Formulation and Evaluation of Solid Dispersion of Aceclofenac Sodium for Enhancement of Dissolution Rate

Aceclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, posttraumatic pain, joint disorder. Aceclofenac sodium is very slightly soluble in water. Solid dispersions have attracted considerable interest as an efficient means of improving the dissolution rate and hence the bioavailability of a range of hydrophobic drugs. The objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of various hydrophilic carriers like polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP), urea, lactose and mannitol on in vitro dissolution of aceclofenac sodium from solid dispersions. The solid dispersions were prepared in different proportions using hydrophilic carriers like PVP, urea, lactose and mannitol by fusion method. High dissolution rate was observed in solid dispersion of PVP with 1:2 drug-carrier ratios. The increase in dissolution rate of the drug may be due to increase in wettability and hydrophilic nature of the carrier. Absence of significant drug-carrier interaction was confirmed by IR studies.