Formulation evaluation and characterization of fast dissolving tablets of Rofecoxib

Rofecoxib, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent mainly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The major drawback of Rofecoxib is its very low water solubility, which results in poor bioavailability after oral administration. Hence, an attempt was made to formulate fast dissolving tablets of Rofecoxib. The solid dispersions of Rofecoxib were prepared with PEG-4000 and PVP K30 by solvent evaporation method. The characterization of prepared solid dispersions by FTIR, XRPD and DSC, which reveals lack of interaction with carriers and dictates amorphous state of solid dispersions. Solid dispersion of Rofecoxib with PVP K30 (1: 6) showed maximum dissolution, therefore compressed into tablets by using microcrystalline cellulose, lactose and crosspovidone. The dissolution profile of developed fast dissolving tablets containing solid dispersion of Rofecoxib (1: 6) was studied. The formulated formulations showed optimum dissolution efficiency.