Membrane penetration enhancement of ibuprofen using supersaturation

Permeation enhancement of ibuprofen from supersaturated solutions formed us ing the cosolvent technique was investigated using silicone as a model memb rane, Hydroxpropyl methyl cellulose and hydroxpropyl-beta-cyclodextrin were used to stabilise the supersaturated states. Physical stability studies sh owed best results For low drug concentrations in a 40:60 propylene glycol/w ater cosolvent system. Variations in flux across model silicone membranes f i om saturated solutions were observed as the PG content was increased. The Aux of IBU increased with the degree of saturation for solutions prepared in a 40:60 PG/water cosolvent mixture. HPMC and CD were found to be effecti ve in enhancing the stability of supersaturated solutions of IBU. The mecha nisms of action are different for the two additives and are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.