Preparation and Characterization of Piroxicam Solid Dispersion Using PEG4000 and Tween 40

Background and Solubility behavior of a drug is one of the key determinants of its oral bioavailability. The bioavailability maybe enhanced by increasing the solubility and dissolution rate of drug by incorporation the drug in a hydrophilic carrier. Piroxicam is a poor water soluble، non-steroidal analgesic and anti- inflammatory drug. The purpose of this study was to prepare and determine the piroxicam solid dispersion characteristics to alter its solubility. Piroxicam solid dispersions were prepared by hot melting and melting–solvent methods using PEG4000. The influence of tween 40 was also studied. The prepared solid dispersion properties of the drug were evaluated by dissolution studies، Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)، Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)، and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The results showed a significant increase in dissolution rate of piroxicam from solid dispersions. Tween 40 also increased the dissolution rate of solid dispersions. XRD patterns indicated that piroxicam exists in its solid state in all solid dispersions. The DSC and FTIR results showed no chemical interaction between the drug and the polymer. This study showed significant improvements in dissolution rate of piroxicam solid dispersion prepared by PEG4000 and tween 40.