Improving solubility and dissolution of meloxicam by solid dispersion using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910 3 cps and nicotinamide

Solid dispersion (SD) represents a good method for enhancing the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. Meloxicam (MLX), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug has poor solubility in water. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 2910 3 cps, a hydrophilic carrier and nicotinamide (NC), a hydrotropic agent can be used as matrix of SD. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of HPMC 2910 3 cps and NC as SD matrix on the solubility and dissolution rate of MLX. The SD of MLX was prepared by solvent evaporation method using methanol as solvent. The SD formulations composed of HPMC and NC in different ratios (1:1:1, 1:1:2, 1:2:1, 1:2:2). The physical state of MLX SD were characterized by Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The solubility and dissolution of the MLX SD were also evaluated. The results of differential thermal analysis (DTA) showed that the melting point of MLX SD was lower than MLX further the X-ray diffractogram showed a decrease of the crystallinity of MLX in SD. Those indicated that MLX was dispersed molecularly in SD. The SD showed a widening transmission peak at 3000-3500 cm^-1 which resembled the peak of pure MLX transmission. It indicated that intermolecular hydrogen bonds were formed between MLX, HPMC, and NC. The solubility and the dissolution efficiency (ED₆₀) of SD with MLX-HPMC 2910 3 cps-NC = 1:2:1 increased 3.59 times and 1.50 times higher then MLX substance. MLX-HPMC-NC SD system increased the solubility and dissolution of MLX. The SD with MLX-HPMC 2910 3 cps-NC ratio of 1:2:1 had the highest solubility and ED₆₀ compared to the other SD formulas.