ABSTRACT:
This work was aimed to improve solubility and dissolution rate of carbamazepine (CBZ), an antiepileptic, BCS class II drug by using different solubility enhancement techniques. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) and solid dispersions of CBZ was attempted by spontaneous emulsification method and fusion method, respectively. The solubility studies of pure CBZ was performed in different oils, surfactants and co-surfactants. Very small amount of CBZ (20 mg) could be incorporated in SNEDDS, however the solid dispersion of CBZ using Soluplus® was successfully prepared with the required dose. The solid dispersion was characterized and evaluated for saturation solubility, in vitro dissolution studies, solid state characterization such as fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction studies (XRD). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the due to increased solubility and the dissolution, the bioavailability of CBZ could be improved by preparing solid dispersion.