Development of a hydroxyapatite ceramic matrix for the continuous delivery of coumadin.

Coumadin [Warfarin Sodium, 3-(alpha-Acytonylbenzyl-4-hydroxy coumarin)] has been associated with severe side affects such as excessive hemorrhaging and necrosis when given in dosages to maintain the plasma concentration above the effective threshold level. Periodic administration of drugs induces large, fluctuating concentrations in the body A ceramic drug delivery system (CDDS) consisting of hydroxyapatite resorbable ceramic matrix (HA) and coumadin could release coumadin in a sustained manner. Thus, the dosage of coumadin could be decreased while maintaining an effective threshold level of the drug. In this investigation, a hydroxyapatite ceramic delivery system was developed to continuously release coumadin. Data obtained in this investigation suggest that ceramic-coumadin devices compressed at loads of 9000 pounds with cysteine as a binder could deliver coumadin continuously for several days.