Formulation development and characterization of oxcarbazepine microemulsion for intranasal delivery

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop novel intranasal microemulsion containing oxcarbazepine (OXC) for treatment of epilepsy. Optimized ratio of Tween 80: Polyethylene glycol and isopropyl myristate was selected after developing pseudoternary phase diagrams and microemulsions were prepared. The prepared microemulsions were characterized for drug content, pH, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, conductivity, viscosity and in vitro release. Ex vivo permeation study for selected microemulsion was performed through sheep nasal mucosa. Further pharmacodynamic performance was evaluated in mice by electrically induced seizures. It was found that selected microemulsion was transparent with average globule size of 20.5 nm and cumulative percentage drug permeated was 95.60 %. Pharmacodynamic evaluation of selected formulation also indicated lesser intensity of seizures with low dose in mice in comparison to oral suspension of OXC. OXC intranasal delivery system is an effective alternate therapy for treatment of epilepsy.