Development and Characterization of Fast-Dissolving Tablets to Enhance Bioavailability of BCS Class II Drugs by Solid Dispersion Method

Background Rapid tablet or capsule dissolution requires the tablet to disintegrate and dissolve at a higher rate, enhancing drug dissolution and bioavailability. Suitable disintegrants have shown an appreciable rate of disintegration or dissolution. Using factorial design for formulation to improve bioavailability is a key focus in pharmaceutical research to enhance dissolution.Methods Azelnidipine (Azp) tablets were formulated with Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (H beta CD), beta-cyclodextrin (beta CD), and Kolliphor HS15 (HS15) to enhance solubility. A 23 factorial design optimized the formulation, focusing on disintegration time (DT) and time for 90% dissolution (T90). Eight formulations (F1-F8) were prepared using the kneading method. Tablets were evaluated for physical properties, drug content, friability, dissolution, and drug-excipient interactions (FTIR and DSC). The optimal formulation (F9) was determined via desirability analysis.Results Tablets showed acceptable Carr's index (CI), Hausner ratio (HR), and Angle of Repose (AR). Increasing beta CD concentration decreased DT, enhancing water absorption and faster dissolution. beta CD tablets had the lowest DT among the formulations, with F4 showing the best disintegration. Higher HS15 concentration also reduced DT, with F8 achieving the highest drug release (T90%) within 60 minutes. R2 values ranged from 0.922 to 0.994, indicating high predictability. The optimal formulation had a desirability of 1.0, consisting of 3.523 mg HS15, 28.4 mg beta CD, and 1.49 mg beta CD, with a DT of 102 +/- 1.13 seconds and 98% dissolution. FTIR and DSC confirmed no drug-excipient interactions.Conclusion Optimized super disintegrant concentrations and wet granulation techniques resulted in tablets with strong mechanical properties, rapid disintegration, and consistent drug content. Future research and in vivo studies should explore additional excipient combinations.