Hypoglycemic activity of oral hypoglycemics with increased hydrophilicity

The effect of increasing the hydrophilicity of acetohexamide and tolbutamide with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and methylcellulose on drug dissolution and hypoglycemic activity in rats was examined. The dissolution rate of both drugs was increased according to the type and concentration of the polymer. The oral absorption of both drugs was improved, as indicated by potentiation of the reduction in blood glucose in rats. The efficiency of the polymer in increasing the dissolution rates of of the drugs correlated with hydrophilicity of the polymer.