Co-administration of a water-soluble polymer increases the usefulness of cyclodextrins in solid oral dosage forms.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cyclodextrins (beta-CD, HP-beta-CD and (SBE)7m-beta-CD), and co-administration of a water-soluble polymer (HPMC) and cyclodextrins, on the oral bioavailability of glibenclamide in dogs.

Methods: Effects of cyclodextrins on the aqueous solubility of glibenclamide, with and without hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), were determined by a phase-solubility method. Solid inclusion complexes were prepared by freeze-drying. Glibenclamide was administered orally and intravenously to beagle dogs.

Results: Aqueous solubility of glibenclamide increased as a function of cyclodextrin concentration, showing an AL-type diagram for beta-CD and an Ap-type diagrams for both of the beta-CD derivatives studied. HPMC enhanced the solubilising effect of cyclodextrins, but did not affect the type of phase-solubility diagram. Orally administered glibenclamide and its physical mixture with HP-beta-CD showed poor absolute bioavailability, while orally administered glibenclamide/cyclodextrin-complexes significantly enhanced the absolute bioavailability of glibenclamide. Orally administered glibenclamide/beta-CD/HPMC and glibenclamide/(SBE)7m-beta-CD/HPMC complexes showed similar absolute bioavailability compared to formulations not containing HPMC, even though 80% (in the case of (SBE)7m-beta-CD) or 40% (in the case of beta-CD) less cyclodextrin was used.

Conclusions: The oral bioavailability of glibenclamide was significantly increased by cyclodextrin complexation. HPMC increased the solubilising effect of cyclodextrins and, therefore, the amount of cyclodextrin needed in the solid dosage form was significantly reduced by their co-administration. In conclusion, the pharmaceutical usefulness of cyclodextrins in oral administration may be substantially improved by co-administration of a water-soluble polymer.