In vitro/vivo assessment of praziquantel nanocrystals: Formulation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs

• Published in: Asian journal of pharmceutical sciences Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 321 - 328
• Main Authors: Yang, Ruyi, Zhang, Tao, Yu, Jiang, Liu, Yan, Wang, Yingli, He, Zhonggui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.05.2019; Shenyang Pharmaceutical University; Elsevier
• Subjects: Dissolution; Microcrystals; Nanocrystals; Pharmacokinetics; Praziquantel; Nanocrystals; Pharmacokinetics; Praziquantel; Dissolution; Microcrystals
• ISSN: 1818-0876; 2221-285X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2018.06.001

To investigate the impact of particle size on in vitro/vivo performance of praziquantel (PZQ), nanocrystals (NCs) and microcrystals (MCs) of PZQ were prepared using the methods of wet milling and jet milling, respectively. PZQ NCs and MCs were characterized with dynamic light scattering, laser particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The average diameters of PZQ NCs and MCs were 364.4 nm and 3.7 µm, respectively. No change in crystalline form was observed. Dissolution tests were performed in two different media, where the cumulative dissolution and dissolution rate of NCs were significantly improved in comparison with those of MCs and KANGQING® in non-sink condition. Similarly, oral bioavailability of PZQ NCs in beagle dogs was 1.68 (P < 0.05) and 1.83 fold (P < 0.01) higher than that of MCs and KANGQING®. Considering the advantages of in vitro/vivo performance and facile preparation, PZQ NCs may have a great application in the treatment of schistosomiasis. Praziquantel nanocrystals were prepared successfully by wet milling methods with the particle size of 364.4 nm. Compared with commercially available tablets and praziquantel microcrystals, praziquantel nanocrystals showed increased dissolution rate in vitro and oral bioavailability in vivo. [Display omitted]