Development and in vitro evaluation of solid dispersions as strategy to improve albendazole biopharmaceutical behavior

Solid dispersions using Poloxamer 407 as carrier were developed to improve albendazole (ABZ) solubility and dissolution profiles. ABZ/poloxamer solid dispersions were prepared, and dissolution profiles were mathematically modeled and compared with physical mixtures, pharmaceutical ABZ and a commercial formulation. Poloxamer 407 increased exponentially ABZ solubility, in about 400% when 95% w/w of polymer compared with its absence. Solid dispersions initial dissolution rate was three to 20-fold higher than physical mixtures, the drug and the commercial formulation. All the solid dispersions required less than 2.2 min to reach an 80% of ABZ dissolution, while the commercial formulation needed around 40 min. Solid dispersions improved ABZ solubility and dissolution rate, which could result in a faster absorption and an increased bioavailability.