Exploring Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Intranasal Administration of Streptomycin

Streptomycin, the foremost class of drugs called aminoglycosides to be discovered is the only antibiotic remedy for tuberculosis. Streptomycin cannot be given orally, but must be administered by regular intramuscular injections as it is reported to have unreliable absorption throughout the GIT. Further to this, its use in cerebral tuberculosis is minimal as it does not cross the blood brain barrier and drug induced irreversible ototoxicity (Type B toxicity) additionally limits its use. Furthermore, streptomycin is majorly excreted unchanged in urine, as a result of which it is accumulated in kidneys, leading to nephrotoxicity when given continuously for more than 2-3 months. Hence the treatment with streptomycin cannot exceed beyond this period. In the present work we propose the newer drug delivery concepts for effective delivery of streptomycin in a bioavailable form with minimal side effects. Further, a nasal route of administration is also proposed to accomplish its rapid delivery to the brain and diminish the side effects associated with its use considering a controlled slow release from the developed system. Enhancing bioavailability and minimizing serious side effects with suggestion of a noninvasive nasal route would help successfully alleviate systemic and cerebral tubercular infections.