• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.442-448
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• 2013

In this study, we developed and optimized hydrophilic polymer-based solid dispersion formulations (SDs) using a spray drying method for improving the aqueous solubility of eprosartan, one of poorly soluble drugs that has been broadly used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Hydroxylpropylcellulose (HPC) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) were used as hydrophilic polymer matrices and poloxamer 407 (P407) added as a polymeric surfactant. Various kinds of solid dispersions with different drug/polymer compositions were prepared and their physico-chemical properties were compared. As the polymer content increased, the drug crystallinity in the SDs significantly decreased and the dissolution properties were enhanced. The PVP based SDs were observed to have relatively reduced crystallinity and an enhanced dissolution rate than HPC-based SDs, due to better miscibility between drug and polymer matrix. For PVP based SDs, the drug crystallinity almost disappeared and the dissolution properties significantly increased by more than 3~7 times.