Development of fast-release piroxicam/polyethylene glycol capsules by solid dispersion and curing using full factorial design

Purpose: To develop fast-release piroxicam (PRX) capsules by solid dispersion with polyethylene glycol (PEG) using melting and curing in a heated coating pan.Methods: A full factorial design was conducted to investigate the main and interaction effects of molecular weight (4000 - 8000 Da) and amount (10 - 30 mg PEG to 10 mg PRX) on the dissolution rate of PRX. Temperature (50 - 70 °C) and duration of the curing process (15 - 45 min) were also systematically selected by factorial design.Results: The molecular weight and amount of PEG significantly impacted on the dissolution rate of PRX (p = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively), while temperature and duration of the curing process were not significant effects (p = 0.10 and 0.17, respectively). Based on the results, a fast dissolution rate and burst release of PRX was obtained from capsules formulated by PRX/PEG 8000 (1:3 weight ratio) as a solid dispersion compared to the physical mixture and free drug. Furthermore, this capsule was in the acceptance range for the labeled amount, weight variation and disintegration time.Conclusion: PRX/PEG melted solid dispersion capsule may be a suitable immediate release drug delivery system with improved dissolution rate and increased drug absorption.Keywords: Capsules, Solid dispersion, Piroxicam, Polyethylene glycol, Fast release, Full factorial desig

Topical Film-Forming Chlorhexidine Gluconate Sprays for Antiseptic Application

Topical film-forming sprays of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG-FFS) were developed for antiseptic application. Various polymers and solvents were studied for their potential as film-forming polymers and solvent systems, respectively. To produce CHG-FFS, the optimal polymer and solvent were selected, and their physicochemical properties were evaluated. The in vivo evaluation of CHG-FFS was investigated for the satisfaction of the dosage forms, time required for the film formation, film appearance, and adhesion on the skin. Antibacterial activity was also studied in vitro and in vivo. The optimized formulation was assessed for the in vitro cell line evaluations of the cytotoxicity and wound healing. The results demonstrate that Eudragit® S100, Eudragit® L100, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) have the ability to be used as film-forming polymers in an ethanolic solution. A clear and flexible film was obtained from transparent homogenous solutions of CHG-FFS after actuation. They generated the fast thin film formation on the skin with the satisfaction of the dosage forms. Furthermore, the formulations inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and provided antiseptic activity in vivo. However, PVA was found to be an optimal film-forming polymer for promoting CHG adhesion on the skin. The CHG-FFS obtained from the PVA also provided a CHG film, which was non-toxic to human skin cells and did not interfere with the wound healing process. Therefore, the developed CHG-FFS could be a promising candidate for topical antiseptic application