Preparation of a solid dispersion by a dropping method to improve the rate of dissolution of meloxicam

Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2008 Jul;34(7):781-8. doi: 10.1080/03639040801925735.

Abstract

Application of a solid dispersion system is one of the methods used to increase the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Adaptation of the dropping method from the chemical industry as a formulation procedure may help the scaling-up process and simplify the formulation of poorly water-soluble compounds. Meloxicam (ME), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is poorly soluble in water, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000, a water-soluble carrier, were formulated by using a dropping method in an attempt to improve the dissolution of ME. Pure ME and physical mixtures and tablets of ME-PEG 4000 (1:3 ratio) were compared as regards their dissolution with samples formulated by the dropping method. The results revealed that the round particles (solid drops) exhibited a higher dissolution rate than those of the physical mixtures, tablets, and pure ME. Self-modeling curve resolution (SMCR) as a chemometric method was used to evaluate X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD) data. The results demonstrated the presence of a new crystalline phase in the solid dispersion, which can help the fast and quantitative dissolution from the solid drops. The round particles can be adapted to individual therapy by using a distributor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / chemistry*
  • Biological Availability
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Crystallization
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Meloxicam
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Powder Diffraction / methods
  • Solubility
  • Tablets
  • Thiazines / chemistry*
  • Thiazoles / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Drug Carriers
  • Tablets
  • Thiazines
  • Thiazoles
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Meloxicam