Improved dissolution of ofloxacin via solid dispersion

The objective of this study was to improve the dissolution rate of a sparingly water soluble drug, ofloxacin, by solid dispersion systems with urea and mannitol. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis and infrared spectroscopy (IR) were performed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the prepared solid dispersions. The dissolution rate of ofloxacin was markedly increased in solid dispersion of urea and mannitol. Solubility studies revealed a marked increase in the solubility of ofloxacin with an increase in urea concentration. Mannitol concentration had no effect on the solubility of ofloxacin. The PXRD study revealed that the crystallinity of ofloxacin was decreased as the ratio of drug to carrier was decreased. The results from DSC and IR indicated that there was no interaction between drug and carriers. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.