Biresh K Sarkar, Shiv S. Hardenia

Abstract

Glipizide (GZ) is a widely used oral hypoglycemic drug with very poor water solubility. The purpose of this study was to enhance the dissolution rate and bioavailability of this drug by developing a novel delivery system i.e. microemulsion (ME), and to study effect of microemulsion (ME) on the oral bioavailability of Glipizide. Capmul® MCM-based ME formulation with Cremophor® EL as surfactant and Transcutol® as co-surfactant, was developed for oral delivery of Glipizide. Optimized ME was evaluated for its transparency, viscosity, percentage assay etc. Solubilisation capacity of the ME system was also determined. The prepared ME was compared with the pure drug solution and commercially available tablet for in vitro drug release. The optimized ME formulation containing Glipizide, Capmul® MCM (6.5%), Cremophor® EL (25%), Transcutol® P (7.5%) and distilled water, showed higher in vitro drug release, as compared to plain drug suspension and the commercially available drug. These results demonstrate the potential use of ME for improving the bioavailability of poor water soluble compounds, such as Glipizide.