Physicochemical Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Solid Dispersions of Nimodipine With PEG 8000

Abstract

Solid dispersions of nimodipine were prepared in an attempt to enhance solubility and dissolution rate. Solid dispersions of nimodipine were prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) using melting method. Solid dispersions were characterized using differential scanning calorimetric and X-ray powder diffraction analysis. Dissolution characteristics were determined by using pH 4.5 acetate buffer containing 0.3 % SDS. Differential scanning calorimetric and X-ray powder diffraction studies reflected that no chemical incompatibility between the drug and polymeric. It is also indicated that crystallinity of the drug in solid dispersions was significantly decreased and the possibility of existence of amorphous entities of the drug in solid dispersions. The solid dispersions and physical mixtures showed higher solubility and dissolution rate than nimodipine due to improved wettability and dispersibility of nimodipine. It is concluded that the solid dispersions of nimodipine in PEG 8000 considerably enhanced the dissolution rate of nimodipine.