Physicochemical characterization and dissolution studies of acyclovir solid dispersions with Pluronic F127 prepared by the kneading method

The dissolution rate of anhydrous acyclovir was improved by the preparation of physical mixtures and solid dispersions with the non-ionic polymer Pluronic F127 using the kneading method at different drug-to-polymer ratios. The obtained physical mixtures and solid dispersions were examined in terms of drug content and possible physical and chemical interactions between the drug and polymer using FTIR spectral studies, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The dissolution rate of acyclovir was determined using the rotating disk method. It was found that the minimal content of the polymer within the mixtures needed to increase the dissolution rate of the drug was 50 %.