Guidance in the setting of drug particle size specifications to minimize variability in absorption.

PURPOSE

To provide guidance in setting particle size specifications for poorly soluble drugs to minimize variability in absorption.

METHODS

A previously reported computer method was used to simulate the percent of dose absorbed as a function of solubility, absorption rate constant, dose, and particle size.

RESULTS

The simulated percent of dose absorbed was tabulated over a realistic range of solubilities, absorption rate constants, and doses using drug particle sizes that might be typically found in a dosage form.

CONCLUSIONS

The greatest effect of particle size on absorption was simulated for low dose- low solubility drugs. In general, the sensitivity of absorption to particle size decreased with increasing dose or solubility. At a solubility of 1 mg/mL, particle size had practically no effect on the percent of dose absorbed over the range of doses simulated (1-250 mg).