Solubilizing Systems for Parenteral Formulation Development—Small Molecules

Abstract

This chapter focuses on solubilizing excipients in oral formulations with selected examples of commercially available over-the-counter and prescription human pharmaceutical products. The intent is to educate the reader on the need for and the chemical contents of solubilized oral formulations, and to act as a practical guide in assisting the development scientist in choosing a solubilizing vehicle for oral administration. The formulation philosophy is to minimize the excipients and the suggested development approach is from “simple to complex” (i.e., keep the formulation as simple as possible). This chapter is organized in four sections. The first section is an introduction with basic concepts. The second section addresses solubilizing excipients and mixtures of excipients. The third section deals with liquid-filled capsules. The fourth section focuses on oral solutions. The last three sections are further divided into water-soluble vehicles and lipidcontaining vehicles.