The formulation study of tenoxicam, a poorly water-soluble drug, was developed by use of a ternary cosolvent system and has significantly enhanced the solubility. Additionally, the relative bioavailability of testing formulation was also evaluated by New Zealand rabbit with a single i.m. injection. The three-phase diagram for dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)/propylene glycol/water, DMSO/ethanol/water, and DMSO/polyethoxylated castor oil/ethanol system was developed. The volume ratio of 5:4:1 in the DMSO/polyethoxylated castor oil/ethanol system resulted in a more suitable vehicle than other systems, with a high solubility (20.73 mg/ml) and low viscosity (10.0 Cp). A pharmacokinetic study of bioequivalence (Frel = 0.89) was also obtained. The present study not only provides a novel strategy improving tenoxicam solubility but also helps further scientific knowledge for the development of parenteral formulations.
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