Pharmaceutical applications of solid dispersion systems: X-ray diffraction and aqueous solubility studies on griseofulvin-polyethylene glycol 6000 systems.

The X-ray diffraction method was used to characterize physiochemical properties of griseofulvin dispersed in polyethylene glycol 4000 and 6000. Results indicate a negligible or very limited solid solubility of griseofulvin in the pulverized solid dispersions. Pulverization and aging had pronounced effects on the X-ray diffraction spectrum. Results from aqueous solubility studies of griseofulvin in various concentrations of polyethylene glycol 6000 further indicate weak or insignificant interactions between the drug and the carrier. Mechanisms are postulated to account for the reported marked enhancement of dissolution rates and oral adsorption of griseofulvin dispersed in these carriers.