Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
08:18
Self-Nanoemulsification of Healthy Oils to Enhance the Solubility of Lipophilic Drugs
Published on: July 27, 2022
1.4K
Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS)--challenges and road ahead
Shambhu Dokania1, Amita K Joshi1
1a Department of Pharmaceutics , NIPER Ahmedabad , C/o B.V. Patel PERD Centre , Ahmedabad , Gujarat , India.
Drug Delivery
|March 28, 2014
Summary
Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) improve drug bioavailability but face challenges. This review details SMEDDS limitations and strategies, including polymers and solid formulations, to enhance drug delivery and overcome obstacles.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) are crucial for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.
- However, conventional SMEDDS face limitations such as in vivo drug precipitation, handling difficulties, and oxidation of lipid components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the limitations associated with SMEDDS formulations.
- To discuss effective strategies for overcoming these challenges to improve drug delivery efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on SMEDDS.
- Analysis of formulation strategies to address specific SMEDDS drawbacks.
Main Results:
- Inclusion of polymers or precipitation inhibitors can maintain drug supersaturation, enhancing bioavailability.
- Solid SMEDDS formulations mitigate handling and stability issues.
- Use of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and antioxidants addresses lipid oxidation.
Conclusions:
- Addressing SMEDDS limitations through formulation modifications is key to maximizing their therapeutic potential.
- Advanced strategies ensure improved drug solubility, stability, and patient compliance.
Keywords:
Lymphatic uptakeoxidationpolymorphismprecipitation inhibitorsself-microemulsifying drug delivery systemsolid SMEDDSsupersaturable SMEDDSMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview
236
Modified-release dosage forms are designed to address the limitations of drugs with short biological half-lives. These forms maintain stable therapeutic drug concentrations over extended periods, reducing the need for frequent dosing. A consistent drug level helps minimize peak-trough fluctuations, which can reduce adverse effects, lower the risk of drug resistance, and improve overall treatment effectiveness.One common type of modified-release form is the extended-release (ER) formulation. ER...
236
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
164
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
164
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
160
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
160
01:18Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
233
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...
233
01:16Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Solubility Enhancement
499
Bioavailability is a critical factor in determining a drug's effectiveness. It refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is, as a result, able to have an active effect. Enhancing bioavailability is essential for drugs with poor solubility, as it can significantly impact their therapeutic efficacy. Various methods are employed to increase the solubility of drugs, thereby enhancing their bioavailability.Micronization and nanonization are...
499
01:27Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types
406
Conventional oral drug products, termed immediate-release (IR) formulations, are engineered to promptly release their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) upon ingestion, typically in tablets or capsules. This rapid release often results in swift drug absorption and consequent pharmacodynamic effects, although the timing and intensity can vary depending on the drug's properties. Prodrugs within these formulations require metabolic conversion to activate their pharmacodynamic effects,...
406