RESUMO
A solid-dispersion of the drug can be formulated using a polymer carrier to improve its solubility. Solid dispersions were prepared using different polymers [polyethylene glycol [PEG] 4000, 6000, 8000, polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 [PVP K30], hydroxypropylmethylcellulose [HPMC], hydroxypropyI-beta- cyclodextrin [HP beta CD], poloxamer [PXR] 188 and 407], with drug: polymer ratios [1.1, 1:2, 1:4] by the solvent evaporation as well as the spray drying techniques to improve dissolution rate of albendazole [ABZ]. It was found that the dissolution rate of the drug was affected by both the polymer type and the ration of ABZ to polymer. Spray drying technique showed enhanced dissolution compared to the solvent evaporation method. The highest dissolution of ABZ was obtained with HP beta CD followed by HPMC and PVP K30 in drug: polymer ration 1:4, 1:4 and 1:2 respectively, prepared by the spray drying technique. Morphology and characteristics of albendazole alone as well as its microparticles from the spray drying technique with the highest dissolution result were studied and photographed. Smooth surface and spherical microparticles of ABZ were detected that indicates the possible coating of the drug crystals by the polymers. Physicochemical properties of the drug alone and its spray dried microparticles were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FTIR], differential scanning calorimetry [DSC] and X-ray powder diffraction [PXRD]. These investigations showed that ABZ transformed from the crystalline state to amorphous state by the spray drying using the polymers mentioned as confirmed by disappearance of its melting peak and the characteristic crystalline peaks. The transformation of ABZ from the crystalline to the amorphous state by the spray drying and the hydrophilic coating of drug particles by the polymers are considered among the factors that enhance the improvement of ABZ dissolution