Evaluation of Enhancement of Solubility of Paracetamol by Solid Dispersion Technique Using Different Polymers Concentration

Paracetamol (PCM) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), sparingly soluble and bitter in taste. It is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic. Solid dispersion of drug with different polymers was attempted to improve solubility of paracetamol.The aim of this study was to prepare, characterize and compare solid dispersions of poorly water soluble non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, paracetamol , with polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) for enhancing the dissolution rate of the drug. The solid dispersions were prepared by physical mix method and kneading method at 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 ratios of drug to polymer. The formulations were evaluated for percent practical yield, drug content, micromeritics and invitro dissolution studies. There is no interaction between drug and polymers. In this study it was indicated that there occurred an increase in invitro drug release for solid dispersion as compared to the pure drug taken alone. Based on the drug release pattern, the kneading method showed more drug release as compared to physical mix method. In physical mix method, the rate of dissolution of paracetamol was increased in PCM and PVP with the proportion of (1:2) when compared to the other formulations. In kneading method, the rate of dissolution of paracetamol was increased in PCM and PEG 4000 with the proportion of (1:2) when compared to the other formulations. Finally, solid dispersion containing PEG 4000, as a carrier, gave faster dissolution rates among all the formulations and was selected as the best formulation in this study.