Development of dry emulsion formulation of Ibuprofen and its Characterization

Abstract

Ibuprofen (IBP) is a NSAID, falls under BCS class II drug having poor aqueous solubility (21 mg/L) that may limit its biopharmaceutical behavior in clinical application. The main purpose of this study is to develop dry emulsion formulation of ibuprofen (DE-IBP). DE-IBP was prepared by evaporating a liquid O/W emulsion containing ethyl acetate polymer, polyethylene oxide 600, and medium chain triglyceride as the emulsifying agents. Physicochemical properties of DE-IBP were evaluated using various analytical techniques. The results showed reduced particle size in DE-IBP as well as the crystalline nature of IBP has reduced significantly; which might be beneficial in enhancing the solubility of IBP compared to crystalline IBP. The dissolution studies in water showed improved dissolution of DE-IBP compared to crystalline IBP, with a quick onset of drug release followed by gradual dissolution. Therefore, DE-IBP could be a promising drug delivery strategy to improve the biopharmaceutical behaviors of IBP.