Comparative pH-Gradient Dissolution of Several Oral Dosage Forms of Iron

Abstract

A comparative pH - gradient dissolution study was conducted for several brands of oral iron dosage forms on the Canadian market. The commercially available dissolution apparatus employed in the study met the requirements of the variety of pH media conditions necessary for conducting dissolution of conventional, enteric coated and slow release iron preparations. The reproducibility of the dissolution system was evaluated using the USP's non-disintegrating salicylic acid tablets. Dissolution results are discussed in reference to a recent bioavailability report concerning oral iron preparations. The applicability of the procedure in studying the dissolution of solid dosage forms of iron is discussed.