Simvastatin (SIM), a commonly used lipid-lowering drug, exhibits pleiotropic effects with potential for dermatological applications. This study aimed to analyze the in vitro release and rheological properties of SIM from three extemporaneously prepared topical formulations. Formulations were prepared from commercially available SIM tablets. A structured risk assessment confirmed the low-risk profile of these preparations. SIM content and dissolution profiles were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro release testing was conducted using vertical diffusion cells fabricated by using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology of 3D printing with polylactic acid (PLA). The cream demonstrated the most favorable release characteristics, while the ointment exhibited the greatest resistance to rheological alteration following incorporation of powdered tablets. The 3D-printed diffusion cells ensured reproducibility and adaptability for topical product evaluation. Thixotropy was observed in all tested formulations. Overall, elastic behavior dominated, and the effect of tablet powder on viscosity and structure varied depending on the formulation base. Formulation type significantly influenced SIM release and rheological properties. The findings highlight the utility of low-cost 3D-printed diffusion systems in preclinical topical research and support further translational development of repurposed SIM formulations for skin-related indications.

Background/Objectives: A major advantage of 3D printing technology is the ability to modify drug release by adjusting formulation composition and printing parameters. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize 3D-printed tablets containing prednisolone acetate and to investigate the effects of formulation composition and printing parameters, namely infill density and pattern, on the drug release profile. Methods: Filaments composed of polyvinyl alcohol, sorbitol, and prednisolone acetate, with sodium alginate incorporated in selected formulations, were prepared using hot melt extrusion. The obtained filaments were characterized and used for the fabrication of tablets via fused deposition modeling. The resulting tablets were evaluated in terms of mass variation, dimensions, hardness, content uniformity and drug release rate. Results: The extrusion of polyvinyl alcohol and prednisolone acetate in the absence of additional excipients resulted in a defective filament, highlighting the need for sorbitol incorporation. In contrast, all other filament formulations (F2–F4) exhibited a uniform structure and homogeneous drug distribution. The 3D-printed tablets complied with pharmacopeial requirements for mass variation and content uniformity and demonstrated good precision and reproducibility in terms of dimensions and hardness. Lower infill density was associated with faster drug release, while the presence of sodium alginate resulted in slower release, particularly at higher infill percentages and with a gyroid infill pattern. Furthermore, formulations with higher sorbitol content demonstrated an increased release rate of prednisolone acetate. Conclusions: Infill density was identified as the dominant factor affecting release kinetics. Among the tested formulations, A100G (gyroid structure with 100% infill density), containing prednisolone acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, sorbitol, and sodium alginate, proved most suitable for achieving sustained drug release.

Laboratory education in pharmacy should enable students to perform analytical procedures and critically interpret findings within a broader professional context. This study proposes a three-hour multidisciplinary laboratory exercise for senior pharmacy students, revisiting complexometric titration previously learned in Analytical Chemistry through the analysis of commercial zinc dietary supplements. Students work in pairs to calculate apparent zinc contents using EDTA titration, process data, compare results with label claims, and apply pharmacopoeial content uniformity concepts as educational benchmarks. Guided discussion connects analytical findings with formulation composition, dietary supplement regulation, and the distinction between supplements and medicines. Preliminary experiments with acid-dissolved model zinc compounds assessed linearity, recovery, and selected excipient effects. Direct titration of five commercial supplements yielded apparent zinc contents corresponding to 95.79–136.84% of label claims. Quantitative recovery and freedom from matrix interference were not established for the commercial formulations; these results therefore support discussion of method limitations rather than confirmed assessments of product quality. The contribution lies in using an established, accessible technique to connect analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical technology, bromatology, and regulatory science through authentic samples and critical data interpretation. The proposed framework offers opportunities for multidisciplinary learning, while its educational effectiveness requires structured assessment.