Improving the Dissolution rate of Mefenamic acid by preparing Solid Dispersions with Polyethylene glycol 4000

Abstract

The low solubility of drugs is the main reason for the decrease in bioavailability and, consequently, the therapeutic effect. Solid dispersions prepared using water-soluble polymers are a promising approach to solving this problem while maintaining the hydrophobic nature of the drug and reducing the dose load. The aim of this study was to enhance the solubility and the dissolution rate of mefenamic acid by formulating it in the form of solid dispersions. The solid dispersions were prepared by kneading method using polyethylene glycol 4000 as a carrier in various proportions. The dissolution test was performed for two hours in phosphate buffer (pH=8) and the drug release kinetics were studied using several mathematical models. The results showed that polyethylene glycol enhanced the dissolution rate of mefenamic acid in prepared formulations, and the higher the ratio (carrier: drug), the faster the drug dissolved. The best fit to the kinetic model was observed with the Higuchi and Ritger-Peppas models, indicating drug release via Fickian diffusion.