EZETIMIBE NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS (NLCs): A NEW TECHNIQUE TO OVERCOME THE LIMITATIONS OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION

Objective: Ezetimibe (EMB) is a commonly used lipid-lowering medication that lowers cholesterol and triglycerides. Because of its lower water solubility and hepatic metabolism, it necessitates the formulation of drug delivery systems that are capable of improving solubility and avoiding hepatic effect. Methods: Ezetimibe nanostructured lipid carriers (EMB-NLCs) were formulated and examined. They were formulated through emulsification with a high homogenization speed and ultrasonication (The method and evaluation parameters have been mentioned under method section in Formulation of EMB-NLCs paragraph). Results: The formulated NLCs have exhibited particle size (P. S.) between 163.6±7.20 and 866.66±18.65 nm and the zeta potential (Z. P.) values have ranged between-24±1.25 and-35±0.25 mV. Besides, they exhibited higher EE% than 77 percent and the drug encapsulated in lipid matrix was in amorphous state. Pharmacokinetics of optimized formula (F1; composed of 2% w/w Gelucire® 43/01, 8% w/w Miglyol® 812 N, 0.5% w/w lecithin and 2% w/w Poloxmer® 188) have exhibited 2.63-and 2.33-fold increase in oral bioavailability in comparison with EMB suspension and marketing product (Ezetrol® 10 mg tablet), respectively. Conclusion: These studies have demonstrated that, NLCs are superior for enhancing in vivo behavior and oral bioavailability of EMB.