NOVEL APPLICATION OF MIXED HYDROTROPIC SOLUBILIZATION TECHNIQUE IN THE FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SOLID DISPERSION OF FLUPIRTINE MALEATE

Abstract

Flupirtine is an amino pyridine derivative that functions as a centrally acting non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic. It is a selective neuronal potassium channel opener that also has NMDA receptor antagonist properties. Its muscle relaxant properties make it popular for back pain and other orthopedics uses. In the present investigation, recently developed mixed hydrotropic solid dispersion technology precludes the use of organic solvent and also decreases the individual concentration of hydrotropic agents, simultaneously decreasing their toxic potential. Mixed-hydrotropic solubilisation technique is the experience to increase the solubility of poorly water soluble drugs in the aqueous solution containing blends of hydrotropic agents, which may give synergistic enhancement effect on solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs and to reduce concentrations of each individual hydrotropic agent to minimize their toxic effects due to high concentration of hydrotropic agents. The Flupirtine loaded solid dispersion was prepared by a solvent evaporation technique using sodium benzoate and a niacinamide hydrotropic mixture. The prepared solid dispersions were valuated regarding their solubility, mean particle size, in-vitro drug release. The prepared solid dispersions were found very stable (chemically). The superior dissolution rate due to its reduced particle size may have contributed to the increased oral bioavailability. This study demonstrated that mixed-solvency may be an alternative approach for poorly soluble drugs to improve their solubility and oral bioavailability.
 Keywords: Flupirtine, Solid dispersion, Mixed-hydrotropic solubilisation, Solvent evaporation technique, Sodium benzoate, Niacinamide