title: Formulation and characterization of lipid-based drug delivery system of raloxifene-microemulsion and self-microemulsifying drug delivery system.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Raloxifene, a second-generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is administered orally in the form of a tablet. The absolute bioavailability of the drug is only 2% because of extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism. Lipid-based formulations are reported to reduce the first-pass metabolism by promoting its lymphatic uptake.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present investigation, microemulsion and Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS) formulations of Raloxifene were prepared. The prepared formulations were characterized for drug loading, size, transparency, zeta potential, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and in vitro intestinal permeability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicated that high drug loading, optimum size and desired zeta potential and transparency could be achieved with both SMEDDS and microemulsion. The TEM studies indicated the absence of aggregation with both the systems. The in vitro intestinal permeability results showed that the permeation of the drug from the microemulsion and SMEDDs was significantly higher than that obtained from the drug dispersion and marketed formulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lipid based formulations such as microemulsion and Self Microemulsifying drug delivery systems are expected to increase the oral bioavailability as evidenced by the increased intestinal permeation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India.
authors.forename: Hetal
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thakkar
authors.forename: Jitesh
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nangesh
authors.forename: Mayur
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parmar
authors.forename: Divyakant
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Patel