Skip to content
2000
image of Minoxidil Solid Dispersion Tablets: A Strategy for Accelerated Onset and Improved Drug Delivery

Abstract

Introduction

Minoxidil is a hydrophobic drug with a short half-life (2–8 hours) and poor oral bioavailability due to low solubility. The present study aimed to enhance its solubility, dissolution rate, and onset of action by developing solid dispersion (SD)-based orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for improved administration in patients with swallowing difficulties.

Methods

Minoxidil SDs were prepared by solvent evaporation using polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in different ratios. Preformulation studies, including solubility testing, UV spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were conducted to evaluate compatibility and physicochemical properties. Drug content, saturation solubility, and release were analyzed. The optimized SDs were compressed into ODTs using disintegrants (sodium alginate, sodium starch glycolate, and crospovidone). Physical parameters and dissolution performance were assessed.

Results

SDs significantly improved the solubility and dissolution profile of minoxidil compared to the pure drug. Among polymers, PVP-based SDs demonstrated the highest drug release. The ODTs exhibited suitable hardness, friability, rapid disintegration, and faster drug release, ensuring desirable performance.

Discussion

The findings confirm that solid dispersion technology effectively overcomes the solubility limitation of minoxidil. PVP emerged as the most effective carrier for drug release enhancement. While the outcomes are promising, further pharmacokinetic and studies are warranted to confirm bioavailability improvements and clinical efficacy.

Conclusion

Solid dispersion-based ODTs significantly enhanced the solubility and dissolution of minoxidil, providing a rapid onset of action and improved patient compliance, especially in pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic populations.

© 2025 Bentham Science Publishers
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/ddl/10.2174/0122103031399559251031085638
2025-12-30
2026-02-28

  • From This Site

    /content/journals/ddl/10.2174/0122103031399559251031085638
    dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword
    -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution
    10
    5
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Iqbal Y. Ahmed I. Irfan M.F. Chatha S.A.S. Zubair M. Ullah A. Recent advances in chitosan-based materials; The synthesis, modifications and biomedical applications. Carbohydr. Polym. 2023 321 121318 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121318 37739510
    [Google Scholar]
  2. Desai N. Katare P. Makwana V. Salave S. Vora L.K. Giri J. Tumor-derived systems as novel biomedical tools—turning the enemy into an ally. Biomater. Res. 2023 27 1 113 10.1186/s40824‑023‑00445‑z 37946275
    [Google Scholar]
  3. Khan K.U. Minhas M.U. Badshah S.F. Suhail M. Ahmad A. Ijaz S. Overview of nanoparticulate strategies for solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drugs. Life Sci. 2022 291 120301 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120301 34999114
    [Google Scholar]
  4. Da Silva F.L.O. Marques M.B.D.F. Kato K.C. Carneiro G. Nanonization techniques to overcome poor water-solubility with drugs. Expert Opin. Drug Discov. 2020 15 7 853 864 10.1080/17460441.2020.1750591 32290727
    [Google Scholar]
  5. Chen H. Khemtong C. Yang X. Chang X. Gao J. Nanonization strategies for poorly water-soluble drugs. Drug Discov. Today 2011 16 7-8 354 360 10.1016/j.drudis.2010.02.009 20206289
    [Google Scholar]
  6. Modi A. Tayade P. Enhancement of dissolution profile by solid dispersion (kneading) technique. AAPS PharmSciTech 2006 7 3 E87 E92 10.1208/pt070368 17025249
    [Google Scholar]
  7. Sinha S. Baboota S. Ali M. Kumar A. Ali J. Solid dispersion: An alternative technique for bioavailability enhancement of poorly soluble drugs. J. Dispers. Sci. Technol. 2009 30 10 1458 1473 10.1080/01932690903120136
    [Google Scholar]
  8. Dewi R.T. Shiddiqi M.F.A. Hapsari V. Naulidia R.A. Yuliani T. Angelina M. Okselni T. Septama A.W. Enhancement of dissolution rate of piperine using solid dispersion approach and evaluation of its antioxidant activity. Trends Sci. 2024 22 1 8757 10.48048/tis.2024.8757
    [Google Scholar]
  9. Sharapova A. Ol’khovich M. Blokhina S. Complexation of telmisartan with cyclodextrins as a tool of solubility enhancement: A comparative analysis of influence of the cyclodextrin type and method of solid dispersion preparation. Colloids Surf. A Physicochem. Eng. Asp. 2025 705 135662 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.135662
    [Google Scholar]
  10. Gupta A.K. Talukder M. Venkataraman M. Bamimore M.A. Minoxidil: A comprehensive review. J. Dermatolog. Treat. 2022 33 4 1896 1906 10.1080/09546634.2021.1945527 34159872
    [Google Scholar]
  11. Saffoon N. Uddin R. Huda N.H. Sutradhar K.B. Enhancement of oral bioavailability and solid dispersion: A review. J. Appl. Pharm. Sci. 2011 1 7 13 20
    [Google Scholar]
  12. Tambe S. Jain D. Meruva S.K. Rongala G. Juluri A. Nihalani G. Mamidi H.K. Nukala P.K. Bolla P.K. Recent advances in amorphous solid dispersions: Preformulation, formulation strategies, technological advancements and characterization. Pharmaceutics 2022 14 10 2203 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102203 36297638
    [Google Scholar]
  13. Sammour O.A. Hammad M.A. Megrab N.A. Zidan A.S. Formulation and optimization of mouth dissolve tablets containing rofecoxib solid dispersion. AAPS PharmSciTech 2006 7 2 E167 E175 10.1208/pt070255 16796372
    [Google Scholar]
  14. Yamashita K. Nakate T. Okimoto K. Ohike A. Tokunaga Y. Ibuki R. Higaki K. Kimura T. Establishment of new preparation method for solid dispersion formulation of tacrolimus. Int. J. Pharm. 2003 267 1-2 79 91 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2003.07.010 14602386
    [Google Scholar]
  15. Serajuddin A.T.M. Solid dispersion of poorly water‐soluble drugs: Early promises, subsequent problems, and recent breakthroughs. J. Pharm. Sci. 1999 88 10 1058 1066 10.1021/js980403l 10514356
    [Google Scholar]
  16. Singh A. Van den Mooter G. Spray drying formulation of amorphous solid dispersions. Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 2016 100 27 50 10.1016/j.addr.2015.12.010 26705850
    [Google Scholar]
  17. Bhujbal S.V. Mitra B. Jain U. Gong Y. Agrawal A. Karki S. Taylor L.S. Kumar S. Tony Zhou Q. Pharmaceutical amorphous solid dispersion: A review of manufacturing strategies. Acta Pharm. Sin. B 2021 11 8 2505 2536 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.05.014 34522596
    [Google Scholar]
  18. Wu J.X. Yang M. Berg F. Pajander J. Rades T. Rantanen J. Influence of solvent evaporation rate and formulation factors on solid dispersion physical stability. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 2011 44 5 610 620 10.1016/j.ejps.2011.10.008 22024381
    [Google Scholar]
  19. Moes J.J. Koolen S.L.W. Huitema A.D.R. Schellens J.H.M. Beijnen J.H. Nuijen B. Pharmaceutical development and preliminary clinical testing of an oral solid dispersion formulation of docetaxel (ModraDoc001). Int. J. Pharm. 2011 420 2 244 250 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.08.041 21907780
    [Google Scholar]
  20. Tung N.T. Park C.W. Oh T. Kim J.Y. Ha J.M. Rhee Y.S. Park E.S. Formulation of solid dispersion of rebamipide evaluated in a rat model for improved bioavailability and efficacy. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 2011 63 12 1539 1547 10.1111/j.2042‑7158.2011.01360.x 22060284
    [Google Scholar]
  21. Choudhary A. Rana A.C. Aggarwal G. Kumar V. Zakir F. Development and characterization of an atorvastatin solid dispersion formulation using skimmed milk for improved oral bioavailability. Acta Pharm. Sin. B 2012 2 4 421 428 10.1016/j.apsb.2012.05.002
    [Google Scholar]
  22. Onoue S. Takahashi H. Kawabata Y. Seto Y. Hatanaka J. Timmermann B. Yamada S. Formulation design and photochemical studies on nanocrystal solid dispersion of curcumin with improved oral bioavailability. J. Pharm. Sci. 2010 99 4 1871 1881 10.1002/jps.21964 19827133
    [Google Scholar]
  23. Moes J. Koolen S. Huitema A. Schellens J. Beijnen J. Nuijen B. Development of an oral solid dispersion formulation for use in low-dose metronomic chemotherapy of paclitaxel. Eur. J. Pharm. Biopharm. 2013 83 1 87 94 10.1016/j.ejpb.2012.09.016 23085332
    [Google Scholar]
  24. Sawicki E. Schellens J.H.M. Beijnen J.H. Nuijen B. Inventory of oral anticancer agents: Pharmaceutical formulation aspects with focus on the solid dispersion technique. Cancer Treat. Rev. 2016 50 247 263 10.1016/j.ctrv.2016.09.012 27776286
    [Google Scholar]
  25. Sotthivirat S. McKelvey C. Moser J. Rege B. Xu W. Zhang D. Development of amorphous solid dispersion formulations of a poorly water-soluble drug, MK-0364. Int. J. Pharm. 2013 452 1-2 73 81 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.04.037 23651642
    [Google Scholar]
  26. Ghareeb M.M. Abdulrasool A.A. Hussein A.A. Noordin M.I. Kneading technique for preparation of binary solid dispersion of meloxicam with poloxamer 188. AAPS PharmSciTech 2009 10 4 1206 1215 10.1208/s12249‑009‑9316‑0 19862626
    [Google Scholar]
  27. Gorajana A. Garg S. Koh P.T. Chuah J.N. Talekar M. Formulation development and dissolution rate enhancement of efavirenz by solid dispersion systems. Indian J. Pharm. Sci. 2013 75 3 291 301 10.4103/0250‑474X.117434 24082345
    [Google Scholar]
  28. Gill B. Kaur T. Kumar S. Gupta G.D. Formulation and evaluation of glimepiride solid dispersion tablets. Asian J. Pharm. 2010 4 3 212 10.4103/0973‑8398.72121
    [Google Scholar]
  29. Akiladevi D. Shanmugapandiyan P. Jebasingh D. Basak S. Preparation and evaluation of paracetamol by solid dispersion technique. Int. J. Pharm. Pharm. Sci. 2011 3 1 188 191
    [Google Scholar]
  30. Wagner-Hattler L. Kiene K. Bielicki J. Pfister M. Puchkov M. Huwyler J. High acceptability of an orally dispersible tablet formulation by children. Children 2021 8 3 194 10.3390/children8030194 33807822
    [Google Scholar]
  31. Paul Y. Tyagi S. Singh B. Formulation and evaluation oral dispersible tablets of zidovudine with different superdisintegrants. Int. J. Curr. Pharm. Rev. Res. 2011 2 2 81 91
    [Google Scholar]
  32. Ramu S. Kumar Y.A. Rao D.S. Ramakrishna G. Formulation and evaluation of Valsartan oral dispersible tablets by direct compression method. Am. J. Adv. Drug Deliv. 2014 2 6 719 733
    [Google Scholar]
  33. Lakshmi P.K. Reddy S. Kishore C. Reddy S. Formulation and evaluation of oral disintegrating tablets of lamotrigine solid dispersions: Oral dispersible tablets. Indian J. Pharm. Sci. 2013 9 1 1 2
    [Google Scholar]
  34. Nikam V.K. Shete S.K. Khapare J.P. Most promising solid dispersion technique of oral dispersible tablet. Beni. Suef Univ. J. Basic Appl. Sci. 2020 9 1 1 6 10.1186/s43088‑020‑00086‑4
    [Google Scholar]
  35. Vora H. Modi D. Pandya V. Bharadia P. Patel M. Oral dispersible tablet: A popular growing technology. Asian J. Pharm. Res. Dev. 2013 1 6 138 155
    [Google Scholar]
  36. Paul Y. Tyagi S. Singh B. Formulation and evaluation of taste masked dispersible tablets of zidovudine. Int. J. Pharma Bio Sci. 2011 2 2 20 30
    [Google Scholar]
  37. Satpute Vivek M. Shirsat K. Wani R.M. Dhobale A.V. Kharde S.N. Formulation and evaluation of rosuvastatin oral dispersible tablet. Int. J. Adv. Pharm. Sci. 2018 1 8 105 121
    [Google Scholar]
  38. Sutradhar K.B. Akhter D.T. Uddin R. Formulation and evaluation of taste masked oral dispersible tablets of domperidone using sublimation method. Int. J. Pharm. Pharm. Sci. 2012 4 2 727 732
    [Google Scholar]
  39. Somasundaram J. Mekonnen T. Formulation and evaluation of Diltiazem HCl oral dispersible tablets. Int. J. Pharm. Health. Care Res. 2013 1 04 184 190
    [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/ddl/10.2174/0122103031399559251031085638
Loading
Minoxidil Solid Dispersion Tablets: A Strategy for Accelerated Onset and Improved Drug Delivery
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0122103031399559251031085638
/content/journals/ddl/10.2174/0122103031399559251031085638
/content/journals/ddl/10.2174/0122103031399559251031085638
Loading

Data & Media loading...


  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: minoxidil ; solubility ; Oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) ; solvent evaporation method ; solid dispersion (SD)

Most Cited Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error
Please enter a valid_number test