FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF METOPROLOL SUCCINATE NIOSOMAL GEL

Dr. C. Aparna*, R. Naga Sai Rupa and Dr. M. Bhagavan Raju

ABSTRACT

Self-assembly of non-ionic surfactants into vesicles was first reported in the cosmetic industry. Niosomes are osmotically active and stable, increase the stability of entrapped drug. The present study focuses on enhancement of bioavailability and sustaining the release rate of metoprolol succinate. Metoprolol succinate niosomes were formulated using different ratios of the span and cholesterol. The vesicles were evaluated for the encapsulation efficiency and drug release. The niosomes were characterized for surface morphology and particle size. SEM studies indicated that there was no aggregation and particles existed as separate entities with uniform size distribution. Among the niosomal formulations prepared, formulations B2 and B3 containing cholesterol and span60 in the ratios 1:1 and 1:3 were selected due to high entrapment efficiency (84% for B2 and 80% for B3), high drug release (82.74% for B2 69.52% for B3) and stability. The formulations B2 and B3 were formulated into niosomal gel using different concentrations of Carbopol 934. The gel formulation could sustain the drug release for 24hrs. Niosomes enhance the bioavailability of metoprolol succinate by avoiding the pre-systemic metabolism, and niosomal gels can sustain the release rate of metoprolol succinate and hence are a promising approach for delivery of drug through transdermal route.

Keywords: Metoprolol succinate, niosomes, niosomal gel, prolonged drug release.