The objective of this study was to enhance dissolution and permeation of a low soluble, absorbable fexofenadine hydrochloride (FFH) by preparing solid dispersions using polyethylene glycol 20,000 (PEG 20,000) and poloxamer 188 as carriers. The phase solubility measurement for the supplied FFH revealed a linear increase in the solubility of fexofenadine with increasing carrier concentration in water (1.45 mg/mL to 11.78 mg/mL with 0% w/v to 30% w/v PEG 20,000; 1.45 mg/mL to 12.27 mg/mL with 0% w/v to 30% w/v poloxamer 188). To select the appropriate drug carrier concentration, a series of solid dispersions were prepared in the drug carrier weight ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 by fusion method. The solid dispersions composed of drug carrier at 1:4 weight ratio showed highest dissolution with the time required for the release of 50% of the drug <15 min compared to the supplied FFH (>120 min). The intestinal absorption study presented a significant improvement in the absorption of drug from the solid dispersions composed of poloxamer 188 than PEG 20,000. In summary, the solid dispersions of FFH prepared using PEG 20,000 and poloxamer 188 demonstrated improved dissolution and absorption than supplied FFH and could be used to improve the oral bioavailability of fexofenadine.
Keywords: PEG 20,000; absorption; dissolution; fexofenadine hydrochloride; poloxamer188.