The intent of the present investigation is to develop and evaluate colon-specific coated tacrolimus solid dispersion pellet (SDP) that retards drug release in the stomach and small intestine but progressively releases in the colon. Tacrolimus-SDP was prepared by extrusion-spheronization technology and optimized by the micromeritic properties including flowability, friability, yields and dissolution rate. Subsequently, the pH-dependent layer (Eudragit L30D55) and time-dependent layer (Eudragit NE30D and L30D55) were coated on the SDP to form tacrolimus colon-specific pellets (CSP) using a fluidized bed coater. Under in vitro gradient pH environment, tacrolimus only released from CSP after changing pH to 6.8 and then quickly released in the phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.2. The Cmax of CSP was 195.68 ± 3.14 ng/mL at Tmax 4.5 ± 0.24 h where as in case of SDP, the Cmax was 646.16 ± 8.15 ng/mL at Tmax 0.5 ± 0.03 h, indicating the ability of CSP targeted to colon. The highest area under the curve was achieved 2479.58 ± 183.33 ng•h/mL for SDP, which was 2.27-fold higher than tacrolimus suspension. However, the best biodistribution performance was achieved from CSP. In conclusion, SDP combining of pH-and time-dependent approaches was suitable for targeted delivery of tacrolimus to colon.

Objective Analyze the potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) use in 372 old adult inpatients in our hospital. Methods According to the Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medications use for the old adults in China (2017 Edition, a retrospective analysis of the medications in 372 old adult inpatients aged 65 years and above was performed to evaluate the occurrence of their PIMs use. Results The average age of the 372 inpatients was (74.67±6.95) years old, the average Inpatient days was (11.96±8.5) days, and the average number of illnesses per person was (4.92±2.55). Of 372 inpatients, 62.63% (233) inpatients had PIMs in the China-PIM list for the old adults , and 17.20% (64) inpatients had PIMs related to their diseases. Conclusion The proportion of PIMs among old adult inpatients in our hospital is relatively high. The hospital should pay attention to it and actively take measures to reduce the risk of PIMs for the old adults and ensure rational drug use in clinical medicine.