Microemulsions and Nanoemulsions as Carriers for Delivery of NSAIDs

Abstract

This chapter reviews current progress in development of microemulsion- and nanoemulsion-based drug delivery systems as carriers for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are members of class II active pharmaceutical ingredients according to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, celecoxib, etodolac). Thermodynamical and physicochemical considerations on microemulsions and nanoemulsions are presented concisely. The main experimental approaches in design of microemulsion/nanoemulsion carriers as well as their preconcentrates (self-micro/nanoemulsifying systems) are described. The performances of the characterization techniques employed in evaluation of self-micro/nanoemulsification process and identification and differentiation of microemulsion/nanoemulsion carriers are commented. The potential advantages of NSAIDs encapsulation by using microemulsion/nanoemulsion carriers, including development of physically stable pharmaceutical dosage form with high drug loading capacity, dispersibility, rate and extent of absorption, and thus increased bioavailability, are illustrated by observations and conclusions derived from the extensive results of the relevant studies in this field.