Abstract

Introduction: In an attempt to circumvent the lipophilicity burden for the oral administration of new potent synthetic melatoninergic fluorine-substituted methoxyphenylalkyl amides, we conducted in vitro modified release studies using carefully selected matrix tablets’ biopolymeric materials in different ratios.

Methods: In particular, we sought to attain release profiles of these analogues similar to that of the parent compound, the chronobiotic hormone Melatonin (MLT), and also of the commercially available drug, Circadin^®.

Results: It was found that some of these systems, albeit being more lipophilic than MLT, mimic the in vitro release patterns of melatonin and Circadin^®.

Conclusion: Moreover, a number of these derivatives were proven suitable for dealing with sleep onset problems, whilst others for dealing with combined sleep onset/sleep maintenance dysfunctions.

Keywords: Melatonin, synthetic melatoninergic analogues, lipophilicity, matrix tablets, in vitro dissolution studies, oral administration.