Prof. M.V.Nagabhushanam * et al.

/International Journal Of Pharmacy&Technology

ISSN: 0975-766X
Available Online through Research Article
www.ijptonline.com
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HP--CYCLODEXTRIN COMPLEXES OF
MEFENAMIC ACID TABLETS
Prof. M.V.Nagabhushanam1*, Ch.V.Prasada Rao2, Ch.Prabhakar3
1
Principal, D.C.R.M. Pharmacy College, Inkollu, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, Pin 523 167. (India)
2
Assoc.Prof., Vishwa Bharathi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Perecharla, Guntur 522 009,
3
Associate Prof., Department of Pharmaceutics, Chilukuru Balaji College of Pharmacy, Aziz Nagar,
Mainabad Road, Hyderabad 75.
Email: priya_narendra@rediffmail.com
Received on 12-04-2011 Accepted on 15-05-2011

Abstract

Hydroxy propyl--Cyclodextrin (HP--CD) inclusion complexes of mefenamic acid (MA) exhibited higher

dissolution rates and dissolution efficiency values than the corresponding un-complexed drug. The feasibility of

formulating the HP--cyclodextrin complexes of mefenamic acid (1:3) into tablet dosage forms is evaluated.

Solid inclusion complexes of mefenamic acid prepared by kneading method were formulated into tablets by wet

granulation and direct compression methods. All the tablets formulated employing HP--cyclodextrin complexes of

mefenamic acid gave rapid and higher dissolution rates when compared to that of mefenamic acid plain tablets. All

the prepared tablets fulfilled the official (I.P.) disintegration time specification of uncoated tablets. Overall, tablets

prepared by direct compression method disintegrate rapidly when compared to those prepared by wet granulation

method. Analysis of dissolution data as per zero-order and first order kinetic models indicated that the dissolution

of mefenamic acid from all the tablets followed first-order kinetics. In both direct compression and wet granulation

methods, tablets formulated employing cyclodextrin complexes (MAT2, MAT4) gave higher rates of dissolution

and dissolution efficiency values when compared to the corresponding tablets formulated with mefenamic acid as

such (MAT1, MAT3). Among all the mefenamic acid tablets formulated, formulation MAT2, which is based on

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 Prof. M.V.Nagabhushanam * et al. /International Journal Of Pharmacy&Technology
MA-HP-CD (1:3) kneaded complex, gave highest dissolution. A 11.20 fold increase in the dissolution rate of

mefenamic acid was observed with MAT2 when compared to its plain tablets (MAT1).

Key words: Mefenamic acid, Cyclodextrin Complexes, Dissolution rate, Kneading Method.

Introduction

The poor dissolution characteristics of relatively insoluble drugs have long been a problem to Pharmaceutical

Industry. A number of modern drugs are poorly soluble in water and aqueous fluids. Their absorption and

bioavailability require improvement in the dissolution rate and efficiency. Among the various methods for

improving the dissolution rate and bioavailability , cyclodextrin complexation was found to be very successful with

a number of poorly soluble drugs such as Rofecoxib1, Nimesulide2, Ciprofloxacin3, Tolbutamide4, Paracetamol5,

Diclofenac sodium6 etc. Cyclodextrins such HP- cyclodextrin7-15, -cyclodextrin16,14,17, , , hydroxyl propyl--

cyclodextrin, -cyclodextrin18,16, Triacetyl-- cyclodextrin , Methylated- cyclodextrin19, Hydroxy ethyl--

cyclodextrin20 etc., are used for preparing cyclodextrin complexes. Most of the non-steroidal anti inflammatory

drugs belong to class II category under biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) i.e., they are inherently

highly permeable through biological membranes, but exhibit low aqueous solubility. They need enhancement in

solubility and dissolution rate for improving their oral bioavailability. In the present investigation studies were

carried out on cyclodextrin complexes of mefenamic acid for enhancing the dissolution rate. Mefenamic acid, an

anthranilic acid derivative, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 21. It is used in mild to moderate

pain including headache, dental pain, postoperative and postpartum pain, dysmenorrhoea, osteoarthritis. The usual

dose by mouth is 500 mg three times daily. Mefenamic acid is absorbed from gastro intestinal tract. Peak plasma

concentration occurs at about 2 to 4 hours after ingestion. Rate of absorption and/or extent of bioavailability for

such insoluble hydrophobic drug are controlled by rate of dissolution in gastro-intestinal fluids22. Cyclodextrin

complexes of mefenamic acid were prepared employing kneading method for enhancing the dissolution rate and

bioavailability of mefenamic acid.

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Materials and Methods: Mefenamic acid was a gift sample from M/s.Sigma Laboratories, Mumbai. HP--

cyclodextrin was a gift sample from SA Pharmaceuticals. Lactose, potato starch, talc, magnesium sterate were

procured from commercial sources. All other materials used were of pharmacopoeial grade.

Preparation of Cyclodextrin Complexes

Solid inclusion complexes of mefenamic acid and HP--cyclodextrin were prepared in 1:3 ratios employing

kneading method.

Kneading Method

Mefenamic Acid and HP--cyclodextrin were triturated in a mortar with a small volume of a solvent blend of

water-methanol (3:2). The thick slurry was kneaded for 45 min and then dried at 55 o C until dry. The dried mass

was pulverized and sieved through mesh No.120.

Estimation of mefenamic acid in cyclodextrin complexes

A spectrophotometric method based on the measurement of absorbance at 279 nm in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 was

used in the present study for the estimation of mefenamic acid23. The method was validated for reproducibility,

accuracy, precision and linearity by analyzing six individually weighed samples of mefenamic acid. The stock

solution of mefenamic acid was subsequently diluted to a series of dilution containing 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/ml of

solution, using phosphate buffer of pH 7.4. The absorbance of these solutions was measured in UV-VIS

spectrophotometer (ELICO SL-159). The method obeyed Beers law in the concentration range of 0-20 g/ml. 100

mg of inclusion complex was taken in a 50 ml volumetric flask. Methanol about 40 ml was added and mixed

thoroughly. The contents were repeatedly warmed in a hot bath while mixing to dissolve the drug in the solvent.

The solution was made up to volume with methanol. The solution was then suitably diluted with phosphate buffer

of pH 7.4 and assayed at 279 nm for mefenamic acid by the spectrophotometric method. The results are given in

Table 1.

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Preparation of Tablets

Solid inclusion complexes prepared by kneading method were formulated into tablets. Both direct compression and

wet granulation methods were tried for the preparation of tablets. In the case of direct compression, microcrystalline cellulose

(PH 200), a directly compressible vehicle was added to improve the flow character of the CD complexes. Croscarmellose

sodium (4%) was used as the disintegrant. In the case of wet granulation method, gelatinized starch was used as binding

agent. Tablets each containing 100 mg of mefenamic acid were prepared as per the formulae given in Table 2.

Direct Compression Method

All ingredients were blended thoroughly in a closed dry plastic container. The blend of powders was compressed

into tablets to a hardness of 6-8 kg/sq.cm on a Cadmach single punch tablet machine. In each case 50 tablets were

prepared.

Wet Granulation Method

Mefenamic acid or its HP--CD complex and half the amount of disintegrant were mixed thoroughly in a mortar to

obtain a uniform blend. Starch paste was then added in small amounts while mixing the powder blend thoroughly.

Sufficient binding agent was added (to get 3% starch concentration in the formulae) and mixed to obtain a dough

mass. The mass was then passed through sieve No.12 to obtain wet granules. The granules were dried at 600 C for

about 4 hours. The dried granules were again passed through sieve No.16. Talc, magnesium stearate and the

remaining amount of disintegrant were then added to dry granules and blended thoroughly. The granules were

compressed into tablets on a Cadmach single punch tablet machine to a hardness of 6-8 kg/sq.cm.

Evaluation of mefenamic acid tablets

The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration, content of active ingredient and dissolution rate.

Disintegration times were determined in Thermonic tablet disintegration test machine (USP) using distilled water

as the fluid. Hardness of the tablets was tested using a Monsanto hardness tester. Friability of the tablets was

determined in a Roche friabilator. The results are given in Table 3.

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Content of Active Ingredient

From each batch ten tablets were weighed, powdered and mixed thoroughly. Four samples of tablet powder, each

equivalent to 20 mg drug were weighed accurately and taken in a boiling test tube. In each case, mefenamic acid

present in the tablet powder was extracted with 4 x 10 ml quantities of methanol and extracts were collected into

100 ml volumetric flask. The volume was made up to the mark with methanol. The solution was subsequently

diluted and assayed for mefenamic acid at 279 nm by the UV spectrophotometric method. The results are given in

Table 3.

Dissolution Rate Study

Dissolution rate of mefenamic acid-HP--CD tablets was studied using an USP XXIII 6 station dissolution rate test

apparatus (Electro Lab) with a paddle stirrer. The dissolution rate was studied in 900 ml of phosphate buffer pH 7.4

at a speed of 50 rpm and a temperature of 37 0C 10 C. Samples of dissolution medium (5ml) were withdrawn

through a filter (0.45) at different time intervals, suitably diluted, and assayed for mefenamic acid at 279 nm. The

dissolution medium withdrawn at each sampling time is replaced with fresh drug-free dissolution fluid. The

dissolution experiments were conducted in triplicate. The dissolution profiles of various tablets are shown in Table

4 and dissolution plots are shown in Fig 1. First order dissolution plots of the tablets are shown in Fig 2.

Results and Discussion

The dissolution rate and dissolution efficiency of mefenamic acid could be enhanced several times by the

cyclodextrin complexation using kneading method. The inclusion complexes formed are quite stable. A marked

increase in the aqueous solubility of mefenamic acid was obtained by HP--CD complexation. HP--CD complexes

prepared by kneading method gave higher enhancement in the dissolution rate of the mefenamic acid. Tablets

prepared by direct compression method disintegrate rapidly when compared to those prepared by wet granulation

method. Tablet formulations developed in the present study are quite stable with regard to various physical

characters such as hardness, friability, disintegration and dissolution rate. Analysis of dissolution data as per zero-

order and first-order kinetic models indicated that the dissolution of mefenamic acid from all the tablets followed

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first order kinetics. Co-relation coefficient values (r) are shown in Table 5. In both direct compression and wet

granulation methods, tablets formulated employing cyclodextrin complexes (MAT2, MAT4) gave higher rates of

dissolution and dissolution efficiency values when compared to the tablets formulated with mefenamic acid as such

(MAT1, MAT3). Thus, cyclodextrin complexation employing kneading method is recommended as an effective

and efficient technique for enhancing the dissolution rate, dissolution efficiency of mefenamic acid. All dissolution

parameters (K1, DE30, T50, T90 ) indicated rapid and higher dissolution rates of mefenamic acid from tablets

formulated employing its cyclodextrin complexes when compared to plain tablets, MAT1, MAT3 and the values

are shown in Table 6.

Table-1: Mefenamic Acid Content of various Solid Inclusion Complexes of Mefenamic acid -HP--CD
Prepared by Kneading Method.

Percent Mefenamic Acid Content (x s.d., n =3)

CD Complex
Kneading Method

MA-HP- CD (1:3) 24.9 0.05 (0.20)

Figures in parentheses are coefficient of variation (C.V.) values.

Table-2: Formulae of Mefenamic acid Tablets Prepared employing its Cyclodextrin Complexes.

Formulation
Sl. Ingredient
Direct Compression Wet Granulation
No. (mg/tablet)
MAT1 MAT2 MAT3 MAT4

1. Mefenamic Acid 100 - 100 -

2. MA-HP--CD(1:3) - 400 - 400

3. MCC PH 200 400 100 - -

4. Lactose - - 300 -

5. Starch (as Mucilage) - - 12 12

6. Ac-Di-Sol 15 15 16 16

7. Talc 10 10 8 8

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8. Magnesium Stearate 10 10 8 8

9. Total Weight (mg) 535 535 444 444

Table-3: Drug Content, Hardness, Friability and Disintegration Times of Tablets prepared Employing
Mefenamic acid and its cyclodextrin Complexes.

Tablet Drug Content Hardness Friability Disintegration

Formulation (mg/tablet) (kg/sq.cm) (%) Time (min)

MAT1 98.9 7.5 0.56 2.5

MAT2 99.8 8.6 0.20 4.0

MAT3 99.1 8.1 0.35 3.5

MAT4 98.4 7.5 0.20 12.0

Table 4: Dissolution Profiles of Mefenamic acid Tablets Formulated Employing Mefenamic acid and its
Cyclodextrin complexes Prepared by Direct Compression Method (MAT1, MAT2) and Wet Granulation
Method (MAT3, MAT4)

Time x s.d., n=3)

Percent Mefenamic Acid Dissolved (
(min) MAT1 MAT2 MAT3 MAT4

5 11.87 0.55 30.04 0.38 10.62 0.54 8.65 0.72

10 28.30 0.74 57.28 0.34 25.70 0.38 17.2 0.84

20 34.40 0.17 62.10 0.87 35.30 0.75 24.40 0.98

30 39.60 0.29 69.20 0.28 42.85 0.80 36.50 0.45

45 45.80 0.74 74.60 0.67 49.56 0.21 48.85 0.94

60 51.60 0.84 79.45 0.84 56.85 0.84 59.20 0.82

90 58.70 0.57 86.40 0.59 62.65 0.76 65.40 0.53

120 62.55 0.86 89.56 0.24 69.50 0.57 72.60 0.69

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Table 5: Correlation Coefficient (r) values in the analysis of Dissolution data of MA-CD Tablets as per Zero-
order and First-order Kinetics
Correlation Coefficient (r)
Formulation
Zero-order First order
MAT1 0.8885 0.9454
MAT2 0.9846 0.9998
MAT3 0.9800 0.9958
MAT4 0.9776 0.9997

Table 6: Dissolution Parameters of Tablets Formulated Employing Mefenamic Acid and its Cyclodextrin
Complexes.
Dissolution Parameter
Formulation
T50 (min) T90 (min) DE30 (%) K1 (min-1)
MAT1 55.86 >120 27.12 0.0076
MAT2 8.66 >120 51.56 0.0851
MAT3 45.91 >120 27.10 0.0297
MAT4 46.67 >120 19.96 0.0189

Fig.1: Dissolution profiles of Mefenamic Acid Tablets prepared by Direct Compression and Wet
Granulation Methods.

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Fig.2: First order dissolution plots of Mefenamic Acid Tablets prepared by Direct Compression and Wet
Granulation Methods
Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express sincere thanks to the management of DCRM Pharmacy College, Inkollu,

Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh for their cooperation and encouragement in carrying out the research work. The

author also expresses sincere thanks to M/s. Sigma Laboratories, M/s.S.A. Pharmaceuticals, Mumbai for their

generous gift samples of mefenamic acid and HP-beta cyclodextrins.

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Corresponding Author:

Dr.M.V.Nagabhushanam M.Pharm., Ph.D., MBA.,

Professor & Principal,
D.C.R.M.Pharmacy College,
Inkollu 523 167. Prakasam District, A.P.

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