Physical Characterization and Dissolution Properties of Verapamil. HCI Coprecipitates

Verapamil hydrochloride coprecipitates were prepared using solvent-evaporation technique. Ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phtalate HP 55 were used as polymers. The solid dispersions obtained were grounded and sieved to prepare solid dispersion granules. The dissolution behavior of solid dispersion granules was studied using buffer solutions with pH 1.5; 6.8 and half-change method during 24 hours. The drug release rate was found to be dependent on the ratio of the polymers in coprecipitates. In order to understand the drug release mechanism better, the release data were tested assuming common kinetic models. The best fit kinetic model was diffusion model and the dissolution rate constants calculated using Higuchi equation, demonstrated that dissolution rate increased with increasing the ratio of HPMCP HP 55 in coprecipitates. Physical characterization was made using X-ray diffractometry, IR spectrophotometry and DTA studies. Prepared coprecipitates were X-ray amorphous. Also, after nine months real time studies they remain amorphous, with no changes in their IR spectra and DTA curves. The dissolution rate of the test dispersions showed no significant changes during the stability studies, reflecting the stability of X-ray amorphous drug phase.