DOI: 10.21276/sajp.2016.5.7.5

Pages: 289-296

Furosemide is a high-ceiling (loop) diuretic, which is extensively used in the treatment of hypertension and oedema associated complications. However, when delivered orally, furosemide is poorly water-soluble and in turn suffers from poor bioavailability. The aim of this study was to investigate and develop SEDDS of furosemide and to enhance its solubility, dissolution and consequently its bioavailability. The formulation technique of this study included selection of oil phase based on solubility studies and based on emulsification abilities surfactants and co-surfactants were screened. Calibration curve was constructed to determinethe concentration of dissolved drug by using a serial dilution method. The prepared formulations of SEDDS were evaluated based on their release patterns. Mathematical models used for furosemide release studies were zero order kinetic model, first order kinetic model, Higuchi model, Korsemeyer-peppas model and Hixson–crowell model. In vitro release studies revealed that release profiles of furosemide was best expressed by Higuchi equation, as the plots showed highest linearity (coefficient of determination, R2= 0.94). Likewise, the formulation DS3 showed highest linearity (R2= 0.94). Nonetheless, poor linearity’s (R2= 0.66 to 0.71) were found in first order and in zero order kinetic model (R2= 0.68 to 0.76). The results of this study clearly indicated the potential opportunity to modulate the rate and to extend the drug (furosemide) release with the used polymers and formulations. Furthermore, the results of this study strongly recommend the successful use of SEDDS to increase solubility, dissolution and in turn bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs like furosemide