A Solid Self-Emulsifying System for Dissolution Enhancement of Etoricoxib

Self-emulsifying drug delivery system offers a solution to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly aqueous soluble drugs. Etoricoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is a selective cycooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. The poor aqueous solubility of etoricoxib results variable dissolution rate, which is the major cause of poor bioavailability. In the current study, formulation of solid self-emulsifying systems for the dissolution enhancement of etoricoxib was attempted. The self-emulsifying tablet of etoricoxib containing goat fat and Tween 60 admixture was formulated by pour moulding technique using a plastic mould. The weight uniformity, drug content, liquefaction time, and in vitro dissolution in simulated gastric fluid of the formulated tablets were evaluated. There was increase in in vitro drug release with increase in Tween 60 content and decrease in goat fat content. The etoricoxib release in simulated gastric fluid followed the non-Fickian diffusion model (anomalous behaviour).