Dissolution, solubility, XRD, and DSC studies on flurbiprofen-nicotinamide solid dispersions.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with poor aqueous solubility.
• Enhancing drug solubility and dissolution rate is crucial for improving oral bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize flurbiprofen-nicotinamide solid dispersions.
• To evaluate the impact of nicotinamide on flurbiprofen's dissolution rate and aqueous solubility.

Main Methods:

• Fusion method for solid dispersion preparation.
• Phase solubility analysis, phase diagrams, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for drug-carrier interaction studies.
• Dissolution rate testing.

Main Results:

• Flurbiprofen-nicotinamide solid dispersions exhibited significantly faster and more rapid dissolution compared to pure flurbiprofen and physical mixtures.
• Phase diagrams and DSC confirmed the formation of a eutectic mixture between flurbiprofen and nicotinamide.
• The presence of nicotinamide enhanced the aqueous solubility of flurbiprofen.

Conclusions:

• Flurbiprofen-nicotinamide solid dispersions are an effective approach to improve flurbiprofen's dissolution rate and solubility.
• The observed enhancement is attributed to the formation of a eutectic mixture and improved drug-carrier interactions.
• This formulation strategy holds promise for developing more effective flurbiprofen delivery systems.