Crystallization of mefenamic acid and polymorphs

The crystallization of Mefenamic Acid, (MA), which has a prevalent usage in drug formulation, was investigated. MA is a high‐dose, anti‐inflammatory, analgesic agent used for pain in menstrual disorders. Some negative properties of MA are a high hydrophobicity and propensity to stick to surfaces, which cause great problems during granulation and tabletting. To facilitate tabletability, enhance dissolution rates, and develop a stable and reproducible dosage form, investigation of the physicochemical properties of mefenamic acid is necessary. Pharmaceutical drugs are commonly crystalline materials and are therefore subject to polymorphism. Polymorphism, the ability of a substance to exist in more than one crystalline form, is a significant phenomenon in the field of chemical engineering sciences, including pharmaceutical development. Establishing the polymorphic behaviour of a drug molecule early in development minimizes the number of unsuitable candidates developed and reduces the risk of encountering issues later which may have a major financial and time impact. Mefenamic acid crystals were recrystallized from five different solvents of N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), acetone, N, N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA), Dimethylsulfoxide (DMS) and Ethyl Acetate (EA). In order to characterize the Mefenamic Acid crystal structure and the polymorphic forms of the crystals obtained by recrystallization, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman diffractometry and X‐ray pattern were used. From the industrial crystallization point of view, the crystal size distribution (CSD), the crystal shape, the polymorphic form and the crystallization steps are important factors that affect the quality and bioavailability of a drug. For the determination of crystal size distribution of MA, The Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) technique was practiced and CSD profiles were obtained. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)