Sustained-Released Formulation of Nifedipine Solid Dispersion with Various Polymers

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker widely used for the treatment of blood pressure related diseases such as angina, hypertension and Raynaud. However, since the drug after the administration reaches the highest blood concentration between 30 min and 2 h, its insolubility may expose the patient to various side effects. In this study, nifedipine was prepared as a solid dispersion using a water-soluble polymer (PVP-K30) in order to increase the releasing time and postpone the time at which the drug reaches its highest concentration, thereby increasing its bioavailability. SEM, XRD, DSC, and FT-IR were used for characterization of the solid dispersion. In order to test the release of the drug, a dissolution test was performed with a serous fluid for 12 h. In this work a drug formulation capable of sustained release of nifedipine using a water-soluble polymer was developed. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].