Abstract

EFFECT OF CERTAIN POLYMERS ON THE RELEASE CHARACTERISTICS OF NIMODIPINE

Esmat E. Zein El Dien, Nageh A. El Mahdy and Wesam Samy*

Abstract

Nimodipine(NMD) is used in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders such as angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia and hypertension. The major problem of this drug is its very low solubility in biological fluids as well as poor bioavailability after oral administration. An attempt has been made for enhancement of nimodipine dissolution rate by utilizing solid dispersion technique, the effect of different polymers on the physicochemical characterstics of the drug was studied, FTIR and DSC Studies proved that no chemical interaction between drug and excipients. The formulations prepared with solid dispersion using (PVP 40, Gelucire 44/14 HPMC E5 and Gelucire44/14) showed complete drug release between 3 - 9 min. However the formulations prepared with HPMC E5 only, PVP 40 and Gelucire 44/14 alone solid dispersions did not give drug release in specified time. Among all formulations NMD prepared with (PVP 40 and Gelucire 44/14) as polymers showed 95% drug release within 10 minutes. From the results it would be concluded that, nimodipine SD showing enhanced dissolution will lead to, improved effectiveness and hence better patient compliance.

Keywords: Nimodipine, PVP 40, Gelucire44/14, HPMCE5, Solid dispersion.