Effect of low melting hydrophilic carriers on the solubility and dissolution rate of Piroxicam using solid dispersion technique.

The present study was aimed to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of Piroxicam, a poorly water soluble drug from BCS class II. Solid dispersions (SDs) of Piroxicam Solutol and Gelucire were prepared by applying fusion method. The prepared SDs were tested for their aqueous solubility and dissolution rate. These dispersions were characterized by PXRD and FTIR for any physical or chemical change, respectively. From the results it was revealed that the solubility value of drug was increased by 20-25 times (with Solutol) and 6-10 times (with Gelucire). Dissolution rate of piroxicam was 7-8 times quicker in SDs with Solutol while with Gelucire a slow drug release in first 20 min was noted that was further enhanced by adding a ternary component, i.e. silica. The real time stability studies show that the solid dispersions are quite stable after 6 months in terms of solubility and dissolution rate. The study concludes that binary solid dispersion with Solutol has effectively increased the solubility of piroxicam that in turn has increased its dissolution rate, therefore useful in enhancing the bioavailability of this poorly soluble drug. In case of piroxicam: Gelucire solid dispersion; a ternary component is required to achieve quick release of drug.