Assessment of Disintegration and Dissolution of Dosage Forms In Vivo Using Gamma Scintigraphy

Abstract

The measurements of the in vitro rate of disintegration and dissolution of dosage forms are considered to be the most available predictors of the behaviour of dosage forms and the plasma concentration - time profile. However, the interaction of the formulation with physiological processes has shown that prediction of bioavailability by such simple tests is inadequate and has highlighted the need to establish methodology which would enable the determination of in vivo rates of dissolution and disintegration. Over the past ten years, the technique of gamma scintigraphy has made a significant contribution to the understanding of the behaviour of formulations in the body. This review provides an overview of the technique and its advantages and limitations in pharmaceutical research, together with illustrations showing some of the applications in the measurement of disintegration and dissolution of dosage forms.