PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SPHERICAL AGGLOMERATES OF IBUPROFEN BY NEUTRALIZATION METHOD

Abstract

Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, exhibits poor water solubility and flow properties. Spherical agglomerates were prepared by neutralization method. Crystallization medium used for spherical agglomerates of Ibuprofen consisted of 1N sodium hydroxide; 0.07M HCl, isopropyl acetate (bridging liquid) in the ratio of 20:66.5:13.5 ml, respectively. Spherical agglomerates were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. Micromeritic and mechanical property and dissolution behavior studies were carried out. Process variables such as amount of bridging liquid, stirring time and duration of stirring were optimized. Dissolution profile of the spherical agglomerates was compared with pure sample and recrystallized sample. Spherical agglomerates exhibited decreased crystallinity and improved micromeritic properties. The dissolution of the spherical agglomerates was improved compared with pure sample.