Superior solubility and dissolution of zaltoprofen via pharmaceutical cocrystal

Objective: Pharmaceutical cocrystal is a promising tool to enhance solubility and dissolution of poorly soluble drugs. Zaltoprofen (ZFN) is nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug with prevalent solubility problem. The present study was undertaken to enhance the solubility and dissolution of zaltoprofen through pharmaceutical cocrystal by screening various coformers. Materials and Methods: Cocrystals of zaltoprofen were prepared in 1:1 and 1:2 ratio of drug:coformer by dry grinding method. The melting point and solubility of crystalline phase was determined. The potential cocrystals were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Corystals were subjected to dissolution rate and stability study. Results: Zaltoprofen-nicotinamide (ZFN-NIC) Cocrystals demonstrated deviation in melting point and solubility. The cocrystals were obtained in both 1:1 and 1:2 ratio with nicotinamide. The analysis of Infrared noticeably indicated the shifting of characteristic bands of zaltoprofen. Crystallinity of cocrystals was evident from the XRPD pattern and notable difference in 2θ value of intense peaks. DSC spectra of cocrystals exhibited altered endotherms analogous to melting point. Cocrystals showed faster dissolution rate and 55% increase in the extent of dissolution compared to pure drug. The cocrystals were found stable at room temperature and accelerated conditions. Conclusion: The prepared cocrystals exhibited greater solubility and dissolution as compared to pure drug and found stable at room temperature and accelerated conditions.