Formulation and optimization of mucoadhesive microemulsion containing mirtazapine for intranasal delivery

Background: Mirtazapine, an antidepressant drug, has absolute bioavailability of only 50% due to high first pass metabolism. Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop and optimize mucoadhesive microemulsion containing mirtazapine for intranasal delivery. Materials and Methods: Based on solubility study, Capmul Medium chain Monoglyceride, Tween 80 and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 were selected as oil, surfactant and co surfactant respectively. Microemulsions were prepared using water titration method. 3:1% w/w ratio (Tween 80: PEG 400) was selected for formulation development. The prepared microemulsions were optimized for globule size, zeta potential, % transmittance and polydispersity index. The optimized batch was further characterized for % drug content, conductivity and transmission electron microscopy. Results and Conclusion: All the parameters showed the suitability of microemulsion of mirtazapine for intranasal delivery. Chitosan (0.5% w/w) was used as a polymer for the preparation of mucoadhesive microemulsion to enhance the retention time in the nasal mucosa. Results of nasal toxicity study using excised sheep nasal mucosa showed comparatively no damage to epithelium and so formulation was considered safe for nasal administration. mirtazapine mucoadhesive microemulsion showed the highest percentage of diffusion (57.11 ± 0.710%) after 210 min during in-vitro drug diffusion study through sheep nasal mucosa, followed by mirtazapine microemulsion (46.08 ± 0.674%) and finally by mirtazapine solution (17.63 ± 0.612%).