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Research Articles

Enhancement of oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium by self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS)

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Pages 65-74 | Received 21 Mar 2009, Accepted 13 Nov 2009, Published online: 20 Jan 2010
 

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to formulate a self-emulsifying drug delivery system of atorvastatin calcium and its characterization including in vitro and in vivo potential. The solubility of atorvastatin calcium was determined in various vehicles such as Captex 355, Captex 355 EP/NF, Ethyl oleate, Capmul MCM, Capmul PG-8, Gelucire 44/14, Tween 80, Tween 20, and PEG 400. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were plotted on the basis of solubility data of drug in various components to evaluate the microemulsification region. Formulation development and screening was carried out based on results obtained from phase diagrams and characteristics of resultant microemulsion. Prepared formulations were tested for microemulsifying properties and evaluated for clarity, precipitation, viscosity determination, drug content and in vitro dissolution. The optimized formulation further evaluated for particle size distribution, zeta potential, stability studies and in vivo potential. In vivo performance of the optimized formulation was evaluated using a Triton-induced hypercholesterolemia model in male Albino Wistar rats. The formulation significantly reduced serum lipid levels as compared with atorvastatin calcium. Thus studies illustrated the potential use for the delivery of hydrophobic drug such as atorvastatin calcium by oral route.

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to R.C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research for providing facilities to carry out the research work. The authors are also thankful to FDC Ltd (India), Abitec Corporation (USA), Colorcon Asia Pvt. Ltd (Goa, India), and Associated capsules (India) for providing gift samples of ATR, oils and surfactants, Gelucire 44/14 and empty hard gelatin capsules, respectively.

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