Formulation of poorly water-soluble Gemfibrozil applying power ultrasound

The dissolution properties of a drug and its release from the dosage form have a basic impact on its bioavailability. Solubility problems are a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry as concerns the development of new pharmaceutical products. Formulation problems may possibly be overcome by modification of particle size and morphology. The application of power ultrasound is a novel possibility in drug formulation. This article reports on solvent diffusion and melt emulsification, as new methods supplemented with drying in the field of sonocrystallization of poorly water-soluble Gemfibrozil. During thermoanalytical characterization, a modified structure was detected. The specific surface area of the drug was increased following particle size reduction and the poor wettability properties could also be improved. The dissolution rate was therefore significantly increased.

► This work introduced the role of power ultrasound in drug formulation.
► Solvent diffusion and melt emulsification with drying were applied.
► The particle size reduction and change in crystal habit by ultrasound could be reached.
► The physico-chemical properties of our model drug, Gemfibrozil were therefore modified.
► Its wettability and dissolution rate was therefore significantly increased.