Formulation And Evaluation Of Clarithromycin Nanosuspension

Abstract

Background: Oral administration is the preferred route for drug delivery, but many drugs face challenges due to poor water solubility. This leads to inadequate bioavailability and variability in plasma levels. Macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin (CAM) often have low bioavailability, with only about half of their active content being soluble.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to enhance the bioavailability of clarithromycin by developing a stable nanosuspension using the nano precipitation technique. Specific objectives included evaluating the physicochemical properties of the formulations and assessing their drug release profiles. 

Materials and Methods: Clarithromycin was processed using the nano precipitation technique to create four formulations (F1-F4) with varying concentrations of Poloxamer 188 (stabilizer) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) (surfactant). The resulting nanosuspensions were analyzed for particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index, while compatibility studies confirmed no significant chemical changes between the drug and excipients.

Results: The formulations exhibited drug content ranging from 65 ± 0.3% to 98 ± 0.12%. Average particle sizes were measured between 96.4 nm and 511.7 nm across the formulations. Formulation 4 (F4) demonstrated the most desirable stability and characteristics. F4 had the highest cumulative percentage of drug release in 30 minutes, indicating an optimal formulation for enhanced bioavailability.

Conclusion: The nano precipitation technique enhanced the solubility and bioavailability of clarithromycin, with formulation F4 showing the best stability and drug release profile. This suggests its potential for improving therapeutic efficacy. Further studies are recommended to investigate its in vivo performance.