Effect of particle size on the dissolution behaviors of poorly water-soluble drugs

This study examined the effects of the particle size of various poorly water-soluble drugs on their dissolution behavior through physicochemical and mathematical analysis. As model drugs, hydrochlorothiazide, aceclofenac, ibuprofen and a discovery candidate were selected. The materials were crystallized using an evaporation method and milled without transformation behavior of crystal forms. The particles were sieved and divided into four size groups (< 45 μm, 45∼150 μm, 150∼250 μm, and 250∼600 μm). The specific surface area with regard to the particle size was measured using a BET surface area measurement. The specific surface area increased with decreasing particle size of the drug, resulting in an increase in dissolution rate. During the initial period of the dissolution study, significant differences in dissolution rate were observed according to the particle size and specific surface areas. On the other hand, in the later stages, the surface-specific dissolution rate was almost consistent regardless of the particle size. These observations were evaluated mathematically and the results suggested that the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs is strongly related to the particle size distribution. Moreover, physicochemical analysis helped explain the effect of particle size on the dissolution profiles.