Solid Dispersions: An Effective Technology for Improving Dissolution Kinetics of Poorly Soluble Drugs

Abstract

Solid dispersions are one of the essential technologies for improving solubility and dissolution kinetics of drugs. They can be prepared in several ways and using different carriers. This technique is very suitable for class II BCS drugs, one of which is mefenamic acid. This paper is devoted to improving the solubility and dissolution rate of mefenamic acid by preparing solid dispersions using polyethylene glycol 4000, polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, and polysorbate 80 as carriers. Solid dispersions were prepared by kneading method, and dissolution was studied for two hours in phosphate buffer (pH=8). Experimental data of drug release from prepared solid dispersions were analysed according to different mathematical models. The results showed that the dissolution rate varied depending on the type and fraction of the carrier. However, mefenamic acid was released from all prepared formulations in accordance with the Higuchi model, and the release mechanism was better described by Fickian diffusion.