Formulation of fenofibrate liquisolid tablets using central composite design.

Liquisolid technique has been widely used to enhance the dissolution of poorly water soluble drugs. The present investigation is on formulation of liquisolid tablets of fenofibrate, a lipid lowering agent. Liquisolid formulation was prepared by applying central composite design (CCD) to optimize various formulation parameters. Amounts of PEG 600 (X1), Avicel PH 102 (X2), and Aerosil 200 (X3) were selected as independent variables while the angle of repose, hardness, disintegration time, and T90% (time required to release 90% drug) of liquisolid tablets were selected as dependent variables. Optimization of formulation was done by multiple linear regression analysis. The results indicated amounts of PEG 600 and Aviel PH 102 show greater effect on dependant variables. In vitro dissolution of fenofibrate in liquisolid formulations was enhanced compared to the pure form. To conclude, Liquisolid technique is a promising strategy in improving dissolution of poorly water soluble fenofibrate.