This book shows methods for controlling the solubility or dissolution rate of drugs and other biologically active solutes in aqueous media. It begins by describing the factors that govern solubility in general and aqueous solubility in particular. Then the book outlines the various available techniques for altering solubility and dissolution rates of organic compounds. Using a number of real drugs as examples, the book covers the most commonly used solubility enhancers, including buffers, cosolvents, surfactants, and complexants. Each chapter is self-contained, and emphasizes the details involved in applying the techniques.

From the Preface: “...Although solubility and solubilization were approached from both a conceptual and a practical point of view, emphasis is placed on the latter. Whenever possible, literature citations are used to illustrate the applicability of the various types of solubility enhancers...The bulk of the book is devoted to the various techniques available for altering the solubility and dissolution rate of organic compounds in aqueous media...Although the discussions are applicable to solubilizing all organic compounds in all aqueous media, emphasis is placed on solubilizing drugs for parenteral use...”

Target Audience: Scientists, technologists, and upper-level students concerned with aqueous solubility, drug delivery, pharmaceutical applications, and related fields.

Table of Contents:

Mixing and Properties of Mixtures

Characterization of Solutions

Solubility and Partial Miscibility

Physical Modification of the Solute

Solubilization by pH Control

Solubilization by Cosolvents

Solubilization by Surfactants

Solubilization by Complexation

Effect of Cosolutes on Solubility

Overview and Strategy for Solubilization

Index