Preparation of lorazepam-loaded microemulsions for intranasal delivery and its pharmacokinetics

The purpose of this study was to develop a microemulsion system for intranasal delivery of lorazepam. The phase behavior and properties of microemulsions were characterized in a pseudo-ternary system composed of Cremophor EL 35/Transcutol P/Lauroglycol FCC or Labrafil M 1944CS/water, and intranasal absorption of lorazepam from microemulsions was investigated in rabbit. The microemulsions, comprising of FCC, Cremophor EL 35/Transcutol P (1.5:1) and water, were optimal for intranasal delivery of lorazepam. These systems had a higher solubilization capacity with the particle size of <150 nm, and were stable at ambient conditions for at least six months. In vivo absorption studies showed that intranasal absorption of lorazepam from microemulsions at 0.38 mg/kg had the larger AUC(0-t), the longer half-life and the prolonged circulation time with the mean bioavailability of 80.84% for ME2 and 63.48% for ME8 as compared to the intramuscular injection at 0.16 mg/kg. These results indicate that microemulsions may bea promising approach for the intranasal delivery of lorazepam.