DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CANDESARTAN NANOCRYSTALS

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the latest technology employed in pharmaceutical research. Candesartan is an antihypertensive drug belonging to the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers. Candesartan is slightly soluble in water and exists in crystalline form. Candesartan nanocrystals were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method to increase the dissolution rate. Pluronic F-68 and PVP K-30 were used as stabilizers. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the crystalline nature was restored. The SEM textures were found to have a cubic crystal shape. The zeta potential showed moderate stability. In vitro drug diffusion profiles showed a maximum drug release of up to 95.62%. No significant difference was observed from in vitro drug release study and drug content after stability studies. It was concluded that the optimized formulation increased the dissolution rate and was reproducible.