Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Based Solid Dispersions of Ciprofloxacin: Preparation, Characterization, Dissolution and Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation

Abstract

In this paper, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) based solid dispersions were developed
to improve solubility and dissolution of ciprofloxacin (CIP). Solid dispersions by physical mixing, kneading, and solvent evaporation methods were prepared then characterized using FT-IR, and XRD techniques.
Solubility enhancements and dissolution profiles of different formulations were compared with that of pure
ciprofloxacin. All prepared solid dispersions demonstrated ~1.3-2.8 fold enhancement in solubility and dissolution of the ciprofloxacin as compared to drug alone. Order of solubility enhancement with CIP:HPMC
ratio followed 1:1 > 2:1 > 1:2 > 1:5 > CIP. All solid dispersions exhibited statistically significant (p < 0.05)
enhancement in the antibacterial activity against both gram negative as well as gram positive bacteria as
compared to drug alone. The order of antimicrobial activity with CIP:HPMC ratio followed 1:1 > 2:1 > 1:2
> CIP > 1:5. Improved dissolution profiles and antibacterial activity suggest that better bioavailability and
efficacy would be achieved by using simple CIP-1: HPMC-1 solid dispersion compared to pure ciprofloxacin.