Similarities in the release rates of different drugs from polyethylene glycol 6000 solid dispersions

The dissolution rates (mg min-1) of 10 drugs, solid dispersed by fusion in polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) have been examined by rotating disc methodology. The dispersions generally displayed release rates which were linearly dependent upon the drug concentration (% drug) at high polymer content. However the range over which this linearity was encountered varied unduly, e.g. 0-2% for phenylbutazone and 0-15% for paracetamol. The slope of this line (mean value: 0.451 mg min-1 % -1) was statistically the same for nine of the drugs studied, the exception being griseofulvin which did not form a true solid dispersion but was a microcrystalline dispersion of the drug within the PEG. During fusion, chain scission of the PEG 6000 occurred in the presence of several drugs. PEG 6000 was incompatible with disulfiram, frusemide, chlorothiazide and chlorpropamide.