Abstract
Aim: We did a prospective study to investigate pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscularly (i.m.) administered Valdecoxib (VC) polymeric microparticles in New Zealand white rabbits. Method: Poly[lac(glc-leu)] microparticles encapsulating a potent cyclooxygenase-2- selective inhibitor, VC, were prepared by emulsion and solvent evaporation technique and administered i.m. to rabbits for pharmacokinetic study. Results: A single i.m. dose of drug-loaded poly[lac(glc-leu)] microparticles resulted in sustained therapeutic drug levels in the plasma for 49 days. The relative bioavailability was increased severalfold as compared with unencapsulated drug. Conclusions: Injectable poly[lac(glc-leu)] microparticles hold promise for increasing drug bioavailability and reducing dosing frequency for better management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Acknowledgment
The authors express their thanks to Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (Govt. of India, New Delhi) for financial support.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.