Abstract
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in pharmaceutical research as a dissolution enhancer for poorly soluble drugs. When SLS was used in ritonavir (RTV) tablet formulation to improve wetting, dissolution of RTV was surprisingly deteriorated in acidic media. To understand this unexpected phenomenon, a systematic investigation, including solubility determination, intrinsic dissolution rate measurement, dissolution in an artificial stomach and duodenum apparatus, and solid-state characterization, revealed the formation of a poorly soluble salt, [RTV2+][LS−]2, in an acidic environment. Solubilization of the poorly soluble RTV salt was observed when the concentration of SLS exceeded the critical micelle concentration. Thus, precipitation of [RTV2+][LS−]2 at a low pH and in presence of a low SLS concentration can lead to deteriorated bioavailability. This unintended negative effect on dissolution should be carefully considered when using SLS in a tablet formulation of a basic drug that can be ionized in gastric fluid.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
