A Novel Surfactant-free Lipid-based Formulation for Improving Oral Bioavailability of Loratadine Using Colloidal Silicon Dioxide as Emulsifier and Solid Carrier.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to develop an innovative surfactant-free lipidbased formulation (LF) for improving oral bioavailability of loratadine based on using solid particles colloidal silicon dioxide (CSD) as emulsifier and solid carrier.

METHODS: Loratadine was dissolved in oil solution with the aid of co-solvent and LF formulations were prepared by a simple adsorption and milling technique. The LF Powder was evaluated in terms of angle of repose and X-ray powder diffraction. After dispersing and emulsifying in water, the particle size and morphology were also characterized. In vitro dissolution and pharmacokinetic behavior in vivo were also studied.

RESULTS: Orthogonal design indicated that the amount of CSD in formulations had a major and significant influence on emulsification. The optimal formulation showed LF with good flowability and without crystallization or deposition of loratadine in it.

CONCLUSION: After dispersing in water, an emulsion with the mean droplet size of 1.2μm was obtained. Although the dissolution of drug from LF was slower in vitro in acidic aqueous solution, pharmacokinetic studies in vivo showed that the bioavailability of loratadine increased 2.49-fold by CF compared to a commercial tablet.