[Dissolution and absorption behavior of meclizine dihydrochloride from soft gelatin capsules]

Two kinds of soft gelatin capsules containing meclizine dihydrochloride (MZ) were prepared by using a medium-chain length triglyceride as a base. One is a self-emulsifying type, and the other is an oil dispersing type. The release of MZ from soft capsules and its in vivo absorption behavior were examined and compared with those of a commercial tablet. The release of MZ from the self-emulsifying soft capsule which was only slightly affected by pH was greater than those from the oil dispersing soft capsule and commercial tablet. The serum levels of MZ after the administration of preparations orally to beagle dogs increased in the order of self-emulsifying soft capsule, commercial tablet, oil dispersing soft capsule. This result suggests that the self-emulsifying soft capsule is useful for the increase of the bioavailability of the drug.