Radiopacity study of extended-release formulations using digitalized radiography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of radiography in the assessment/treatment of toxic ingestions and to compare the radiopacity of extended-release formulations to their basic preparations using standard and digitized radiography in vitro. Medications were placed in an in vitro model of the human abdomen. Images were exposed at 80 kV, 20 MAS, with a tube to table distance of 101.6 cm. Images were enhanced by optical scanning and digitized. Radiopacity was compared with ferrous sulfate. A 100% increase in detection was appreciated when the standard radiograph was digitally enhanced. No trend toward one formulation being more radiopaque than the other. Only capsules were more radiolucent than surrounding in vitro model. Digital enhancement of a standard radiograph was shown to improve the detectability of the tested oral dosage forms in vitro. Sensitivity of digital radiography in vivo has not yet been established. Based on the data presented, however, further studies using digital radiography to document and to monitor acute toxic ingestions in-vivo are warranted.