Development and Physical Characterization of Meclizine Hydrochloride Solid Dispersions by using Polyethylene Glycol 8000

Abstract

Development of the meclizine hydrochloride solid dispersions using  polyethylene glycol 8000 is not only to enhance the solubility and  dissolution rate but also to produce rapid onset of action. The objectives of present research are to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of  meclizine hydrochloride using solid dispersion method. In the present study, the solid dispersions were prepared using solvent evaporation  method and evaluated for different physical parameters such as solubility, drug carrier compatibility and powder flow properties. From the results of solubility studies, F4 formulation was selected to prepare the fast  dissolving tablets because it showed highest improvement in the solubility among the all formulations and compared with control tablets (conventional tablets using pure drug). The percent drug release in 15 min (Q15) and  initial dissolution rate for F4 tablets was 98.52±1.34%, 6.56%/min and  these were very much higher compared to control tablets (32.49±1.29 %, 2.17%/min). The relative dissolution rate was found to be 3.03 and  dissolution efficiency was found to be 54.45 and it is increased by 3.5 fold with F4 formulation compared to control tablets (16.55). Hence the  formulation of polyethylene glycol 8000 solid dispersions is a suitable method to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of meclizine  hydrochloride. Further research warranted to study the efficacy of the developed formulations has to be assessed by pharmacokinetic studies.