Preparation and Characterization of Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS)

A mixture of oil and surfactant (especially non-ionic) forms clear and transparent isotropic solution known as self-emulsifying system (SES). Lovastatin is HMG-CoA enzyme inhibitor. This enzyme is needed by the body to make cholesterol. Lovastatin causes cholesterol to be lost from LDL, but also reduces the concentration of circulating LDL (low density lipoprotein) particles. Animals studies demonstrated that lovastatin crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers. Elderly patients or those with renal insufficiency may have higher plasma concentrations of lovastatin after administration and may require a lower dose. SEDDS is prepared and filled in hard gelatin capsules. In vitro dissolution indicates that the release of lovastatin from SEDDS varied according to the type and ratio of the oil and surfactants. It was concluded that there was an increase in both the solubility and dissolution rate of drug in SEDDS form as compared to marketed tablet.