Preparation and Characterization of Artemether Solid Dispersion by Spray Drying Technique

Abstract

Introduction: Artemether, a BCS class IV drug (poorly water soluble and poorly permeable, less bioavailability) but is found to be effective against falciparum malaria. Preparation of water soluble formulation could be the technique to improve bioavailability of such drug. The most ideally used technique to enhance the solubility and dissolution of poorly water soluble drugs is Solid dispersion method.
 Method: The objective of the study was to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of Artemether by preparing solid dispersions using Soluplus, at different ration of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 using spray drying technology. Prepared Solid dispersions were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry.
 Results: The spray-dried solid dispersions found to be having less crystallinity and showed higher dissolution rates. Solubility study data showed the optimum drug/Soluplus ratio to be 1:3. The dissolution studies of Solid dispersions in 1.2 pH and 6.8 pH buffer showed higher drug release as compared to pure drug.
 Conclusion: Thus we conclude that an amorphous solid dispersion of Artemether could be a better option for enhancing the dissolution rate of drug
 Keywords: solid dispersion, artemether, soluplus, solubility enhancement