer tablet can be released approximately at constant speed.

Claims

1. A hypnotics tablet comprising a double-layer structure comprising an upper layer on top of a lower layer, wherein: the upper layer is a sustained-release layer and formed by compressing a first active ingredient and a first pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to have at least one hole with a diameter of between about 2-6 mm; andthe double-layer structure is formed by pressing the upper layer onto a second active ingredient and a second pharmaceutically acceptable excipient so that a part of the second active ingredient and a second pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is under the upper layer as the lower layer and a part of the second active ingredient and the second pharmaceutically acceptable excipient fills into the hole(s) of the upper layer, andwherein the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient are selected from the group consist of zolpidem, zaleplon, zopiclone, triazolam, midazolam, flurazepam, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, nitrazepam, estazolam, alprazolam and lorazepam.

2. The hypnotics tablet according to claim 1, wherein the number of said hole is 1-3.

3. The hypnotics tablet according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredients in the two layers are identical or different from each other; and one or more kinds of active ingredients are contained in each layer.

4. The hypnotics tablet according to claim 1, wherein said hole penetrates from one side to another side of the upper layer.

5. The hypnotics tablet according to claim 1, wherein: the sustained-release layer comprises sustained-release material selected from the group consisting of: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and any combination thereof.

6. The hypnotics tablet according to claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients being selected from the group consisting of a filler, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a binder, a glidant, and any combination thereof.

7. The hypnotics tablet according to claim 6, wherein: the filler is selected from the group consisting of: lactose monohydrate, lactose, pregelatinized starch, microcrystalline cellulose, and any combination thereof;the disintegrating agent is selected from the group consisting of: sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium carboxymethyl starch, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, and any combination thereof;the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of: stearic acid, magnesium stearate, talcum powder, and any combination thereof;the binder is selected from the group consisting of: polyvidone, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and any combination thereof; andthe glidant is silicon dioxide.

8. The hypnotics tablet according to claim 1, wherein: the sustained-release layer comprises the following components in weight percentage:the first active ingredient: 8-12%,the sustained-release material: 30-35%,the filler: 52-61%,the lubricant: 0.5% or 1%,the glidant: 0.5% or 1%; andthe lower layer comprise the following components in weight percentage:the second active ingredient: 5-10%,the disintegrating agent: 2-6%,the filler: 80.5-91%,the binder: 0-5%,the lubricant: 0.5% or 1%, andthe glidant: 0.5% or 1%.

9. The hypnotics tablet according to claim 1, further comprises coating layer with following components in weight percentage, in 80% alcohol in water as a solvent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5: 30%,Polysorbate 80: 14%,talcum powder: 5%, andtitanium dioxide: 2%.