DESIGN AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF FLUOXETINE ETHOSOMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR BRAIN DELIVERY

The present study was aimed at the formulation and evaluation of Fluoxetine-loaded ethosomes using varying concentrations of lipids to enhance drug delivery. Four formulations (F1–F4) were prepared and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, drug-excipient compatibility, particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and stability studies. Preformulation studies confirmed the purity and suitability of Fluoxetine for formulation development. FTIR studies demonstrated the compatibility between the drug and selected excipients without any significant interactions. The prepared ethosomes exhibited particle sizes ranging from 163 to 228 nm and zeta potential values between −21 and −32 mV, indicating good stability. SEM analysis confirmed the spherical morphology of the vesicles. Entrapment efficiency ranged from 65.80% to 84.50%, with formulation F4 showing the highest entrapment efficiency (84.50%). In vitro drug release studies revealed sustained release behavior, with F4 exhibiting the highest cumulative drug release of 94.2% over 8 hours. Accelerated stability studies conducted on the optimized formulation (F4) demonstrated satisfactory stability over a period of three months. Based on the overall findings, formulation F4 was identified as the optimized ethosomal formulation with desirable physicochemical properties, enhanced drug entrapment, sustained drug release, and good stability. Thus, Fluoxetine-loaded ethosomes may serve as a promising vesicular drug delivery system for improved therapeutic efficacy. Keywords: Fluoxetine, Ethosomes, Vesicular drug delivery system, Entrapment efficiency, In vitro drug release, Stability studies.