The Potential Use of Cyclodextrins in Parenteral Formulations

The general use of cyclodextrins in drug formulations is reviewed. The ability of cyclodextrins to form reversible inclusion complexes with many drugs can eliminate various undesirable physicochemical properties. While β-cyclodextrin is extremely useful in many of these applications, it is toxic when given parenterally, precluding its use in i.v. and other formulations. Chemically modified cyclodextrins such as 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin are amorphous isomeric mixtures which are potent complexing agents and innocuous when administered i.e., either acutely or subchronically. The use of these modified cyclodextrins in parenteral formulations and to solubilize and stabilize various proteins and peptides is presented.