Self-dispersible eutectic mixtures with fenofibrate and ibuprofen: Processability and API particle size

In order to increase the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs, the preparation of eutectics is a practical way to minimize the drug particle size without the need of grinding and handling of poorly flowing powders. The use of solid self-dispersible excipients as a component of the eutectic may further enhance the drug dissolution rate. In the current study, phase diagrams of eutectic mixtures of polyethylene glycol stearates and polyethylene glycol stearyl ethers differing in their polyethylene glycol chain lengths and two model drugs were established. Their processability and disintegration properties were investigated. Moreover, the resulting drug particle sizes in the eutectics were determined. The eutectic concentration and temperature of fusion of the eutectics increased with the melting temperature of the respective excipient. The eutectics with the self-dispersing excipients disintegrated faster than more conventional eutectics containing polyethylene glycols that were prepared for comparison. The drug particle sizes were smaller for mixtures with higher recrystallization tendency and with drug concentrations close to the eutectic concentration.