Preparation and evaluation of Prochlorperazine Maleate loaded nanostructured lipid carrier for the treatment of schizophrenia

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia management using conventional oral antipsychotic formulations is constrained by poor bioavailability, extensive first-pass metabolism, and dose-related systemic adverse effects. Intranasal drug delivery using nanocarrier systems has emerged as a promising strategy for direct brain targeting by bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) via olfactory and trigeminal pathways, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing peripheral exposure. AREAS COVERED: permeation, and stability studies. The optimized NLCs exhibited a particle size of 213.40 ± 46.53 nm, zeta potential of -32.7 mV, and entrapment efficiency of approximately 72%. EXPERT OPINION: This approach has strong potential for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in schizophrenia.