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Updated: May 22, 2026
08:18
Self-Nanoemulsification of Healthy Oils to Enhance the Solubility of Lipophilic Drugs
Published on: July 27, 2022
Improved bioavailability through floating microspheres of lovastatin.
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Hindu college of Pharmacy, Sonepat Haryana.
Summary
This study developed a novel gastroretentive drug delivery system for lovastatin, an antihyperlipidemic agent. The floating microspheres successfully achieved controlled release, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Lovastatin, an antihyperlipidemic agent, exhibits low bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism.
- Significant fluctuations in plasma concentration limit the therapeutic efficacy of conventional lovastatin formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance gastric retention of lovastatin using a sustained-release gastroretentive drug delivery system.
- To reduce plasma concentration fluctuations and improve the bioavailability of lovastatin.
Main Methods:
- Floating microspheres were fabricated using the emulsion solvent diffusion technique with various polymers.
- In vitro evaluations included drug-polymer compatibility, yield, particle size, entrapment efficiency, floatation characteristics, and drug release.
- In vivo studies assessed the impact on serum cholesterol levels.
Main Results:
- Microsphere particle size ranged from 6.9 to 9.5 µm, with a maximum of approximately 50 µm.
- In vivo studies showed a trend towards lower serum cholesterol levels compared to a marketed tablet, although not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- A microparticulate floating dosage form for lovastatin was successfully designed.
- The developed formulation demonstrated potential for controlled delivery and improved therapeutic efficacy.
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