Dissolution profiles of flurbiprofen in phospholipid solid dispersions

This study is concerned with the development of a solid dispersion formulation of flurbiprofen (FLP) and phospholipid (PL) with improved dissolution characteristics. The FLP powders were blended with PL to produce FLP-PL physical mixtures or made into solid dispersions with PL by the solvent method. The FLP exhibited significantly improved dissolution rates in PL coprecipitate (coppt) compared to the physical mixtures or FLP alone. The dissolution studies suggested that less than a 20:1 ratio of FLP to PL was required to disperse FLP completely in the carrier. The coppt yielded a ninefold greater initial dissolution rate. Also, the total amount dissolved after 60 min was twofold greater at a 10:1 ratio of FLP to L-(-dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG). Similar results were observed with a ratio as low as 20:1 (FLP:DMPG). Increasing the DMPG content did not increase the rate to any significant extent. Thus, a small PL:FLP ratio improved the dissolution to a significant level. Thus, an FLP:PL dispersion may have the clinical advantages of quick release and excellent bioavailability.