Supercritical Fluid Extraction as a Method for Preparation of Submicron Particles of Cimetidine and Hydrochlorothiazide

This work is focused on preparation of submicron particles and nanoparticles of biologically active compounds using commercially supplied device designed for supercritical fluid extraction Spe-ed SFE-4. Working procedures were applied for the use of supercritical CO₂ as an anti-solvent for the micronization process of two commercially available drugs cimetidine and hydrochlorothiazide. Specifically, method called GAS (Gas Anti-solvent) was used at various temperatures, pressures and values of static phase length. The resulting products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and particle size distribution. The aim of this work was to reduce particle sizes of given substances in order to increase their solubility in human body.