1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on the inclusion complex of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) with alpha-cyclodextrin.

Prostaglandin E1 is currently marketed as a freeze-dried injectable inclusion complex with alpha-cyclodextrin for the treatment of peripheral arterial diseases. alpha-Cyclodextrin is used as a stabilizing agent and to improve the dissolution characteristics of prostaglandin E1. Upon dilution with the infusion medium, the inclusion complex dissociates almost completely as shown by NMR chemical shift measurements of the complexed and uncomplexed prostaglandin E1.

Simulation of pharmacokinetic behaviour of drug-cyclodextrin complexes.

Complexation with cyclodextrin decreases the hydrophobicity of poorly soluble drugs and results in enhanced dissolution rates and higher solubility. In vivo experiments showed that this "molecular encapsulation" of drugs leads to enhanced bioavailability, which is controlled by the solubilities, stability constants of the complexes, the molar ratio of drug: cyclodextrin, etc. This modification of the pharmacokinetic processes has been simulated by computing the theoretical blood level curves.