Pharmaceutical Applications of Cyclodextrin Complexations

Abstract

Cyclodextrins are homologous series of cyclic oligosaccharides consisting of glucose units joined by .alpha.-1,4 linkages. One of the important characteristics of cyclodextrins is the formation of inclusion complexes with various guest molecules in solid phase and in solution, in which the guest molecules are included in the relatively hydrophobic cavity of cyclodextrins. Cyclodextrins may be useful in pharmaceutical fields. Examples such as improvements of solubility, chemical stability and bioavailability are presented. This information provides a rational basis for design of formulation and a means for improving efficacy of drug activity.