Polymeric surfactant based etodolac chewable tablets: formulation and in vivo evaluation

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Etodolac (ET) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with antitumor and uric acid-lowering properties.
• Its bioavailability is dependent on dissolution rate, posing a challenge for effective drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the dissolution rate and bioavailability of etodolac.
• To formulate etodolac into a more effective dosage form for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Coevaporation technique was employed using inutec, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, and tromethamine as carriers at various drug/carrier ratios.
• Solid dispersions were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Formulated chewable tablets were evaluated for dissolution and in vivo absorption in comparison to pure etodolac capsules.

Main Results:

• All solid dispersion systems significantly improved etodolac dissolution rates at pH 1.2 and 6.8 compared to the pure drug and physical mixtures.
• Coevaporates at a 1:5 drug/carrier ratio exhibited the fastest dissolution, attributed to the loss of etodolac crystallinity.
• In vivo studies demonstrated significantly higher Cmax, earlier Tmax, and increased AUC(0-24) for the chewable tablets compared to capsules.

Conclusions:

• The coevaporation technique effectively improved etodolac dissolution and bioavailability.
• Inutec-based chewable tablets represent a promising formulation for enhanced etodolac delivery.
• This approach offers a viable strategy for improving the therapeutic efficacy of poorly soluble drugs like etodolac.