Solubility of solid dispersions of pizotifen malate and povidone

We analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of solid dispersions of pizotifen malate and povidone (Kollidon 12) at different proportions; we used X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrometry, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tested the solubility of the solid dispersions in equilibrium. The results were compared with findings for physical mixtures with the same proportions. A solid dispersion with a drug proportion of 16%-17% formed a eutectic mixture. Solubility of pizotifen malate increased with the proportion of drug in the solid dispersion up to a drug:polymer ratio of 40:60. The hydrotropic effect of the polymer also favored solubility: In physical mixtures, this effect was greatest at a drug:polymer ratio of 10:90; solubility at this proportion was equal to that of the solid dispersion at the same proportion.