Physicochemical characterization, in vitro dissolution behavior, and pharmacodynamic studies of rofecoxib-cyclodextrin inclusion compounds. Preparation and properties of rofecoxib hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: A technical note

摘要

An inclusion complex of rofecoxib and HPβ-CD was prepared successfully by the spray-drying method in a molar ratio of 1∶1. The inclusion complex was found to have improved in vitro drug release compared with the pure drug. The solubility profile of complexes of rofecoxib prepared using HPβ-CD as the complexing agent in a molar ratio of 1∶1 by the spray-drying method in pH 1.2 and pH 7.4 indicated that the acid solubility of rofecoxib was enhanced considerably by formation of an inclusion complex with HPβ-CD. The above results also clearly demonstrated a significant decrease in the gastric ulcerogenic activity of rofecoxib through complexation with cyclodextrins. Even though the physical mixture of rofecoxib with cyclodextrins reduced ulcer formation, it was the spray-dried complex formation approach that minimized gastric ulceration. These findings are extremely important from a commercial point of view as the prepared complex removes a major drawback for rofecoxib in therapy.