Abstract. The aim of the present study was to develop asymmetric membrane (AM) tablets for controlled delivery of highly water-soluble antihistaminic drug triprolidine hydrochloride. The solubility of triprolidine hydrochloride was modulated through the incorporation of coated sodium chloride crystals encapsulated with asymmetric membrane coating polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate. Formulation of AM tablets was based on a 2 3 factorial design to study the effect of formulation variables, namely, polymer concentration, level of pore former, and amount of osmogen on the in vitro release. Core tablets prepared by wet granulation and coated with asymmetric membrane by a dip coating method were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done with the Design Expert Software 8.0.2 (USA), and the polynomial equation generated by Pareto charts was used for validation of the experimental design. The interaction chart and response surface plots deduced the simultaneous effect of independent variables on in vitro drug release. The in vitro drug release was inversely proportional and directly related to the level(s) of polymer and pore former in the membrane, respectively. The level of osmogen not only increased the osmotic pressure but also controlled the drug release due to a common ion effect. The drug release of the optimized formulation (F6) followed zero-order kinetics, which would be capable of reducing the administration, and was stable over 3 months. SEM photographs revealed asymmetry in membrane structure.KEY WORDS: asymmetric membrane; coated sodium chloride; cellulose acetate butyrate; solubility modulation; 2 3 factorial design.

Background: Approximately one-third of the world's population is infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). 99.9% of human DNA is similar and 0.1% dissimilar; this is because of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Aims: SNPs are the efficient way of identifying the genes implicated to common complex diseases. These SNPs are helpful in assessment and management of TB by using GIS system. Materials and Methods: In this article, particular SNPs relevant to TB is obtained from F-SNP database which is helpful in making SNP profile of TB patients, having coded information (different types of SNP) of each individual. This coded information is used to make SNP medical card of each individual. Results: If the SNP information made available on the GIS, it can be used by physicians, health care providers, and government to find out genetic origin of TB, susceptibility of patient toward them, and drugs to treat them. Physicians can use the SNP medical card as a powerful tool in designing the individual drug and dosage regimen and prediction of drug ADR related to particular patient. Conclusion: SNP medical card can be used as a powerful tool for combating TB in developing country like India.