Development and Evaluation of Micro Emulsion Formulations of Nebivolol for Solubility Enhancement

Abstract
Nebivolol HCl is a newer drug of β1-adrenergic blocker category, basically used as anti-hypertensive. It is a 3rd generation, antagonist, having NO (nitric oxide) enhancing vasodilator properties. It has 12% oral bioavailability, because of its pre systemic metabolism by the means of cytochrome P450 2D6 enzymes. Its log P value is 4.03 and 5mg is its daily dose. It is highly lipophilic drug and belongs to class BCS II, with slow dissolution. Bioavailability of any drug can be improved by avoiding its first pass metabolism and promoting solubility. Several researchers have worked on the development of ME formulations on different poor water-soluble drugs, to increase their solubility. The purpose of this study is an attempt to enhance the solubility to improve the bioavailability of nebivolol drug by developing a novel delivery system that is microemulsion (ME) .ME formulations were developed using different oil, surfactant and co-surfactants in different ratio and studied on various parameters. Different preformulation tests done on received sample of Nebivolol. FTIR study was performed in order to find out any interactions between the ingredients. Based on the solubility Capmul Pg-12 was finalized oil, Tween 80 as surfactant, propylene glycol as the cosurfactant based on solubility and emulsification efficiency. Five Nebivolol ME formulations were successfully developed by use of oil, water, SA and Co-SA different ratio. Prepared formulations were studied for different properties- transmittance (%), pH, refractive index, viscosity, drug content, and solubility. It was seen that after 4 hours of diffusion, the drug released from the formulation ME5 is faster and more than that of the other i.e., 90.2±0.06%. It was found that ME5 was more stable and Soluble than other prepared formulations. With the better solubilty the bioavailability of Nebivolol will increased and helps in faster absorption and High diffusion in systemic circulation with lower or no risk of degradation. It somehow also reduced frequent intake of drug. Keywords: Nebivolol, micro emulsion, Ternary phase diagram, surfactant, co-surfactant.