Effect of the Interaction Between an Ionic Surfactant and Polymer on the Dissolution of a Poorly Soluble Drug

Surfactants are commonly incorporated in conventional and enabled formulations to enhance the rate and extent of dissolution of drugs exhibiting poor aqueous solubility. Generally the interactions between the drug and excipients are systematically evaluated, however, limited attention is paid towards understanding the effect of interaction between functional excipients and its impact on the performance of the product. In the current study, the effect of potential interaction between a nonionic polymer binder, povidone, and anionic surfactant docusate sodium on the rate and extent of dissolution of a drug exhibiting poor aqueous solubility was evaluated by varying the proportions of the binder and the surfactant in the formulation. Potential complexation or aggregation between the excipients was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements of the aqueous solutions of docusate sodium, povidone, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The rate and extent of drug release was found to decrease with an increase in the proportion of docusate sodium and povidone in the formulations. Difference in magnitude of surface charge (zeta potential) of docusate sodium in presence of povidone indicated potential surfactant-polymer aggregation during dissolution which was corroborated by CAC/CMC values derived from fluorescence spectroscopic measurements. The decrease in the rate of drug release was attributed to an increase in the viscosity of the microenvironment of dissolving particles due to the interaction of docusate sodium and povidone in the aqueous media during dissolution. These findings highlight the importance of systematic evaluation of the interaction of ionic surfactants with the polymeric components within the formulation to ensure the appropriate selection of the type of surfactant as well as its proportion in the formulation.

Development of Solid SEDDS, IV: Effect of Adsorbed Lipid and Surfactant on Tableting Properties and Surface Structures of Different Silicates

PURPOSE

To compare six commonly available silicates for their suitability to develop tablets by adsorbing components of liquid lipid-based drug delivery systems.

METHODS

The tabletability of Aerosil® 200, Sipernat® 22, Sylysia® 350, Zeopharm® 600, Neusilin® US2 and Neusilin® UFL2 were studied by compressing each silicate into tablets in the presence of 20% microcrystalline cellulose and measuring the tensile strength of tablets produced. Three components of lipid based formulations, namely, Capmul® MCM EP (glycerol monocaprylocaprate), Captex® 355 EP/NF (caprylic/capric triglycerides) and Cremophor® EL (PEG-35 castor oil), were adsorbed individually onto the silicates at 1:1 w/w, and the mixtures were then compressed into tablets. The SEM photomicrographs of neat silicates and their 1:1 w/w mixtures (also 1:2 and 1:3 for Neusilin® US2 and Neusilin® UFL2) with one of the liquids (Cremophor® EL) were recorded.

RESULTS

Neat Aerosil® 200, Sipernat® 22 and Sylysia® 350 were non-tabletable to the minimum acceptable tensile strength of 1 MPa, and they were also non-tabletable in presence of liquid. While Zeopharm® 600, Neusilin® US2 and Neusilin® UFL2 were tabletable without the addition of liquids, only Neusilin® US2 retained acceptable tabletability with 1:1 liquid. The SEM images of silicate-liquid mixtures indicated that, except for Neusilin® US2, much of the adsorbed liquid distributed primarily at the surface of particles rather than inside pores, which hindered their compaction into tablets.

CONCLUSION

Among the six silicates studied, Neusilin® US2 was the only silicate able to produce tablets with acceptable tensile strength in presence of a lipid component at 1:1 w/w ratio due to the fact that the liquid was mostly adsorbed into the pores of the silicate rather than at the surface.

Development of Solid SEDDS, V: Compaction and Drug Release Properties of Tablets Prepared by Adsorbing Lipid-Based Formulations onto Neusilin® US2

PURPOSE

To develop tablet formulations by adsorbing liquid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) onto Neusilin®US2, a porous silicate.

METHODS

Nine SEDDS were prepared by combining a medium chain monoglyceride, Capmul MCM EP, a medium chain triglyceride, Captex 355 EP/NF, or their mixtures with a surfactant Cremophor EL, and a model drug, probucol, was then dissolved. The solutions were directly adsorbed onto Neusilin®US2 at 1:1 w/w ratio. Content uniformity, bulk and tap density, compressibility index, Hausner ratio and angle of repose of the powders formed were determined. The powders were then compressed into tablets. The dispersion of SEDDS from tablets was studied in 250 mL of 0.01NHCl (USP dissolution apparatus; 50 RPM; 37°C) and compared with that of liquid SEDDS.

RESULTS

After adsorption of liquid SEDDS onto Neusilin®US2, all powders demonstrated acceptable flow properties and content uniformity for development into tablet. Tablets with good tensile strength (>1 MPa) at the compression pressure of 45 to 135 MPa were obtained. Complete drug release from tablets was observed if the SEDDS did not form gels in contact with water; the gel formation clogged pores of the silicate and trapped the liquid inside pores.

CONCLUSION

Liquid SEDDS were successfully developed into tablets by adsorbing them onto Neusilin®US2. Complete drug release from tablets could be obtained.