Nanocrystalization of Pioglitazone by Precipitation Method.

BACKGROUND: Poor solubility in aqueous medium limits the use of many drugs. Different methods have been adopted to promote the rate of dissolution of slightly water soluble drugs. Crystallization improves solubility, and bioavailability by increasing the surface area of slightly water soluble drugs. Pioglitazone (PGZ), which is a class II Biopharmaceutical Classification System drug has a slight solubility in water and a slow rate of dissolution, which may have a negative effect on its metabolism leading to a therapeutic failure.

AIM: The aim of this study was to improve the solubility of PGZ-HCl; an antidiabetic drug using precipitation method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formulations were prepared with polyethylene glycol 6000 and isomalt using different speed of homogenizer and quantity of solvent by precipitation method. Drug-polymer interactions were examined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD). Surface structure were shown by SEM photographs.

RESULTS: The particle size was significantly decreased and solubility was enhanced with increase speed, ethanol solvent and increase stabilizer, however very high amount of stabilizer resulted in a decrease in solubility.

CONCLUSION: This result however showed that solid dispersion technique is a potential method for increasing dissolution profile of a poorly aqueous soluble agent.