Microemulsions as drug delivery systems to improve the solubility and the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

Microemulsions have been studied extensively as potential drug delivery vehicles for poorly water-soluble drugs. An understanding of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characteristics of the microemulsions according to administration routes will provide guidance for designing the formulations...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inExpert opinion on drug delivery Vol. 7; no. 4; p. 445
Main Authors He, Cai-Xia, He, Zhong-Gui, Gao, Jian-Qing
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.04.2010
Subjects
Administration, Oral
Biological Availability
Drug Delivery Systems
Drug Stability
Emulsions - administration & dosage
Emulsions - chemistry
Emulsions - pharmacokinetics
Solubility
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Microemulsions have been studied extensively as potential drug delivery vehicles for poorly water-soluble drugs. An understanding of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characteristics of the microemulsions according to administration routes will provide guidance for designing the formulations of microemulsions. In this paper, the use and the characteristics of microemulsions as drug delivery vehicles are reviewed. As the formulations of the microemulsion always include a great amount of surfactant and co-surfactant, which may cause hemolysis or histopathological alterations of the tissue, the potential toxicity or the irritancy of microemulsions is also discussed in this paper. Developments of microemulsions for poorly water-soluble drugs in recent years are included in this review. Several factors limiting the commercial or clinical use of microemulsions are also discussed. Considering the potential in enhanced drug uptake/permeation and facing the limitations, their unique properties make microemulsions a promising vehicle for poorly water-soluble drugs.
ISSN:1744-7593
DOI:10.1517/17425241003596337