Chronotherapy

Chronotherapy is a novel approach to drug delivery that aims to deliver the drug at the right time of the day or night to optimize its efficacy and minimize side effects. It takes into account the natural biological rhythms of the body, such as the circadian rhythm, and delivers the drug accordingly to achieve better therapeutic outcomes.

Chronotherapy is mainly based on the concept of the circadian rhythm, which is a biological process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and many physiological functions of the body. The circadian rhythm is controlled by an internal biological clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, which responds to the light-dark cycle and regulates the secretion of many hormones and neurotransmitters. The circadian rhythm influences the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs, as well as their pharmacological effects and toxicity.

Chronotherapy can be achieved by different drug delivery systems, such as modified-release formulations, targeted drug delivery, or drug delivery devices. Some of the suitable drug examples for chronotherapy are:

  1. Hydrocortisone: Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid hormone that is normally secreted in a circadian rhythm. It is used to treat many inflammatory and immune disorders, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies. A modified-release formulation of hydrocortisone, called Chronocort, has been developed to mimic the natural circadian rhythm of hydrocortisone secretion. Chronocort delivers the drug in a pulsatile manner with a high dose in the morning and a low dose in the evening, which is expected to reduce the side effects and improve the efficacy of the drug.

  2. Levothyroxine: Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Levothyroxine has a long half-life and is usually taken once a day in the morning. However, recent studies have shown that taking levothyroxine at bedtime instead of in the morning can improve the absorption and utilization of the drug, as well as the thyroid function tests. This is because the natural circadian rhythm of thyroid hormones secretion is highest during the night.

  3. NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. However, they can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as ulceration and bleeding, due to their inhibitory effect on prostaglandin synthesis. A targeted drug delivery system for NSAIDs, called Chronogesic, has been developed to release the drug in the colon instead of the stomach. This is because the natural circadian rhythm of gastrointestinal motility is highest during the night, and the drug can be better absorbed and retained in the colon, which is less acidic and has a longer transit time than the stomach.

In conclusion, chronotherapy is a promising approach to drug delivery that can improve the efficacy and safety of many drugs by taking into account the natural biological rhythms of the body. Chronotherapy can be achieved by different drug delivery systems, and several drug examples have been developed or studied for this purpose. However, further research is needed to optimize the timing and dosage of the drugs and to evaluate their long-term benefits and risks.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PLANT LAYOUT FOR CAPSULE MANUFACTURING DEPARTMENT & MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Image
PLANT LAYOUT  FOR CAPSULE MANUFACTURING DEPARTMENT: ENVIRONMENT CONDITION FOR CAPSULE FILLING AREA Humidity:          Not more than 35% RH Temperature:    Not more than 25% Area of each room, position of equipments, washing, drying, and sanitary facilities must be in accordance with GMP. MANUFACTURING PROCESS: CHEMCAPS Limited is an India based young and dynamic organization engaged in the manufacture and export of 'empty hard gelatin capsules' under the brand name of 'Chemlock' for discerning customers around the globe. COMPOSITION                                     Gelatin                                     Water                                     Colorants                                     Opecifier (TiO2 Dyes and Other)                                     Preservative MANUFACTURING OF HGC SHELL: SFR-901 FULLY AUTOMATIC CAPSULE MACHINE: FEATURES OF SFR-901 Ø   The Safrroys SFR-901 mod
Keep reading

2. Extensive literature survey:

Image
Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it should be written down. It is compulsory for a research worker writing a thesis for a Ph.D. degree to write a synopsis of the topic and submit it to the necessary Committee or the Research Board for approval.   At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive literature survey connected with the problem. For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals and published or unpublished bibliographies are the first place to go to. Academic journals, conference proceedings, government reports, books etc., must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem. In this process, it should be remembered that one source will lead to another. The earlier studies, if any, which are similar to the study in hand, should be carefully studied. A good library will be a great help to the researcher at this stage.
Keep reading

PREPARATION OF HOSPITAL FORMULARY

Image
PREPARATION OF FORMULARY ·          Formulation is an essential part of hospital pharmacy. ·          It has been a focal point for improving drug therapy in hospitals. ·          Effectiveness of formulary system depends on the abilities of the pharmacist involved with it. ·          Although the majority of formulary decisions are made by Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee but well planned system provides both structure and flexibility and encompasses both selection of drugs and criteria for drug use. ·          These special features allow for standardization to reduce errors, wastage and required personnel time. Advantage: ·          To discourage the use of “less than optimal drug therapy”, and ·          To provide generic product list. o    Generic product selection policies stimulate bio-equivalency comparison which prevents the unnecessary stocking of less than optimal products. ·          Formularies must include cost to provide relative cost data
Keep reading

Facebook Page

Knowledge of Pharma