Immediate release pharmaceutical compositions

#This application for U.S. patent is filed as a utility application under U.S.C., Title 35, §111(a).

#The invention generally relates to stable pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and administering such compositions. In one aspect, the invention features stabilized pharmaceutical compositions that include pharmaceutically active ingredients such as levothyroxine (T4) sodium and liothyronine (T3) sodium (thyroid hormone drugs), preferably in an immediate release solid dosage form. Also provided are methods for making and using such immediate release and stabilized compositions.

#Thyroid hormone preparations of levothyroxine sodium and liothyronine sodium are pharmaceutical preparations useful to the treatment of hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone replacement therapy in mammals, for example, humans and dogs.

#The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figs., which illustrate a preferred and exemplary embodiment, wherein:

#FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate various solid dosage forms such as cylindrical tablets and raised violin shaped tablets;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a tableting die pair;

#By way of illustrating and providing a more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof, the following detailed description is given concerning the novel oral levothyroxine (T4) and/or liothyronine (T3) (thyroid hormone drugs) pharmaceutical compositions and methods for use in warm-blooded animals, especially humans and children.

#As discussed, the invention relates to immediate release solid pharmaceutical compositions such as stabilized pharmaceutical compositions that include pharmaceutically active ingredients such as levothyroxine (T4) sodium and liothyronine (T3) sodium (thyroid hormone drugs), preferably in a solid dosage form. Also provided are methods for making such immediate release and stabilized compositions.

#Aspects of the present invention have been disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/269,089, entitled Stabilized Pharmaceutical and Thyroid Hormone Compositions and Method of Preparation and filed on Feb. 15, 2001 by Franz, G. A. et al. The disclosure of said provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.