Comparative study on the effects of some polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and sorbitan fatty acid ester surfactants on the performance of transdermal carvedilol proniosomal gel using experimental design.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of formulation variables on development of carvedilol (CAR) proniosomal gel formulations as potential transdermal delivery systems. Different non-ionic surfactants; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, namely Brij 78, Brij 92, and Brij 72; and sorbitan fatty acid esters (Span 60) were evaluated for their applicability in preparation of CAR proniosomal gels. A 2(3) full factorial design was employed to evaluate individual and combined effects of formulation variables, namely cholesterol content, weight of proniosomes, and amount of CAR added on performance of proniosomes. Prepared proniosomes were evaluated regarding entrapment efficiency (EE%), vesicle size, and microscopic examination. Also, CAR release through cellulose membrane and permeation through hairless mice skin were investigated. Proniosomes prepared with Brij 72 and Span 60 showed better niosome forming ability and higher EE% than those prepared with Brij 78 and Brij 92. Higher EE% was obtained by increasing both weight of proniosomes and amount of CAR added, and decreasing cholesterol content. Release rate through cellulose membrane was inversely affected by weight of proniosomes. In Span 60 proniosomes, on increasing percent of cholesterol, a decrease in release rate was observed. While in Brij 72 proniosomes, an enhancement in release rate was observed on increasing amount of CAR added. Permeation experiments showed that skin permeation was mainly affected by weight of proniosomes and that Span 60 proniosomal gels showed higher permeation enhancing effect than Brij 72. Proniosomal gel could constitute a promising approach for transdermal delivery of CAR.

Mechanism of in vitro percutaneous absorption enhancement of carvedilol by penetration enhancers.

The effect of penetration enhancers like tulsi (basil) oil, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, black cumin oil, oleic acid and Tween 80 on the percutaneous absorption of model lipophilic drug-carvedilol was investigated using excised rat abdominal skin. Transdermal flux, permeability coefficient and enhancement factor were calculated for each penetration enhancer. Black cumin oil (5% v/v) was selected on the basis of its highest enhancement in permeation and was evaluated further for its mode of action using DSC, FTIR and histological studies. The results indicated that the oil shows its action by extraction of lipids from stratum corneum as well as by loosening the hydrogen bonds between ceramides subsequently leading to fluidization of the lipid bilayer.

In vitro permeation of carvedilol through porcine skin: effect of vehicles and penetration enhancers.

This investigation studied the effect of vehicles on the in vitro permeation of carvedilol from saturated solutions across porcine skin and selected appropriate penetration enhancers. Labrasol, Transcutol, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, ethanol, oleic acid, isopropyl myristate, and phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) containing 40% v/v polyethylene glycol 400 as control, were used as vehicles; limonene, carvone, camphor, menthol, Transcutol, and Labrasol at 5% w/v concentrations were used as penetration enhancers. Skin permeation studies were conducted in Franz diffusion cells using excised porcine ear skin. Solubility was highest (369.13 mg/mL) in Transcutol, whereas isopropyl myristate showed the lowest solubility (0.79 mg/mL) among all the vehicles. The flux of carvedilol from Transcutol, Labrasol, polyethylene glycol 400, ethanol, and oleic acid was 10.5, 8.6, 4.2, 2.9, and 1.5 times higher, respectively, than that observed with control. The flux obtained using Transcutol was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the flux obtained using the other vehicles. However, the flux values of carvedilol using isopropyl myristate (P < 0.01) and propylene glycol (P < 0.05) were significantly lower than that of the control. Solutions containing 5% w/v camphor showed maximum permeation (232.54 microg) in 24 h with a flux of 3.19 microg/cm2/h, which was significantly different (P < 0.05) than the flux obtained using other permeation enhancers. The control sample showed lowest permeation (30.50 microg), with a flux of 0.33 microg/cm2/h. The flux of carvedilol from the solutions containing 5% w/v camphor, limonene, Transcutol, carvone, Labrasol, and menthol were 9.7, 7.6, 7.6, 6.3, 4.7, and 2.3 times higher, respectively, than that observed using the control. The present study suggests that Transcutol, Labrasol, and polyethylene glycol 400 may be used as potential vehicles and camphor, limonene, and Transcutol at a 5% w/v level as penetration enhancers.

Design and in vivo evaluation of carvedilol buccal mucoadhesive patches.

The buccal region offers an attractive route of administration for systemic drug delivery. Carvedilol (dose, 3.125-25 mg) is beta-adrenergic antagonist. Its oral bioavailability is 25-35% because of first pass metabolism. Buccal absorption studies of a carvedilol solution in human volunteers showed 32.86% drug absorption. FTIR and UV spectroscopic methods revealed that there was no interaction between carvedilol and polymers. Carvedilol patches were prepared using HPMC, carbopol 934, eudragit RS 100, and ethylcellulose. The patches were evaluated for their thickness uniformity, folding endurance, weight uniformity, content uniformity, swelling behaviour, tensile strength, and surface pH. In vitro release studies were conducted for carvedilol-loaded patches in phosphate buffer (pH, 6.6) solution. Patches exhibited drug release in the range of 86.26 to 98.32% in 90 min. Data of in vitro release from patches were fit to different equations and kinetic models to explain release profiles. Kinetic models used were zero and first-order equations, Hixon-Crowell, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. In vivo drug release studies in rabbits showed 90.85% of drug release from HPMC-carbopol patch while it was 74.63 to 88.02% within 90 min in human volunteers. Good correlation among in vitro release and in vivo release of carvedilol was observed.

Self-assembled liposome from multi-layered fibrous mucoadhesive membrane for buccal delivery of drugs having high first-pass metabolism.

A novel delivery system based on self-assembled liposome from multi-layered fibrous mucoadhesive membrane has been developed to improve the bioavailability of Carvedilol (Car). This system consisted of an electrospun layer (enable self-assembly of liposome once contacting with water), an adhesive layer (prolong the retention period in the mouth) and a backing layer. SEM, DSC and FTIR were applied to characterize the fiber. The TEM and fluorescence study demonstrated the formation of self-assembled liposome when electrospun fiber encountered water. The ratio of PC to Car and the molecular weight of PVP both had a significant impact on the drug encapsulation efficiency. In vitro and in vivo adhesive tests were conducted to evaluate the bioadhesive performance of the adhesive layer. The dialysis dissolution and permeation study through porcine buccal mucosa were carried out. The electrospun fiber showed excellent drug permeation amount compared to pure Car. The drug concentration-time curves, in rabbits, of fibrous mucoadhesive membrane and Car suspension were different, and possible reasons were analyzed. The pharmacokinetic study demonstrated 154% increase in the relative bioavailability compared to Car suspension. This drug delivery system offered a novel platform for potential buccal delivery of drugs with high first-pass effect.

Development of mucoadhesive patches for buccal administration of carvedilol.

A buccal patch for systemic administration of carvedilol in the oral cavity has been developed using two different mucoadhesive polymers. The formulations were tested for in vitro drug permeation studies, buccal absorption test, in vitro release studies, moisture absorption studies and in vitro bioadhesion studies. The physicochemical interactions between carvedilol and polymers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. According to FTIR the drug did not show any evidence of an interaction with the polymers used and was present in an unchanged state. XRD studies reveal that the drug is in crystalline state in the polymer matrix. The results indicate that suitable bioadhesive buccal patches with desired permeability could be prepared. Bioavailability studies in healthy pigs reveal that carvedilol has got good buccal absorption. The bioavailability of carvedilol from buccal patches has increased 2.29 folds when compared to that of oral solution. The formulation AC5 (HPMC E 15) shows 84.85 + 0.089% release and 38.69 + 6.61% permeated through porcine buccal membrane in 4 hr. The basic pharmacokinetic parameters like the C(max), T(max) and AUC(total) were calculated and showed statistically significant difference (P<0.05) when given by buccal route compared to that of oral solution.

Development and in vitro evaluation of buccoadhesive carvedilol tablets.

Buccoadhesive tablets of carvedilol were prepared using HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M and Carbopol 934 as mucoadhesive polymers. Fifteen formulations were developed with varying concentrations of polymers. Formulations of the BC or BD series were composed of HPMC K4M or HPMC K15M in ratios of 1:1 to 1:5 whereas in the BE series Carbopol 934 was used (1:0.25 to 1:1.50). The formulations were tested for in vitro drug release, in vitro bioadhesion, moisture absorption and in vitro drug permeation through porcine buccal mucosa. Formulation BC3 showed maximum release of the drug (88.7 +/- 0.4%) with the Higuchi model release profile and permeated 21.5 +/- 2.9% of the drug (flux 8.35 +/- 0.291 microg h(-1)cm(-2)) permeation coefficient 1.34 +/- 0.05 cm h(-1)) through porcine buccal membrane. BC3 formulation showed 1.62 +/- 0.15 N of peak detachment force and 0.24 +/- 0.11 mJ of work of adhesion. FTIR results showed no evidence of interaction between the drug and polymers. XRD study revealed that the drug is in crystalline form in the polymer matrix. The results indicate that suitable bioadhesive buccal tablets with desired permeability could be prepared.

Development and evaluation of carvedilol transdermal patches.

Transdermal patches of carvedilol with a HPMC-drug reservoir were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique. In this investigation, the membranes of Eudragit RL100 and Eudragit RS100 were cast to achieve controlled release of the drug. The prepared patches possessed satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. Thickness, mass and drug content were uniform in prepared batches. Moisture vapour transmission through the patches followed zero-order kinetics. In vitro permeation studies were performed using a K-C diffusion cell across hairless guinea pig skin and followed the super case II transport mechanism. The effects of non-ionic surfactants Tween 80 and Span 80 on drug permeation were studied. The nonionic surfactants in the patches increased the permeation rate, Span 80 exhibiting better enhancement relative to Tween 80. The patches were seemingly free of potentially hazardous skin irritation.

Transdermal therapeutic system of carvedilol: effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic matrix on in vitro and in vivo characteristics.

The purpose of this research was to develop a matrix-type transdermal therapeutic system containing carvedilol with different ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymeric combinations by the solvent evaporation technique. The physicochemical compatibility of the drug and the polymers was studied by infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The results suggested no physicochemical incompatibility between the drug and the polymers. In vitro permeation studies were performed by using Franz diffusion cells. The results followed Higuchi kinetics (r = 0.9953-0.9979), and the mechanism of release was diffusion mediated. Based on physicochemical and in vitro skin permeation studies, patches coded as F3 (ethyl cellulose:polyvinylpyrrolidone, 7.5:2.5) and F6 (Eudragit RL:Eudragit RS, 8:2) were chosen for further in vivo studies. The bioavailability studies in rats indicated that the carvedilol transdermal patches provided steady-state plasma concentrations with minimal fluctuations and improved bioavailability of 71% (for F3) and 62% (for F6) in comparison with oral administration. The antihypertensive activity of the patches in comparison with that of oral carvedilol was studied using methyl prednisolone acetate-induced hypertensive rats. It was observed that both the patches significantly controlled hypertension from the first hour (P < .05). The developed transdermal patches increase the efficacy of carvedilol for the therapy of hypertension.

Carvedilol-loaded nanocapsules: Mucoadhesive properties and permeability across the sublingual mucosa.

Carvedilol is a drug used to treat heart failure, hypertension, and coronary artery diseases . However, it has low oral bioavailability (25-35%) due to its high first-pass hepatic metabolism. The objective of this study was to develop carvedilol-loaded mucoadhesive nanocapsules as delivery systems for the sublingual administration of the drug. Nanocapsules were prepared using poly(ε-caprolactone) (CAR-LNC) and Eudragit® RS 100 (CAR-NC) as polymeric wall. In vitro interaction of formulations with mucin was performed to predict their mucoadhesion capacity. The permeability and washability profiles of carvedilol were evaluated using porcine sublingual mucosa. The mean diameter of particles in formulations was in the nanometric range, and particles had low polydispersity and slightly acidic pH. Zeta potential values were positive for CAR-NC and negative for CAR-LNC. Encapsulation efficiency was higher than 87% and 99% for CAR-NC and CAR-LNC, respectively. Both formulations presented controlled drug release profiles and mucoadhesive properties. Carvedilol was able to permeate through the sublingual mucosa. Nanoencapsulation improved retention time on the mucosa and permeation in presence of simulated salivary flux. This study highlighted the suitability of using CAR-loaded nanocapsules in the development of innovative sublingual dosage forms.

Comparative study on stabilizing ability of food protein, non-ionic surfactant and anionic surfactant on BCS type II drug carvedilol loaded nanosuspension: Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic investigation.

Carvedilol (CAR) in its pure state has low aqueous solubility and extremely poor bioavailability which largely limit its clinical application. The aim of the study is to improve the dissolution rate and the bioavailability of CAR via preparing nanosuspensions with different stabilizers. Antisolvent precipitation-ultrasonication technique was used here. Attempts have been made to use food protein- Whey protein isolate (WPI) as a stabilizer in CAR loaded nanosuspension and also to compare its stabilizing potential with conventional nanosuspension stabilizers such as non-ionic linear copolymer-poloxamer 188 (PLX188) and anionic surfactant-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Optimized nanosuspensions showed narrow size distribution with particle size ranging from 275 to 640nm. Amorphous state of CAR nanocrystals which also improved the solubility by 16-, 25-, 55-fold accordingly was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). From scanning electron microscopy (SEM), flaky shape of PLX188 and SDS nanosuspensions could be revealed but WPI nanosuspension was sphere-shaped. Up to 70% dissolution of loaded drug was observed within 15min in phosphate buffer (pH6.8). A pharmacokinetic study in rats indicated that both Cmax and AUC0-36 values of nanosuspensions were estimated to be 2-fold higher than those of reference, suggesting a significant increase in CAR bioavailability.

P-glycoprotein and surfactants: effect on intestinal talinolol absorption.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Surfactants used in pharmaceutical formulations can modulate drug absorption by multiple mechanisms including inhibition of intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Our objective was to analyze the effect of 2 surfactants with different affinity for P-gp in vitro on the intestinal absorption and bioavailability of the P-gp substrate talinolol in humans. METHODS: In vitro, the influence of surfactants on talinolol permeability was studied in Caco-2 cells. In vivo, an open-label 3-way crossover study with 9 healthy male volunteers was performed. Subjects were intubated with a 1-lumen nasogastrointestinal tube. The study solution, containing either talinolol (50 mg), talinolol and D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) (0.04%), or talinolol and Poloxamer 188 (0.8%), was administered through the tube. RESULTS: TPGS, but not Poloxamer 188, inhibited the P-gp-mediated talinolol transport in Caco-2 cells. In healthy volunteers TPGS increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve with extrapolation to infinity (AUC 0-infinity ) of talinolol by 39% (90% confidence interval, 1.10-1.75) and the maximum plasma concentration (C max) by 100% (90% confidence interval, 1.39-2.88). Poloxamer 188 did not significantly alter the AUC 0-infinity or C max of talinolol. CONCLUSIONS: This in vivo intraduodenal perfusion study showed that low concentrations of TPGS, close to the concentrations that showed P-gp inhibition in vitro, significantly increased the bioavailability of talinolol. The study design excluded modulation of solubility by TPGS and unspecific surfactant-related effects. The latter was supported by the absence of modulation of the talinolol pharmacokinetics by Poloxamer 188, which does not modulate P-gp. Therefore we consider intestinal P-gp inhibition by TPGS as the major underlying mechanism for the increase in talinolol bioavailability.

Polyethylenimine Modified and Non-Modified Polymeric Micelles Used for Nasal Administration of Carvedilol.

This study evaluates the ability of polyethylenimine-modified and non-modified polymeric micelles to enhance permeation through the nasal mucosa for a highly hydrophobic model drug. Carvedilol was loaded into polyethylenimine-modified and non-modified micelles by direct dissolution. Formulations were characterised by critical micelle concentration, micelle particle size and distribution, zeta potential, morphological structure and entrapment efficiency. The drug entrapment efficiency was determined to be as high as 77.14%, while micelle particle sizes and zeta potentials were within the range of 140.0-279.9 nm and (- 40.6)-(+ 25.9) mV, respectively. In vitro studies showed 100% release of carvedilol from micelles in 120 hours. Ex vivo permeation studies showed that the drug in polyethylenimine non-modified micelles passed more efficiently than the drug in polyethylenimine modified micelles. These results demonstrated that polyethylenimine modified micelles did not significantly affect the permeation of the drug when compared to polyethylenimine non-modified micelles. On the contrary, the drug in poly(L-lactide)-block-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)5000 micelles, the polyethylenimine non-modified micelles, showed the highest permeation rate through bovine nasal mucosa. In conclusion, poly(L-lactide)-block- methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)5000 polymeric micelles maybe useful as novel drug carriers that increase the permeation through the nasal mucosa.

Niosomal carriers enhance oral bioavailability of carvedilol: effects of bile salt-enriched vesicles and carrier surface charge.

Carvedilol (CRV) is an antihypertensive drug with both alpha and beta receptor blocking activity used to preclude angina and cardiac arrhythmias. To overcome the low, variable oral bioavailability of CRV, niosomal formulations were prepared and characterized: plain niosomes (without bile salts), bile salt-enriched niosomes (bilosomes containing various percentages of sodium cholate or sodium taurocholate), and charged niosomes (negative, containing dicetyl phosphate and positive, containing hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide). All formulations were characterized in terms of encapsulation efficiency, size, zeta potential, release profile, stability, and morphology. Various formulations were administered orally to ten groups of Wistar rats (n=6 per group). The plasma levels of CRV were measured by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and pharmacokinetic properties of different formulations were characterized. Contribution of lymphatic transport to the oral bioavailability of niosomes was also investigated using a chylomicron flow-blocking approach. Of the bile salt-enriched vesicles examined, bilosomes containing 20% sodium cholate (F2) and 30% sodium taurocholate (F5) appeared to give the greatest enhancement of intestinal absorption. The relative bioavailability of F2 and F5 formulations to the suspension was estimated to be 1.84 and 1.64, respectively. With regard to charged niosomes, the peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of CRV for positively (F7) and negatively charged formulations (F10) were approximately 2.3- and 1.7-fold higher than after a suspension. Bioavailability studies also revealed a significant increase in extent of drug absorption from charged vesicles. Tissue histology revealed no signs of inflammation or damage. The study proved that the type and concentration of bile salts as well as carrier surface charge had great influences on oral bioavailability of niosomes. Blocking the lymphatic absorption pathway significantly reduced oral bioavailability of CRV niosomes. Overall twofold enhancement in bioavailability in comparison with drug suspension confers the potential of niosomes as suitable carriers for improved oral delivery of CRV.

Direct demonstration of small intestinal secretion and site-dependent absorption of the beta-blocker talinolol in humans.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relevance of site-dependent small intestinal absorption for incomplete intestinal absorption of the poorly metabolized beta 1-adrenergic receptor antagonist talinolol. METHODS: The intestinal steady-state perfusion technique (triple lumen tubing system with a 30 cm test segment) for intraluminal measurements was combined with simultaneous determination of talinolol serum concentrations. Dissolved talinolol was perfused over 160 minutes into different parts of the small intestine. The middle of the test segment was located between 25 and 235 cm beyond the teeth. Each of the six healthy subjects was studied twice with a proximal and a more distal site of perfusion to allow for comparisons within an individual subject. RESULTS: The area under the curve for serum concentrations from 0 to 480 minutes [AUC(0-480 min)] and the maximum serum concentration after distal perfusions corresponded to only 15% to 73% and 7% to 90% of the proximal values, respectively. AUC decreased with increasing distance from the teeth. The mean amount of talinolol absorbed from the test segment per unit time (intestinal transport rate) corresponds to only one-tenth of the amount of drug offered to the test segment (perfusion rate). There was a direct correlation between the perfusion rate of talinolol and its transport rate for both regions and in all subjects investigated. However, to achieve the same transport rate in the distal region a higher perfusion rate is required, compared to the proximal small intestine. At perfusion rates lower than 600 micrograms/min, net secretion of talinolol into the intestinal lumen occurred against a steep concentration gradient blood: lumen of about 1:4200. CONCLUSION: Talinolol oral bioavailability of 55% is due to a low absorption rate and a decrease of absorption capabilities along the small intestine. Net absorption of talinolol is reduced by the involvement of active intestinal secretion.

Celiprolol. An updated review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy in cardiovascular disease.

Celiprolol is a hydrophilic, beta 1-selective adrenoceptor antagonist with mild selective beta 2-agonist as well as weak vasodilator properties. Celiprolol 200 to 400mg once daily by mouth is similar in antihypertensive efficacy to usual doses of propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol and pindolol in patients with mild to moderate systemic hypertension. Similar doses of celiprolol are as efficacious as propranolol and atenolol in improving exercise tolerance and reducing the frequency of anginal attacks in patients with angina pectoris. Further clinical experience suggests that celiprolol does not produce bronchoconstriction and may have mild bronchodilating activity in asthmatic patients; it may also enhance the effects of bronchodilator drugs. Celiprolol has a slightly beneficial effect on serum lipid profiles, and does not appear to exert adverse effects on carbohydrate metabolism. If the apparent pharmacodynamic advantages of celiprolol translate into clinical benefits and are confirmed in well designed long term clinical trials, then celiprolol should represent a definite advance in beta-blocker therapy.

Controlled delivery of carvedilol nanosuspension from osmotic pump capsule: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

This study intended to develop a novel controlled delivery osmotic pump capsule of carvedilol nanosuspension. The capsule is assembled using a semi-permeable capsule shell with contents including nanosuspension drying powder, mannitol and Plasdone S-630. The physical characteristics of semi-permeable capsule walls were compared among different coating solutions under different temperature. The composition of the coating solution and drying temperature appeared to be important for the formation of the shells. Carvedilol nanosuspension was prepared by precipitation-ultrasonication technique and was further lyophilized. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the influence of factors on the responses. The optimized formulation displayed complete drug delivery and zero-order release rate. The TEM and particle size analysis indicated that the morphology of the resultant nanoparticle in the capsule was spherical shaped with a mean size of 252±19 nm. The in vivo test in beagle dogs demonstrated that the relative bioavailability of the novel system was 203.5% in comparison to that of the marketed preparation. The capsule successfully controlled the release of carvedilol and the fluctuation of plasma concentration was minimized. The system is a promising strategy to improve the oral bioavailability for poorly soluble drugs and preparing it into elementary osmotic pump conveniently.

Design and evaluation of polymer coated carvedilol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles to improve the oral bioavailability: a novel strategy to avoid intraduodenal administration.

Solid lipid nanoparticles are most promising delivery systems for the enhancement of bioavailability of highly lipophilic drugs those prone to the first pass metabolism. But burst release of drug from solid lipid nanoparticles in acidic environment such as gastric milieu precludes its usage as oral delivery system. Studies on SLN revealed intraduodenal administration as an alternative route for SLN administration. But clinically it is an inappropriate route for repeated administration of drugs to patients. Hence, we prepared N-carboxymethyl chitosan (MCC) coated carvedilol loaded SLN to protect the rapid release of carvedilol in acidic environment. Positively charged carvedilol loaded SLN were developed using monoglyceride as lipid and soya lecithin and poloxamer 188 as surfactants and stearylamine as charge modifier. These SLN were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, crystallinity and stability studies. Further these SLN were coated with N-carboxymethyl chitosan and confirmed by change in zetapotential and X-ray Photon Spectroscopic analysis. Effect of polymer coating on drug release profiles were studied simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Effect of polymer coating on oral bioavailability of carvedilol loaded SLN were studied in rats after oral administration. MCC coated SLN improved the bioavailability of carvedilol compared uncoated SLN after oral administration. Insignificant difference in bioavailability was observed compared to intraduodenal administration of SLN. Hence, MCC coated SLN is a novel strategy to avoid intrduodenal administration.

Effect of poloxamer 188 on lymphatic uptake of carvedilol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for bioavailability enhancement.

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of poloxamer 188, a surfactant, on lymphatic uptake of carvedilol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for oral bioavailability enhancement. Microemulsion technique was employed to prepare the SLN formulations having varying concentrations of poloxamer 188, which were subsequently subjected to various in vitro and in vivo evaluations to study their release pattern. On increasing the percentage concentration of poloxamer 188, the bioavailability decreased from 4.91- to 2.84-fold after intraduodenal administration in the male Wister rat. It could be attributed to the increase in particle size as well as reduction in hydrophobicity of SLNs. As indicated by pharmacokinetic data, the AUC(0-t) of all three (SLN) formulations (6.27 +/- 0.24 microgh/mL with FZ-1, 4.13 +/- 0.11 microgh/mL with FZ-2, and 3.63 +/- 0.10 microgh/mL with FZ-3) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of carvedilol suspension (1.27 +/- 0.23 microgh/mL). These findings augur well with the possibility of enhancement of the oral bioavailability of drug, via the lymphatic system bypassing hepatic first pass metabolism.