FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF RITONAVIR LOADED PRONIOSOMES FOR ORAL DRUG DELIVERY

Proniosomes of ritonavir were prepared by slurry method using Span 60, maltodextrin and cholesterol. The ratio of concentration of Span 60 to cholesterol was altered while keeping concentration of drug and maltodextrin constant. Prepared formulations were studied for micromeritic properties, entrapment efficiency, particle size, surface morphology and in vitro drug release. Micromeritic properties of all formulations increased as compared to drug and carrier alone. Entrapment efficiency was observed greater than 90 % and drug release was found to be sustained for upto 12 hours in case of all formulations. Pure drug, carrier and optimized batch F2 was further characterized for SEM, DSC, XRD. Results revealed transformation of crystalline drug to amorphous state. Stability studies performed at refrigeration and room temperature showed that proniosomes were stable at both the temperatures. It is concluded that proniosomes act as efficient and promising carrier system for ritonavir.