Development and evaluation of self micro emulsifying drug delivery system of Itraconazole

The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate self micro emulsifying drug delivery system to enhance the solubility of the BCS class II drug, i.e. itraconazole. SMEDDS of the model drug were prepared using castor oil and benzyl alcohol as oil phase, tween 80 as surfactant and poly ethylene glycol 400 and ethanol as co-solvents. The prepared SMEDDS were characterized by SEM and zeta potential. SMEDDS were evaluated for globule size, stability studies, dispersibility test and in vitro drug release. SEM photograph showed that globules were smooth and spherical in shape. The particle size and zeta potential of prepared formulation was found to be between 8-16 µm and -11.5 to -55.6 respectively. Stability of itraconazole drug was found to depending on the amount of castor oil present in the formulation. As concentration of castor oil in the formulation increases, so the stability. In vitro drug release of the formulations was carried out in pH 1.2 buffer for 2 hours. Formulation F6 showed 98.50% drug release at the end of 2 hours. It was concluded that the SMEDDS prepared seem to promising carriers for enhancing the bioavailability and the solubility of poorly water soluble drug.