Abstract

EMULSION BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

A. R. Golhar*, V. K. Ghume, A. N. Merekar and M. D. Dokhe

ABSTRACT

Oral route continues to be the preferred route for most drug therapy. However, more than 40% of new chemical entities exhibit poor aqueous solubility, resulting in unsatisfactory oral drug delivery. Recently, much attention has been focused on Self emulsifying drug delivery systems and Self-Micro Emulsifying Drug Delivery System to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly aqueous soluble drugs. Self-micro emulsifying formulations and Self emulsifying formulations are mixtures of oils and surfactants, ideally isotropic, and sometimes containing co-solvents, which emulsify spontaneously to produce fine oil-in-water emulsion when introduced into aqueous phase under conditions of gentle agitation. The agitation required for self-emulsification is provided by the digestive motility of the stomach and intestine in vivo. When dissolution rate-limited absorption is seen, as in case of lipophilic drugs, Self emulsifying drug delivery systems and Self-Micro Emulsifying Drug Delivery System may be a promising strategy to improve the rate and extent of oral absorption. This review describes Self emulsifying drug delivery systems and Self-Micro Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems used to formulate potent lipophilic drugs.

Keywords: Self-emulsifying, self-micro emulsifying, lipid-based systems, poorly soluble drugs.