PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND DISSOLUTION PROPERTIES OF CINNARIZINE SOLID DISPERSIONS

Bioavailability of a calcium antagonist cinnarizine, known to have a low aqueous solubility, is low or variable. Enhancement of the dissolution behavior of such a drug material can improve its oral bioavailability. For the improvement of the dissolution rate, solid dispersions were prepared by fusion method due to the complete dispersion ability of the active ingredient. Two different lipid carriers were used of which one has a gastric solubility and the other does not. The dispersions prepared were filled into cellulose hard capsules. In vitro dissolution rates of the formulations prepared were compared to pure cinnarizine and a commercially available tablet. Active material/lipid ratio was found to be effective on the dissolution rates. Dissolution rates of cinnarizine from the solid dispersions prepared using a lipid with gastric solubility were increased when compared to pure cinnarizine while sustained with the other lipid. As a conclusion of the study, it was determined that the dissolution rate of cinnarizine could be enhanced or sustained by using different carriers with different ratios.