Enhancement of dissolution characteristics of poorly soluble drug loratadine by solid dispersion technique using different carriers, modified locust bean gum (MLBG) and skimmed milk (SM) is being investigated in current study. Solid dispersions (SD) were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. Various mixtures (Kneading Mixture, Physical Mixture and Co-grinding Mixture) were prepared by methods reported in literature. F1- F6 batches of SD (1:2- 1:12 ratio of drug to MLBG); SM1-SM5 batches of SD (1:2-1:10 ratio of drug to Skimmed Milk) were prepared. Solubility studies indicated 1:8 ratio (F4 batch) as the best one from MLBG batches; SM3 (1:6) batch from skimmed milk batches. FTIR studies indicated no interaction of drug to polymer. DSC, X-RD and SEM studies indicated transition from crystalline to amorphous state of drug. In vitro release studies revealed maximum dissolution in F4 and SM3 (84% and 89% in 30 min respectively) as compared to 47% in case of pure drug. Optimum solid dispersion batches F4 and SM3 were further compressed into tablets. SD Batch F4 was successfully compressed into tablets but skimmed milk SD batch SM3 showed significant chipping problems. The in vitro release from tablet batch revealed comparable dissolution characteristics (with that of SD batch F4). Therefore, MLBG solid dispersion tablets can be a convenient dosage form with enhanced dissolution characteristics; Skimmed milk solid dispersion powder SM3 showed better solubility and dissolution (as compared to MLBG); can be used as such in capsule dosage form and conversion into tablet need further exploration of dosage form development process.
