Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF EFAVIRENZ NANOSUSPENSION FOR ENHANCED ORAL BIOAVAILABILITY

*Vignesh R., C. Siva Kumari, M. Pradeep Kumar

Abstract

Efavirenz is a poorly water-soluble antiretroviral drug belonging to Biopharmaceutical Classification System Class II, exhibiting limited dissolution and variable oral bioavailability. The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate efavirenz nanosuspension to enhance dissolution rate and improve oral bioavailability. Nanosuspensions were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC E15) as stabilizer and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) as surfactant. A 2² factorial design was employed to optimize formulation parameters by considering polymer concentration and surfactant concentration as independent variables, while particle size, zeta potential, and drug release were selected as dependent responses. The prepared nanosuspensions were evaluated for particle size distribution, zeta potential, and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation exhibited reduced particle size, satisfactory stability, and enhanced drug release when compared to pure drug suspension. The study concludes that nanosuspension technology is a promising strategy for improving the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs such as efavirenz.[11]

Keywords: Efavirenz, Nanosuspension, Nanoprecipitation, Oral bioavailability, HPMC E15, SLS.