The objective of this study was to develop solid dispersions of Nifedipine which has low aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Preliminary solubility studies were carried out using various hydrophilic polymers. The formulations were then optimized and evaluated by in-vitro dissolution studies, X-ray diffraction, FTIR and SEM. Formulation with 1:4:2 ratios of Nifedipine, Labrosol and SLS was found to be the best as it possessed better drug release properties compared to pure drug and other physical mixtures. The optimized formulation SD12 was found to have better drug release of 98.74±5.19% in 90 minutes. From FTIR studies no interaction was takes place between drug and polymers. XRD peaks indicate the successful transformation of drug from crystalline to amorphous form. The final results indicate that the solid dispersion of Nifedipine remained stable over 90 days.

Nimodipine, a poorly soluble drug, was considered to be fit for solid dispersions to improve its solubility and bioavailability. Our study intended to prepare Nimodipine solid dispersions by solvent evaporation method using various novel polymers. Solubility and dissolution studies indicate that Kolliwax RH 40 and SLS is the most suitable polymer. The solubility studies were corresponded with dissolution data and the formulation SD15 was found to be having highest drug release of about 98.96±5.15% in about 90 minutes. In-vitro release data from several formulations containing XRD and SEM studies indicate no crystallinity in the optimized formulation SD15.FTIR studies suggested good drug excipient compatibility between all components of prepared formulation. From in vivo bioavailability studies, Cmax of the optimized formulation SD15 was 4.34±0.08ng /ml, was significantly higher as compared to pure drug suspension, i.e., 2.78±0.35ng/ml. Tmax of optimized formulation was decreased significantly when compared with pure drug (1.00±0.05hr, 2.00±0.01hr), AUC0-α and AUC0-t for optimized solid dispersion formulation was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared to pure drug suspension. The present study demonstrated that formulation of Nimodipine solid dispersion by solvent evaporation technique is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly water soluble Nimodipine.

The main aim of this study was to formulate and characterize nimodipine solid dispersions using various novel polymers. Solid dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation method in order to improve the solubility and overall bioavailability of nimodipine. Solubility and dissolution studies indicate that Kolliwax RH 40 is the most suitable polymer. The solubility studies was corresponded with dissolution data and the formulation SD15 was found to be having highest drug release of about 98.96 ± 5.15% in about 90 minutes. In vitro release data from several formulations containing Nimodipine was determined kinetically using different mathematical models like Zero order, First order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer–Peppas model. XRD and SEM studies indicate no crystallinity in the optimized formulation SD15. FTIR studies suggested good drug excipient compatibility between all components of prepared formulation. These results confirm the viability of enhancing the solubility of nimodipine by formulating the drug as solid dispersions in Kolliwax.