LAUSR

Abstract Context: Lornoxicam is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It shows limited solubility in the gastric pH, delayed bioavailability and pharmacodynamic effects with aggravated gastric side effects (due to longer residence in the stomach wall). Objective: To enhance dissolution of lornoxicam in the gastric fluid and expectedly absorption and pharmacological action, with less ulcerogenic effects. Materials and methods: Formulation of immediate release (IR) lornoxicam liquitablets containing both liquid and solid release modulators (wetting agent, solubilizers and microenvironmental pH modifiers). Beside the traditional direct compression technique employed for the preparation of liquitablets a new technique, blister molding, was also used. The effect of the two different manufacturing methods on the fast release characteristics (rapid disintegration and dissolution) was studied. Stability and pharmacological activity of the optimum formula were also explored. Results: Similarity factor pointed out the superiority of molding technique in enhancing dissolution of lornoxicam owing to significant crystallinity reduction (XRD). Optimum formula showed negligible change in drug content and dissolution profiles over 12 weeks, significantly improved anti-inflammatory activity and significantly reduced gastric ulcerative effect over pure lornoxicam and commercial formula. Discussion and conclusion: Blister molded lornoxicam liquitablet of improved dissolution and pharmacological activity and less gastric erosion was successfully prepared.