Enhancement of dissolution and absorption of mefenamic acid by egg albumin

The dissolution behavior and absorption of mefenamic acid following oral and rectal administration from drug:egg albumin solid dispersions have been studied in comparison with those of the drug alone. The interaction of drug with egg albumin in aqueous solution and solid state were examined by solubility analysis, dialysis experiments, and X-ray diffractometry. The results showed that the dissolution rate of mefenamic acid, and also the release of drug from witepsol H-15 suppositories, were significantly increased by using egg albumin:drug solid dispersions. Although egg albumin:drug solid dispersion enhanced the mean serum levels and the area under serum concentration-time curves after oral and rectal administration compared with those of the drug alone, no significant differences were found between the mean residence time values of drug and its solid dispersion. It was also noted that the extent of bioavailability of mefenamic acid and its solid dispersion following oral administration was significantly greater than that following rectal administration.