Formulation and Evaluation of Glimepiride-loaded Liposomes by Ethanol- Injection Method

Objective: The objective of present study deals with an attempt to formulate Glimepiride in liposomal drug delivery system, in order to maintain steady state plasma concentration; hence it has to be administered frequently to the patients, because of its short plasma half life. To maintain steady plasma concentration for longer period of time formulation of controlled drug release system is essential. Liposomal drug delivery system provides sustained release of Glimepiride. Methods: Glimepiride liposomes were prepared by ethanol injection method using varying concentration of cholesterol and lecithin. Drug excipient compatibility study was performed by FT-IR spectral studies and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Liposomes were evaluated for drug encapsulation efficiency, morphological study by optical microscope, SEM and TEM, vesicle size and zeta potential determination, In -vitro drug release & kinetic study and stability studies. Results: The formulations fulfilled all official requirements. The drug release was slow and sustained for >12 hrs. The formulations followed zero order kinetics. Zeta potential and stability study for 90 days demonstrated that the formulation was stable at 25¬¬¬¬oC than when refrigerated. Conclusion: Glimepiride was formulated as liposomal formulation after checking the compatibility by DSC and FT-IR studies. The liposomes preparation FA3 was optimized based on the particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug release characteristics.