THE EFFECT OF SOME NATURAL POLYMERS ON THE SOLUBILITY AND DISSOLUTION CHARACTERISTICS OF NIFEDIPINE

The effect of natural polymers, such as water-soluble gelatin and egg albumin, on the solubility and dissolution characteristics of nifedipine has been studied. Comparison of such polymers was carried out by complexation with beta-cyclodextrin. The interaction of nifedipine with these polymers both in aqueous solution and in the solid state was examined by performing solubility analysis, powder X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. In addition, the surface tension of the samples was evaluated. Solid mixtures of nifedipine and polymer in various ratios were prepared by the kneading technique and their dissolution was carried out according to the dispersed amount method. It was found that water-soluble gelatin and beta-cyclodextrin resulted in a significant increase in the rate of dissolution of nifedipine as compared to drug alone. Further, water-soluble gelatin may be particularly useful for the enhancement of dissolution of nifedipine.