Enhancement of Valsartan Oral Bioavailability by Preparing a Microwave-Irradiated Inclusion Complex with Sulfobutyl...

The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of sulfobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin (SBE₇-β-CD) on the bioavailability of valsartan. Phase solubility investigations showed an A_L type curve. The estimated apparent stability constant for valsartan SBE₇-β-CD is 427 ± 0.32 M^-1. Inclusion complexes of valsartan SBE₇-β-CD in equal molar ratio were prepared by microwave irradiation technique. The process parameters were optimised with a central composite face design. Response surface graphs and contour plots showed how process factors affected drug content. The inclusion complexes prepared by optimising process variables are characterised. The DSC and X-ray diffraction confirm the formation of inclusion complexes and the drug's transition from a crystalline to an amorphous state. FTIR suggests hydrogen bonding between valsartan and SBE₇-β-CD. SEM showed changes in drug morphology and shape. The dissolution rate of the prepared SBE₇-β-CD complex using microwave irradiation was 2.85 times that of pure valsartan. The inclusion complex was formulated into tablet dosage forms F₁ to F₄. Furthermore, oral bioavailability studies in rats with tablet formulation F₃ were carried out and compared to the marketed Diovan® tablet as a reference standard. The F₃ tablet formulation exhibited significantly higher values of AUC_0-∞ and C_max than the reference. Finally, the microwave-irradiated valsartan SBE₇-β-CD inclusion complex converted into tablet dosage form may be a promising approach to increasing valsartan oral bioavailability.