Beta-Cyclodextrin and Maltodextrin Based Solid Dispersion of Meloxicam to Enhance the Solubility of Meloxicam; Formulation and In-vitro Evaluation

The purpose of the current study was to enhance the solubility of the meloxicam (MLX) by preparing complex with β-Cyclodextrin (CD) and maltodextrin (MD). Dextrins have the ability to capture the drug inside their cavities without forming any chemical bonding. Three (3) formulations, each of solid dispersion (SD) and physical mixture (PM) were prepared by using different drug to polymer ratios (1:4, 1:6 and 1:8) followed by evaluation for micromeritic properties, drug contents, and in vitro drug release studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Chemical compatibility of the ingredients was evaluated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results of conducted studies exposed excellent flow properties of SDs as well as prepared PMs, with reasonable amount of loaded drug, i.e. andgt;90%. SEM showed a bit irregular surface while XRD suggested crystalline behavior of pure drug, which was masked after its conversion into SDs and PMs based on dextrins. Solubility of the MLX was increased significantly form its initial extent of solubility i.e. 12.5 and#181;g/ml in pure form to 786.72 and#181;g/ml in the form of SD (pandlt;0.05), advocating suitability of materials and methods for solubility enhancement of MLX.