The
aim of this study was to increase both the rates of dissolution
and bioavailability of the amlodipine (Amlo) drug. Due to the low
cost, high solubility, and amorphous state, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
has been used as a drug carrier in the solid dispersion process. Through
applying an irradiation technique, powder of (PVP) is irradiated with
six 0–50 kGy irradiation doses. The six irradiated (PVP) samples
were characterized using gel permeation chromatography, electron spin
resonance, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The
formulation of six (PVP/Amlo) samples at a ratio of 2:1 wt/wt were
characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction.
In vitro dissolution of (Amlo) drug was assessed in a water solvent
at pH 1.2 and pH 7. Results demonstrated that there is a change in
the physicochemical properties of irradiated (PVP). FT-IR confirmed
that there is an intermolecular H bond between the (Amlo) drug and
(PVP) polymer. XRD confirmed that (PVP) changes the crystalline (Amlo)
to amorphous amlodipine. Irradiated (PVP) at a dose of 20 kGy released
approximately 89% from 40 mg of (Amlo) in 60 s. The in vitro rate
of amlodipine dissolution depends on the drug–polymer intermolecular
H bond. The rate of (Amlo) dissolution is increased due to the drug–drug
intramolecular hydrogen bonding replaced with the drug–polymer
intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which reduces the crystal packing.
Irradiated (PVP) improved the rate of (Amlo) dissolution compared
to unirradiated (PVP).