Dissolution profiles of flurbiprofen in phospholipid solid dispersions

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Flurbiprofen (FLP) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with limited aqueous solubility.
• Improving the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs like FLP is crucial for enhancing bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a solid dispersion formulation of flurbiprofen (FLP) and phospholipid (PL) to enhance dissolution characteristics.
• To investigate the effect of FLP:PL ratios on the dissolution rate and extent of FLP.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of FLP-PL physical mixtures and solid dispersions using the solvent method.
• Dissolution studies comparing FLP alone, physical mixtures, and solid dispersions (coprecipitates).
• Evaluation of different FLP:PL ratios, including specific use of L-(-)-dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG).

Main Results:

• Solid dispersions (coprecipitates) of FLP and PL exhibited significantly improved dissolution rates compared to physical mixtures or FLP alone.
• A FLP:PL ratio of 20:1 or lower was sufficient for complete FLP dispersion.
• The coprecipitate yielded a ninefold greater initial dissolution rate and a twofold greater amount dissolved after 60 minutes at a 10:1 ratio.

Conclusions:

• Solid dispersion formulation with phospholipids significantly enhances flurbiprofen dissolution.
• Optimized FLP:PL ratios can lead to substantial improvements in drug release profiles.
• This formulation holds promise for clinical applications requiring rapid drug release and enhanced bioavailability.