Enhancing the Solubility of Poorly Water Soluble Statins by Different Techniques, Formulation and Evaluation

Author(s)

Anusha, N.R., Geethalakshmi, A.

Author's Affiliation

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to improve solubility, dissolution profile, absorption efficiency and bioavailability of poorly water soluble statins by using different techniques like co-solvents, solid dispersions, superdisintegrants and sublimation. Lovastatin is a member of statins, used as hypolipidemic agent (lowering cholesterol) in those with hypercholesterolemia and so preventing cardiovascular diseases. Lovastatin is a poorly soluble and highly permeable drug belongs to BCS class II. Rate of its oral absorption is often controlled by the dissolution rate in the gastrointestinal track. Tablets are most widely used solid dosage forms because of their advantages. Lovastatin tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. Solid dispersion of Lovastatin was prepared using PEG 6000 (1:1, 1:2, 1:3 ratios respectively), Crospovidone used as superdisintegrant (2%, 4% and 8%), Urea used as sublimating agent (2%, 4% and 8%). The tablets were subjected to thickness, weight variation test, drug content, hardness, friability, disintegration and in vitro release studies. In conclusion, the results suggest that the selected best formulation F₆ was shown improvement in dissolution rate (10% more than other methods) from superdisintegrant method and was preferred due to its low cost, easy method of preparation and industrial benefits.

Keywords

Lovastatin, Direct compression, In vitro studies, Co-solvents, Solid dispersions, Superdisintegrant

Cite This Article

Anusha, N.R., Geethalakshmi, A. (2015). Enhancing the Solubility of Poorly Water Soluble Statins by Different Techniques, Formulation and Evaluation, International Journal for Pharmaceutical Research Scholars (IJPRS), 4(2), 382-389.