Development and characterization of a mini capsular extrusion system for enteric delivery of metronidazole bearing...

A capsular extrusion system was developed for enteric delivery of metronidazole loaded liposomes. The system is essentially based on a miniosmotic pump except that the extrusion in the present system is brought about by the swelling of a swellable polymer which raises the vestibule and extrudes out the contents through a deliver orifice. Drug reservoir of the system contained freeze dried liposomes which become hydrated prior to extrusion. Extruded liposomes were uniform in size with 45-68% incorporation of metronidazole. When tested for in vitro antiamoebic and antibacterial activity it was found that the effectiveness of liposomal metronidazole was significantly higher as compared to the unformulated drug.