The importance of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins in pharmacy

Abstract

© 2015 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Cyclodextrins due to their hydrophobic cavity and hydrophilic surface can form the "host-guest" inclusion complexes with various compounds. The central hydrophobic cavity allows that the cyclodextrins have the role of the "host" molecules. The preparation of inclusion complexes leads to the changes in the physical and chemical properties of "guest" molecules. In this way it is possible to protect the compounds sensitive to the effect of light, heat and oxygen from the air. Also, the aqueous solubility of poorly soluble substances can be increased. Because of these properties and negligible toxicity, the cyclodextrins have found a broad application in the pharmaceutical industry. Today, the drugs based on the cyclodextrins represent about 40% of the total available drugs on the market. Their use in the pharmaceutical formulations is justified, because they improve the aqueous solubility of the hydrophobic drugs without the addition of the organic solvents, surfactants or lipids, increase the dissolution rates, oral bioavailability and stability. The cyclodextrin inclusion complexes reduce the gastrointestinal and ocular irritations, eliminate the unpleasant odors or tastes and prevent the drug-drug or drugexcipients interactions. The controlled release is also one of the important properties of the cyclodextrins which justifies their use in order to improve a drug delivery from a pharmaceutical formulation. Also, the cyclodextrins are used in the preparation of deodorants, lotions, diapers, paper towels, etc. Their role is to form the complexes with smelly substances in order to reduce their volatility.