Formulation And Evaluation Of Soft Gelatin Capsule Of Nifedipine: An Approach For The Solubility Enhancement Of Nifedipine

Capsule dosage form is most convenient and relevant dosage form. Soft gels are becoming a popular dosage form for the administration of liquids, suspensions, pastes and dry powders. Soft gels are easy to swallow and have the ability to mask odors and unpleasant taste. They have an elegant appearance, readily dissolve in the gastric juices of the digestive tract and they may enhance the bioavailability of the active ingredients. Nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocking agent, is widely used in the treatment of angina pectoris and systemic hypertension. Half life of the drug is comparatively short 2 hours and Nifedipine is completely insoluble in water. Therefore, it has been generally accepted that soft gelatin capsule (Softgels) formulations are most efficient for routine hypertension therapy with Nifedipine. The main objective of the study was to formulate and evaluate soft gelatin capsule dosage form of Nifedipine used in the treatment of hypertension using oily polymers like propylene glycol and PEG 400 to enhance the solubility of Nifedipine.