Evaluating the discriminatory power of a dissolution assay for rosuvastatin calcium capsules: Solid-state properties and dissolution media

We propose to evaluate the dissolution properties of rosuvastatin calcium (ROSC) capsules in different media to characterize the discriminatory power of the assay method. Dissolution assays were performed in media with different pH, and including the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Several immediate-release formulations were manufactured using the commercial raw material characterized as amorphous solid. The hydrophobic adjutant magnesium stearate was employed in some formulations due to its negative effect in the wettability and dissolution efficacy of solid dosages. These formulations showed the lower dissolution efficacy values in media without surfactant; however, when SDS was added to the medium, the dissolution efficacy increased, and the discriminatory power was lost. In spite of micellar solubilization does not increase the ROSC solubility, it modifies the discriminatory power of the assay method, increasing the wettability of the powder mixtures. The crystalline form M of ROSC was recrystallized in our laboratory, and it showed lower solubility in water than amorphous solid. However, its dissolution properties were not influenced by SDS. These results are important to develop dissolution assays for other hydrophilic drugs with increased water solubility, once that dissolution media with surfactants increase the wettability of the formulations, leading to an overrated dissolution rate.

Quality evaluation of the Finasteride polymorphic forms I and II in capsules.

Finasteride (FNS) is a specific competitive inhibitor of steroid type-II 5α-reductase and is widely used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and androgenetic alopecia. FNS has two polymorphic forms identified as Form I and Form II. It is known that polymorphism can cause significant differences in the physicochemical properties of a compound such as melting point, density, morphology, solubility, and color. Thus, proper qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the solid-state forms is crucial to ensure high-quality products. There are no published papers studying the influence of the FNS polymorphs on the physicochemical quality of capsules. Furthermore, the available analytical methods are time-consuming, expensive, use buffer or do not demonstrate stability-indicating capacity. The aim of this work was to validate a rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to evaluate FNS in capsules and to study the physicochemical properties of polymorphic forms, evaluating their possible influence in the dissolution profile and stability of FNS in capsules. Capsules containing Forms I and II of FNS were prepared and subjected to quality control studies, dissolution profiles and a stability study at 50°C. A significant effect of polymorphism on the FNS solubility and dissolution properties was observed. These results suggest that changes in the effects of FNS can occur if a suitable control study is not performed on the raw material used to produce the capsules.