In VitroandIn VivoEvaluation of Niosomal Formulation for Controlled Delivery of Clarithromycin

Abstract

The present study was focused on formulating and evaluating clarithromycin (CLR) containing niosomal formulation forin vitroandin vivopharmacokinetic behavior. Niosomal formulations (empty and drug loaded) were prepared by using different ratio of surfactant (various Span grades 20, 40, 60, and 80) and cholesterol by thin film hydration method and were evaluated forin vitrocharacteristics, stability studies, andin vivostudy. Dicetyl phosphate (DCP) was added to the niosomal formulation. Various pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from plasma of male SD rats. Span 60 containing niosomal formulation NC2(cholesterol to surfactant ratio 1 : 1) displayed highest entrapment efficiency with desired particle size of 4.67 μm. TEM analyses showed that niosomal formulation was spherical in shape. Niosomes containing Span 60 displayed higher percentage of drug release after 24 h as compared to other formulations. NC2formulation was found to be stable at the end of the study on storage condition. Various pharmacokinetic parameters, namely, AUC, AUMC, and MRT of niosomal formulation, were found to be 1.5-fold, 4-fold, and 3-fold plain drug, respectively. The present study suggested that niosomal formulations provide sustained and prolonged delivery of drug with enhance bioavailability.