Preparation and Evaluation of Metronidazole‐loaded Niosomes in Rats

Abstract

Conventional delivery of metronidazole in the treatment of hepatic amoebiasis is limited by the ineffective concentrations achieved in the liver. Niosomes are taken up by the reticuloendothelial system, and were therefore considered for the hepatic localization of metronidazole for more effective treatment of hepatic forms of amoebiasis with reduced toxicity. Metronidazole-loaded niosomes were prepared by the hand-shaking method. The entrapment efficiency of niosomes varied from 16.33 ± 0.42 to 22.32 ± 0.92%. Tissue distribution of metronidazole after intravenous administration of free drug solution or in niosomes was estimated in rat liver. Higher concentrations of metronidazole were achieved in liver when the drug was entrapped in niosomes. Niosomes could be considered as potential carriers for hepatic localization of metronidazole.