Formulation and Evaluation of Dexamethasone Loaded Cubosomes

Abstract

Cubosomes are altered cubic phase systems, which are emerging as promising drug delivery system for the delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilc drugs. Dexamethasone is a lipophilic steroidal drug with poor hydrophilicity. Lipophilic drugs like Dexamethasone can be successfully administered by use of novel transdermal systems like cubosomes, nanoparticles, liposomes, implants etc. Controlled drug delivery, increased time scale of action, preventing the necessity of frequent parenteral and ophthalmic admisitration is enhanced by loading Dexamethasone in the form of cubosomes. The main aim of present research was to encapsulate Dexamethasone in cubosomes for sustained drug release. Dexamethasone loaded cubosomes were prepared by top-down technique using Glyceryl Mono Oleate and Poloxamer 407 in different ratios. The prepared formulations were subjected to evaluation studies for excipient compatability, particle size, zeta potential, drug content, entrapment efficiency and In vitro drug release. The maximum entrapment efficiency was found as 96% with vesicle size as 119.4 nm, charge as-22.1±5.66 mV, Poly Dispersity Index as 0.153 and In vitro drug release as 92.12% by dialysis bag method over 24hrs. Stability studies were also conducted for the formulations as per protocol mentioned in ICH guidelines. These results suggest that the cubosomal formulation F6 is suitable for the delivery of Dexamethasone.