Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Venlafaxine Loaded Polymers Based Nanoparticles

Background: Venlafaxine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for treating depression and anxiety, has low bioavailability due to poor solubility in water and potentially decreased effectiveness. Nanoparticles-based drug delivery is a potential alternative way to increase drug stability, solubility, and targeted release. Aim & Objective: To develop and evaluate Venlafaxine loaded polymeric nanoparticles for bioavailability enhancement and sustained drug release. Methodology: Nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation and optimized by a 3² factorial design. Characterization comprising particle size (DLS), entrapment efficiency, and drug loading (SEM and TEM) was performed. Results: The final optimized F7 form had a yield of 84.33% and drug entrapment efficiency of 89.23%. It showed a mean size of 383.33 nm and a PDI of 0.44 indicating a homogenized delivery system. In vitro experiments showed a prolonged drug release profile with potential for sustained therapeutic action. Conclusion: Improved solubility, stability, and sustained release properties of Venlafaxine make F7 formulation a promising approach to improve its therapeutic potential. It is high yielding and readily entrapped, pointing to its potential clinical utility in psychiatry. Clinical efficacy needs to be confirmed by further in vivo studies.