Preparation and characterization of albendazole β-cyclodextrin complexes

Albendazole (ABZ), mebendazole (MBZ), and ricobendazole (RBZ) are low-soluble anthelmintic benzimidazole carbamate drugs. To increase their aqueous solubility, three different types of beta-cyclodextrins (CyDs): beta-cyclodextrin (CD), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPCD), and methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) were used. Solubility depended on the type of CyDs. Increased solubility was obtained when the more substituted CyDs (HPCD or MCD) were used instead of nonsubstituted CD. Stability constants were calculated assuming a 1:1 stoichiometry. Calculated stability constant values depended on initial solubility of drug and pH of the medium. Solid ABZ complexes were prepared by coprecipitation and freeze-drying methods. These products were compared with physical mixtures of ABZ and CyDs. The characterization of these products was made by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and drug release studies. True inclusion complexes were obtained only by the freeze-drying method. Drug release studies showed that the freeze-dried inclusion complexes increased the solubility rate of ABZ, although a supersaturation effect was observed when drug release studies were performed in nonsink conditions. A bioavailability study on mice was done with a formulation of ABZ:HPCD complex and was compared to a conventional ABZ suspension. A significantly (p < .05) shorter T-max of absorption was obtained by using the complex formulation. Greater and significant (p < .05) differences for AUC and C-max were observed.