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Preparation, characterization and taste-masking properties of microspheres containing azithromycin

Liandong Hu1, Jianbin Pan, Ci Liu

  • 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China. hbupharm@126.com

The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
|December 5, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study developed azithromycin microspheres to mask its bitter taste, creating an orally dry suspension. The formulation successfully masked the taste and showed good bioavailability.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Formulation Science

Background:

  • Azithromycin is an effective antibiotic, but its bitter taste poses challenges for oral administration, particularly in pediatric and geriatric populations.
  • Taste masking is crucial for improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes with bitter-tasting drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a microsphere formulation of azithromycin for effective taste masking.
  • To create an orally administered dry suspension using the azithromycin microspheres.
  • To evaluate the taste-masking efficacy and bioavailability of the developed formulation.

Main Methods:

  • Azithromycin microspheres were prepared using ethyl cellulose via a modified solvent diffusion method.
  • The microspheres were incorporated into an orally administered dry suspension formulation.
  • Sensory evaluation was conducted to assess taste-masking effectiveness, and relative bioavailability was determined.

Main Results:

  • The developed microsphere suspension significantly masked the bitter taste of azithromycin.
  • The relative bioavailability of the azithromycin suspension was 102.7% compared to reference preparations.
  • The formulation demonstrated successful taste masking and comparable bioavailability.

Conclusions:

  • Microsphere formulation serves as a promising drug carrier for azithromycin taste masking.
  • This approach can enhance patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy for azithromycin.
  • The developed dry suspension offers a viable alternative for administering bitter-tasting azithromycin formulations.

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