Solubility Enhancement of Efavirenz using β-Cyclodextrin by Solid Dispersion Technique

Efavirenz is a drug employed for managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), functioning as a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. This study strives to improve Efavirenz's water solubility by employing a solid dispersion methodology, utilizing β-cyclodextrin as the transporting agent. Various preparations of Efavirenz --solid dispersions and physical mixtures were prepared using β-cyclodextrin. The effect of type and concentrations of carriers on solubility and dissolution of Efavirenz were studied. Selected Efavirenz -Solid dispersions and physical mixtures that showed the best solubility and dissolution were exposed for further investigations such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR technique was also utilized to conduct compatibility investigations, revealing that the drug and carrier are harmonious and exhibit no mutual influence. Based on the preceding investigations, it was deduced that the batch created through the kneading approach with a drug-polymer ratio of 1:10 exhibited favorable results in in vitro dissolution assessments.