This study aims to find the effects of high (75%) and low (30%) humidity conditions and its correlation with formulation composition on dissolution kinetics of lamotrigine (LMT) from prepared immediate-release tablets during one- and four-week periods. Two types of fillers microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) or anhydrous lactose (LAC), disintegrant sodium starch glycolate (NaSG, 0.5% or 4%), and lubricant magnesium stearate (MgST, 0.25% or 5%) were used. A three-factor two-stage complete factorial design (2³) was used to assess the influence of the composition of the tested formulations. The tablets were produced by direct compression and characterized using a disintegration test, a resistance to crushing test, and dissolution tests (pH 1.2 and pH 6.8). Using Design Expert software, it was concluded that in addition to the effect of fillers on pH 6.8, NaSG has a significant impact after exposure to high and low humidity, as well as its interaction with LAC and MCC. In the dissolution medium pH 1.2, under conditions of high humidity, the content of MgST and NaSG and their interaction show a significant influence. The release rate of LMT was affected by humidity as well as type of excipients and their interactions.

Pantoprazole is a model substance that requires dosage form adjustments to meet the needs of all patients. Pediatric pantoprazole formulations in Serbia are mostly compounded as capsules (divided powders), while in Western Europe liquid formulations are more common. The aim of this work was to examine and compare the characteristics of compounded liquid and solid dosage forms of pantoprazole. Three syrup bases were used: a sugar-free vehicle for oral solution (according to USP43-NF38), a vehicle with glucose and hydroxypropyl cellulose (according to the DAC/NRF2018) and a commercially available SyrSpend Alka base. Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose and a commercially available capsule filler (excipient II, composition: pregelatinized corn starch, magnesium stearate, micronized silicon dioxide, micronized talc) were used as diluents in the capsule formulations. Pantoprazole concentration was determined by the usage of the HPLC method. Pharmaceutical technological procedures and microbiological stability measurements were performed according to the recommendations of the EP10. Although dose appropriate compounding with pantoprazole is suitable using both liquid vehicles as well as solid formulations, chemical stability is enhanced in solid formulation. Nevertheless, according to our results, if liquid formulation is a pH adjusted syrup, it could be safely kept in a refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Additionally, liquid formulations could be readily applied, while solid formulation should be mixed with appropriate vehicles with higher pH values.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health challenge in Serbia, mirroring the situation in other European middle-income countries. The aims of this study were to examine the disease-related characteristics and management of diabetes, as well as the prevalence of use of dietary supplements (DS) among diabetes patients in Serbia, and to analyze the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on DM patients in Serbia. The study was carried out as an online, observational, cross-sectional study involving 422 adult diabetes type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) patients residing in Serbia. DM1 patients were more likely than DM2 patients to self-control glucose levels (p < 0.001). Almost one-third of DM2 patients (31.4%) did not know their HbA1c value. Polypharmacy has been reported by 9.7% of DM1 patients and 23.5% of DM2 patients. During the coronavirus pandemic increased anxiety levels for one-third of respondents was noticed. The prevalence of DS use among DM patients was very high (95.3%), with vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D and magnesium being the most commonly used. Women were more likely to use vitamin D (p = 0.001) and magnesium DS (p = 0.005) than men. Most patients (76.9%) faced limited access to healthcare services during the coronavirus pandemic with, sometimes, detrimental consequences. A significant portion of respondents (41.2%) consulted a pharmacist more often in 2021 than in previous years. Special caution is needed regarding the potential interactions of DS with chronic therapy. To enhance diabetes care, Serbia needs more accessible mental health support, improved diabetes education, expanded CGM availability, and carefully planned emergency healthcare measures for chronic patients.

Introduction: Topical ketoprofen formulations provide localized analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects while reducing systemic adverse events associated with oral administration. Franz diffusion cells, are widely used to evaluate the permeation and dissolution rate of active pharmaceutical ingredient in topical formulations.Aim: The aim of this study was to perform macroscopic and microscopic analysis of ketoprofen gel formulations available in the Republic of Serbia, to examine the in vitro release rate using 3D printed Franz cells, as well as to analyze the influence of the type of receptor medium on the release rate of ketoprofen.Material and Method: Two ketoprofen gel formulations were examined. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis were performed under normal and polarized light. Ketoprofen content was determined by UV/VIS spectrophotometry. In vitro release studies were carried out using 3D-printed Franz diffusion cells with synthetic membranes as diffusion barriers. Phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and 70% (v/v) ethanol were used as receptor media.Results: Both ketoprofen gels were transparent, and exhibited similar gloss. Formulation A demonstrated lower structural integrity and stickiness than Formulation B. The ketoprofen in both formulations was within ± 5% of the declared value. In vitro release test showed that Formulation A exhibited a faster release of ketoprofen compared to Formulation B in both phosphate buffer and ethanol. Formulation B had lower spreadability comparing to Formulation A.Conclusion: These results highlight the potential of 3D printed Franz diffusion cells in future for in vitro evaluation of authorized topical formulations in the Republic of Serbia, where different receptor media can be used, which further allows better comparison of formulations under different experimental conditions.