Controlled release combination of carbidopa/levodopa
AssigneeMerck & Co., Inc.
InventorsRobert E. Dempski, Edward C. Scholtz, Donald W. Nibbelink, Scott A. Reines
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A matrix or monolithic drug delivery system for the controlled release of carbidopa and levodopa consists of the two drugs uniformly dispersed in a polymer vehicle at a concentration that is greater than the solubility of either drug in the polymer. Treatment of parkinsonism with the controlled release formulation provides several advantages over treatment with the standard carbidopa/levidopa combinations presently employed.
Claims4
A controlled release oral dosage formulation comprising a uniform dispersion of 25-100 mg of carbidopa and 100-400 mg of levodopa in a polymer vehicle comprising 5-25 mg of a water-soluble hydroxypropylcellulose polymer and 2-50 mg of a less water-soluble polyvinylacetatecrotonic acid copolymer whereby, following administration, the carbidopa and levodopa are released slowly and simultaneously from the formulation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.