Abstract

RECENT SCENARIO OF GELUCIRES IN SOLID DISPERSION TECHNIQUES

Ankita D. Sorkhel* and Yogesh S. Chaudhari

Abstract

Poor water solubility is the major drawback for the various types of drugs and many approaches have been introduced for the solubility enhancement of such drugs. Solid dispersion is one of the techniques adopted for the formulation of such drugs. In this technique, a poorly soluble drug is dispersed in a highly soluble solid hydrophilic matrix, which enhances the dissolution of the drug. Solid dispersion techniques can yield eutectic (non-molecular level mixing) or solid solution (molecular level mixing) products. Presence of the drug in microcrystalline state, improved wettability and formation of high free energy amorphous forms of the drug during solid dispersion formation contribute towards enhancement of drug solubilisation. Despite the promising aspects of dissolution enhancement and simplicity of concept, the solid dispersion has decreased popularity due to manufacturing, stability and scale-up issues. Solid dispersions of poorly water-soluble drugs with water-soluble carriers has been reduced the incidence of these problems and enhanced dissolution. The focus of this review article on advantages, disadvantages of solid dispersions, method of their preparations and current use of gelucires in solid dispersion formulations. This article will also address the physical characterization of a Gelucire based solid dispersion formulation and illustrate some of its potential drawbacks in terms of physical stability.

Keywords: Gelucires, Solubility, Dissolution, Solid dispersion.