Enhancement of dissolution rates of poorly water-soluble drugs by crystallization in aqueous surfactant solutions I: Sulfathiazole, prednisone, and chloramphenicol.

Effects of crystallization of poorly water-soluble drugs in aqueous surfactant solution on in vitro dissolution rates were investigated. Marked enhancement was observed for chloramphenicol, sulfathiazole, and prednisone. Differential thermal analysis studies indicated the presence of small amounts of surfactant in surfactant-treated crystals. Possible mechanisms of dissolution enhancement are discussed.