Enhancement of Solubility of Mebendazole by Sedds : Self Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Mebendazole with improved solubility, effective against lymphatic filariasis

The aim of the present work was to prepare Self emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) of a lipophilic drug, Mebendazole for increasing its solubility. Various oils, surfactants and co-surfactants were screened for their suitability in the formulation of SEDDS. Based on the initial screening, Omix of Tocopherol acetate and Peceol in the ratio 6:4 and surfactant, Labrasol and co-surfactant, PEG 200 were found to be satisfactory. Five formulations were selected from pseudoternary phase diagrams and were evaluated for parameters like drug content, percentage transmittance, dilution potential, centrifugation test, in-vitro release study, emulsification time and dispersibility, emulsion droplet size, zeta potential, polydispersibility index and ex-vivo permeation studies. All the formulations exhibited a rapid emulsification rate and a good polydispersibity index. The size of the droplets as determined by zeta sizer was found to be below 300 nm. The percentage drug release from the formulations was improved compared to that of pure drug. Thus, the formulated SEDDS helped in improving the solubility and dissolution of the drug, thereby increasing its therapeutic effectiveness.