Hot-melt extrusion

Ceska Slov Farm. 2012 Jun;61(3):87-92.

Abstract

Hot-melt extrusion (HME), originally coming from plastic industry, becomes at present an interesting technology also in the pharmaceutical field. The number of drugs with poor solubility and also bioavailability is increasing. In addition, most of the organic drugs are exhibiting polymorphism. Together with the utilization of appropriate carriers and other excipients, HME introduces an interesting possibility how to increase the solubility of poorly soluble drugs or protect unwanted polymorphic changes and how to improve bioavailability of problematic drugs. HME can also be used in the formation of dosage forms with controlled drug release, e.g. pellets or films. It is a relatively inexpensive, efficient and reproducible technology, a solvent free and drug-friendly process. This article is an overview of possible utilization of this modern technology in the pharmaceutical field.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Dosage Forms
  • Drug Compounding
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry*
  • Solubility
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical / methods*

Substances

  • Dosage Forms
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations