Preparation and properties of solid dispersion system containing citric acid and primidone.

Solid dispersions containing 1--32% (w/w) primidone were prepared by fusing the drug with citric acid and rapidly cooling the melt. The solidified dispersions were clear glasses which devitrified on aging or when stored at 60 degrees for up to 3 days. The phase diagram of the devitrified system indicated that the drug may exist as a solid solution at 1--3% (w/w) concentrations but that a eutectic mixture is formed at higher concentrations. The solubility of primidone increased in the presence of citric acid. Preliminary dissolution studies showed that the dissolution rate from the solid dispersion was greater than that of the pure drug or the physical mixture.