Abstract

Naproxen (NAP) and ibuprofen (IBU) are poor water soluble anti-inflammatory drugs. A water-soluble epichlorohydrin-beta-cyclodextrin polymer (beta-CDEPI) was synthesized in a highly basic aqueous solution and at a molar ratio beta-CD/EPI of 1:12. Drug solubility and kinetic release of NAP and IBU from the inclusion complexes they form with beta-CDEPI as host was studied. Water solubility for both drugs in the presence of this polymer increased (NAP 0.28 mmol and IBU 0.40 mmol per gram of beta-CDEPI). The apparent inclusion constants for both drugs in beta-CDEPI were calculated from the solubility-phase diagrams with K-incl values of 4300 +/- 100 L.mol(-1) for NAP and 5100 +/- 300 L.mol(-1) for IBU. Kinetic release of Ibuprofen gave a pure Fick trend (t(1/2)) behavior. However, for Naproxen a zero order was obtained (t). These results indicate that the nature and bulkiness of the drugs are ruling these kinetic behaviors in the environment of a highly branched polymer.