DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF TIZANIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES

Objectives: The primary objective of the present study is to develop and evaluate tizanidine hydrochloride (TZ) solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using solid lipids/triglycerides. Methods: TZ SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication technique. The prepared SLNs were characterized for drug content, entrapment and loading efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and in intro release kinetics. Results: TZ SLNs were prepared. The particle size ranged from 49.7 to 523.7 nm. PDI of all formulations was good within the range of 0.189–0.487. The zeta potential of blank SLNs was −15.2 mV whereas drug-loaded SLNs showed zeta potential from −8.85 mV to −42.0 mV. Entrapment efficiency observed was in the range of 34.5–75.0%. The cumulative percentage release of TZ from different TZ nanoparticles varied from 35.28% to 83.98% depending on the drug-lipid ratio and the type of lipid and surfactant used. The release kinetic studies of optimized formulation showed that the release was first order and the release mechanism was non-Fickian type. Conclusion: The prepared SLNs were able to sustain the drug release for 24 h, thus reducing dosing frequency and occurrence of side effects, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the drug.