Applications of Steroid Drugs Entrapped in Cyclodextrins
March 2019
in “
Environmental Chemistry Letters
”
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Studysummary This review examines the role of cyclodextrins in improving the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of steroid drugs but does not report new experimental findings.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document reviewed the benefits of using cyclodextrins to improve the delivery and effectiveness of steroid drugs. Cyclodextrins, which are cyclic oligosaccharides, can form inclusion complexes with steroids, thereby enhancing their solubility and bioavailability. The review highlighted that the skin penetration of hydrocortisone was optimized with a 9% hydroxypropyl B-cyclodextrin solution and that ocular bioavailability of hydrocortisone in rabbits was significantly increased with hydroxypropyl B-cyclodextrin. It also mentioned the market introduction of cyclodextrin-enabled steroid formulations, such as Sugammadex, which is used in anesthesia. Furthermore, cyclodextrins have been utilized in biotechnology to catalyze steroid biotransformation, increasing solubility and reducing toxicity. The document also noted the industrial application of this technology in Hungary and the use of cyclodextrin polymers to remove steroid hormones from wastewater, thus mitigating environmental risks. The conclusion emphasized the pharmaceutical importance of steroids and their compatibility with cyclodextrin cavities, with several steroid drugs being marketed in complexed form.
