Importance

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Abstract

A capsule product and method for gradually releasing a medicament for absorption to a body of a warm blooded animal through the gastrointestinal system. The capsule has a fill material which includes a masticatory substance and a medicament that is dispersed throughout the gum. The medicament is of a type that is effectively and desirably released for absorption by the body through the gastrointestinal tract over an extended period of time. The masticatory substance forms a supporting cohesive matrix for the medicament. The gelatin shell, usually formed from gelatin, water, and a plasticizer, formed around the fill material into a capsule of a size and shape to be readily swallowable. Upon swallowing, the gelatin shell is rapidly dissolved in the gastrointestinal juices, while the fill material is substantially insoluble in the gastrointestinal juices. The matrix having the medicament dispersed throughout is subjected to substantially continuous random motion while contained within the gastrointestinal juices, while at body temperatures, and while under the influence of peristaltic movement for substantially varying the exposed surface area of the fill. As the surface area of the fill material is being changed, the medicament is gradually released from the exposed surface area for an extended period of time for ultimate absorption of the drug by the body.

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First Claim