Solid Dispersion – Based Drug Delivery Systems: For Enhanced Solubility and Bioavailability

Solid dispersion is an effective formulation technique to enhance the solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. It included the dispersion of a suitable carriers that are either mostly hydrophilic or mostly hydrophobic containing this active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). These common carriers are polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Soluplus, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and ethyl cellulose. The preparation of these techniques is widely available: fusion technique, solvent evaporation, hot-melt process and spray drying. Besides solubility enhancement, the proper selection of the polymers may also enable of controlled and/or sustained drug release in solid dispersions. Recrystallization, moisture sensitivity and physical instability are challenges that must be taken into account, however. The present review highlights the various types of solid dispersion systems including the methods of preparation, characterization and application in augmenting drug bioavailability and formulation of controlled release dosage forms.