Development of levosulpiride-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and their in vitro and in vivo comparison with commercial product

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop levosulpiride-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with enhanced solubilisation and bioavailability. The levosulpiride loaded-SLNs were composed of levosulpiride, stearic acid, and tween 80 in their respective weight ratios of (1, 5, and 1.5 mg) dissolved in 1 ml distilled water. Physicochemical properties of the SLNs such as particle size, shape, crystallinity, and chemical interaction were evaluated. Further, the in vitro drug dissolution, pharmacokinetic and stability studies of the SLNs were performed. The SLNs were rounded shaped stable nanoparticles with average diameter of 200 nm. They demonstrate 1.5- and 3-fold better drug dissolution when compared with the commercial product and levosulpiride powder, respectively. The SLNs enhanced the bioavailability of levosulpiride 3 times and 7 times, respectively, when compared with the commercial product and levosulpiride powder. It can be concluded that SLNs are capable to improve the dissolution and bioavailability of levosulpiride, even more than the commercial product.

Keywords:

• Solid lipid nanoparticles
• levosulpiride
• bioavailability
• Levopraid
• antipsychotics

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the scientific and technical support of Prof. Dr. Han-Gon Choi, Hanyang University, Ansan South Korea during this project. The authors are also thankful to Dr. Alam Zeb, Riphah University Islamabad, Pakistan for his generous help.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are thankful to the HEC, Pakistan and Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan for their support.