Here are some common strategies to overcome these incompatibilities:
1. Physical Incompatibilities:
A. Alteration of Base Composition:
Adjusting the composition of the suppository base can help in managing incompatibilities.
For example, using a different base like cocoa butter, glycerinated gelatin, or polyethylene glycol can sometimes mitigate issues.
B. Use of Surfactants:
Adding surfactants can help in improving the dispersion of active ingredients in the base, thereby reducing physical incompatibilities.
C. Particle Size Reduction:
Reducing the particle size of the active ingredient can enhance its dispersion and solubility in the suppository base.
2. Chemical Incompatibilities:
A. pH Adjustment:
Adjusting the pH of the suppository can prevent chemical degradation of the active ingredient.
B. Use of Antioxidants and Chelating Agents:
These can be added to the formulation to prevent oxidation or degradation of sensitive active ingredients.
C. Isolation of Incompatible Substances:
This can be achieved by microencapsulation or by using a layered approach in the suppository to physically separate incompatible agents.
3. Therapeutic Incompatibilities:
A. Dose Adjustment:
Adjusting the dose of the active ingredients can help in minimizing therapeutic incompatibilities, especially in cases of synergistic or antagonistic effects.
B. Sequential Release Formulations:
Designing the suppository to release one active ingredient before another can prevent in-vivo interactions that lead to therapeutic incompatibility.
C. Patient Education and Monitoring:
Educating patients on how to use suppositories and monitoring for adverse effects can also help in managing therapeutic incompatibilities.
