Abstract

Njideka I. Ani*, Leonard Onah, Chukwuma O. Agubata

ABSTRACT

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are homogenous, single-phased blends of oil, surfactant and co-sourfactants used to solubilize drugs for improved bioavailability. The aim of this study is to prepare and evaluate artemether and piroxicam self-emulsifying drug delivery systems developed with glycerol monooleate (Peceol®), caprylocaproyl macrogol-8-glyceride (Labrasol®), diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (Transcutol®) and irvingia lipid for improved bioavailability. Solubility of artemether and piroxicam was studied in different lipids, surfactants and solvents by shake flask method, and pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed by water titration method. Physicochemical properties, stability, self-emulsification, and drug delivery and dispersion were assessed. The drug-loaded self-emulsifying formulations were stable, very flowable with average self-emulsification time of 7.3 sec and 9.7 sec for artemether-loaded peceol and irvingia fat/wax SEDDS respectively, whereas piroxicam-based SEDDS prepared with peceol and irvingia fat/wax emulsified after 5.7 sec and 9.3 sec, respectively. Formulations containing 1:3 peceol/surfactant mixture showed up to 98% drug released and dispersed after 12 min. The formulated artemether and piroxicam SEDDS were stable, easily self-emulsifying and provide adequate drug release and dispersion.