Palatable reconstitutable dry suspension of artemether for flexible pediatric dosing using cyclodextrin inclusion complexation

The present research was conducted to investigate the inclusion complexation of artemether (ARM) with beta-cyclodextrin (CD) with the aim of masking the bitterness along with improving the drug release and preparing a stable palatable formulation of ARM especially for pediatrics. A physical mixture and kneaded system were prepared to study the inclusion complexation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to identify the physicochemical interaction between drug and carrier, hence its effect on drug release. Reconstitutable dry suspension was evaluated for angle of repose, sedimentation characterization and pH. In vitro drug release studies for physical mixture and kneaded system were performed at pH, 1.2 and 6.8. Bitterness score was evaluated using gustatory sensation test. The FTIR, DSC and XRPD studies indicated inclusion complexation in physical mixture and kneaded system. In addition, physical mixture and kneaded system exhibited improved drug release at pH, 1.2 and 6.8. To formulate palatable reconstitutable dry suspension of ARM, the 1:20M physical mixture was selected based on bitterness score. Reconstitutable dry suspension prepared using physical mixture (DS4), showed complete bitter taste masking, good flowability and ease of redispersibility. Taste evaluation of reconstitutable dry suspension in human volunteers rated tasteless with a score of 0 to DS4 and 3 to DS5 (reconstitutable dry suspension prepared using pure ARM). This conclusively demonstrated a stable and palatable reconstitutable dry suspension of ARM using CD inclusion complexation for flexible pediatric dosing.