Preparation, characterization and tissue disposition of niosomes containing isoniazid

Non-ionic surfactant vesicles (or niosomes) are now widely studied as alternates to liposomes. An increasing number of non-ionic surfactant has been found to form vesicles, capable of entrapping hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules. Isoniazid encapsulated as formulation using ethanol injection method. A different ratio of cholesterol was used. The formulated systems were characterized for in vitro by size distribution analysis, drug entrapment efficiency and drug release profiles. In vivo drug disposition was evaluated in normal, healthy albino rats for niosomal formulation. The size range 2. 28 ±0. 008(Plain Span 60), 2. 311±0. 009 (Span60: Cholesterol, 40:50), 2. 15±0. 002 (span60: Cholesterol 50:50). The entrapment release 74. 12% (Plain Span 60), 80. 23%(Span60: Cholesterol, 40:50), 76. 26% (span60: Cholesterol, 50:50). In vitro release pattern indicated that about total drug content were released within 48 h. The drug disposition by niosomal drug delivery proved that the drug accumulated in visceral organs (lung, kidney, liver, spleen) was lower than free drug. This proved that niosomal drug delivery system has lesser toxicity than free drug. From the present investigation, it can be concluded that the prepared niosomal drug delivery system of antitubercular agent such as isoniazid has exceptional potential for development into a low dose performed with effective treatment for tuberculosis.