Enhancement of Nimodipine Solubility by Self-Nano-emulsifying Drug Delivery System

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of Nimodipine was developed with the purpose of improving the bioavailability of the drug. Based on the results of Nimodipine solubility studies Peceol, Transcutol P and PEG 400 were optimized as oil, surfactant and co-surfactant for the formulation and Pseudo ternary plots was constructed by Chemix software. Fifteen formulations of Nimodipine SNEDDS prepared and analyzed for particle size, emulsification time, percentage drug release, percentage transmittance, in vitro drug dissolution studies and thermodynamic stability. The optimized Nimodipine SNEDDS formulation (F13) subjected to drug-excipient compatibility studies by FTIR. They are analyzed for zeta potential, SEM and stability. The particle size of optimized Nimodipine SNEDDS formulation was 25.9 nm, PDI is 0.382 and zeta potential -12.7 mV that are optimal for the stability of emulsion. SEM studies of Nimodipine SNEDDS indicated spherical shape and uniform particle distribution. The drug release of formulation F13 (98.25±4.77%) was higher than pure drug (38.49±3.88%). The stability studies indicated no change in drug content, drug release, emulsifying properties and appearance. Hence a potential SNEDDS formulation of Nimodipine developed with increased dissolution rate, bioavailability and solubility.