EVALUATION OF THE DISSOLUTION AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF CYCLODEXTRIN MOLECULAR INCLUSION COMPLEXES OF ARTEMETHER

📄 Project Abstract

The present study aimed to improve the dissolution rate, solubility and ultimately, bioavailability of poorly soluble artemether, an antimalarial drug, through inclusion complex formation with hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin. The solid complexes of artemether and hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HP--CD) were prepared at a molar ratio of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 by kneading method. The effect of HP--CD on the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of artemether was investigated through phase solubility analysis and in-vitro dissolution studies. The formation of inclusion complexes between artemether and HP--CD was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The inclusion complex containing artemether: HP--CD (1:1 M) was further formulated into tablets by direct compression. The prepared tablets were evaluated for various pharmaceutical characteristics; crushing strength, friability, drug content and in-vitro dissolution profiles. Phase solu...