Acetaminophen Cyclodextrin Formulation to Limit Hydrolysis Byproducts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Acetaminophen is susceptible to hydrolysis, forming p-aminophenol, which degrades into quinoneimine, and existing stabilization methods using buffers or free-radical scavengers can cause irritant, allergenic, and/or carcinogenic effects.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical formulation comprising acetaminophen and sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin with a molar ratio of 0.01 to 2, without N-acetylcysteine, L-methionine, or cysteine derivatives, stabilizes acetaminophen and reduces p-aminophenol formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If buffers or free-radical scavengers are used to stabilize acetaminophen, then degradation is reduced, but irritant, allergenic and/or carcinogenic effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidadverse effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin acts as an intermediary substance that forms an inclusion complex with acetaminophen, protecting it from degradation without introducing harmful side effects. The cyclodextrin molecule encapsulates the acetaminophen, creating a stable complex that prevents hydrolysis and oxidation while being biocompatible and non-toxic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical environment by introducing sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin, which modifies the local microenvironment around acetaminophen molecules. This alters the degradation kinetics and stability characteristics without requiring traditional buffers or scavengers, thereby avoiding their associated harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If acetaminophen is stabilized through conventional methods, then degradation is reduced, but potential irritant and allergenic effects are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidadverse effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin serves as a benign intermediary that mediates between acetaminophen and the aqueous environment, preventing direct contact with water that would cause hydrolysis. This intermediary approach stabilizes the formulation while avoiding the introduction of harmful substances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite system where acetaminophen is combined with sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin in a specific molar ratio. This composite formulation leverages the protective cavity structure of cyclodextrin while maintaining the therapeutic properties of acetaminophen, resulting in a stable and safe pharmaceutical product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The formulation effectively mitigates acetaminophen degradation and minimizes potential adverse effects, maintaining stability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin, wherein the molar ratio of sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin to acetaminophen is in the range of about 0.01 to about 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclusion complex formation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS12527755B2Formulations containing acetaminophen and sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 CYDEX PHARMACEUTICALS INC
  • US12527755B2 patent drawing
  • US12527755B2 patent drawing
  • US12527755B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Pharmaceutical formulations containing acetaminophen and sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin are described. The formulation includes acetaminophen; and sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin, wherein the molar ratio of sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin to acetaminophen is in the range of about 0.01 to about 2. The formulations can be prepared in an injectable form for mitigating or treating fever or alleviating pain in a patient.