Nanoemulsions for the Delivery of Anti-Hypertensive Drugs

Abstract

Hypertension refers to an increase in the arterial blood pressure. Most commonly used antihypertensive drugs are available in conventional dosage forms as it offers superior patient compliance. A majority of anti-hypertensive drugs pose bioavailability issues as they belong to BCS class II and BCS class IV categories with poor solubility profile and rate limiting dissolution. Emerging drug delivery technologies like nanoemulsion are found to be promising and safer alternatives for the delivery of anti-hypertensive drugs. Nanoemulsion gained more attention due to favourable properties such as small size, good physical stability, rapid action, drug targeting, prevents photo-degradation, and improved bioavailability. This chapter highlights various aspects of hypertension including its pathophysiology and potential approaches to combat high blood pressure. In addition, the authors thoroughly discussed nanoemulsions and their utility in the oral delivery of anti-hypertensive drugs.