Pamoic

Pamoic is a term commonly used to refer to pamoic acid, a polycarboxylic organic acid that is primarily encountered in pharmaceutical contexts as the basis for pamoate salts. In drug formulation, pamoic acid is used to form salts with basic (alkaline) drugs, producing pamoates. These salts are often sparingly soluble in water, a property exploited to create extended-release or depot formulations that release the active drug slowly over time.

Chemically, pamoic acid is a multi-carboxylate compound derived from a biphenyl framework. The multiple carboxyl groups allow it to form salt links with one or more basic drug molecules, yielding a salt form that can alter solubility, dissolution rate, and absorption characteristics relative to the free drug.

Applications and clinical relevance center on the use of pamoate salts to modify drug release and bioavailability. By forming a relatively insoluble salt, manufacturers can develop formulations that provide prolonged therapeutic effects, reduce dosing frequency, or enable specialized administration routes. The choice of pamoate salt can influence factors such as dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract and the rate at which the active drug becomes available.

Safety, regulatory considerations, and manufacturing implications center on the same principles as other pharmaceutical salts: stability, solubility, and compatibility with the active ingredient and excipients. Pamoates are one of several salt systems used in pharmaceutical development to tailor pharmacokinetic profiles.

See also: pamoic acid, pamoate.