Increasing the Proportional Content of Surfactant (Cremophor EL) Relative to Lipid in Self-emulsifying Lipid-based Formulations of Danazol Reduces Oral Bioavailability in Beagle Dogs

Purpose To investigate the impact of a change in the proportions of lipid, surfactant and co-solvent on the solubilisation capacity of self-emulsifying formulations of danazol during in vitro dispersion and digestion studies and correlation with in vivo bioavailability in beagle dogs. Methods Formulations from within the phase diagram of the pseudo-ternary system composed of soybean oil:maisine 35-1 (1:1 w/w), Cremophor EL and ethanol were assessed in vitro on dispersion and digestion. The relative bioavailability of danazol after administration of a series of these formulations was also determined. Results All formulations formed microemulsions in the presence of water and no drug precipitation was observed on dispersion. In contrast, drug solubilisation was markedly affected by lipase-mediated digestion and a reduction in lipid (and increase in surfactant) content resulted in increased drug precipitation. Consistent with these data, the bioavailability of danazol decreased significantly when the lipid content in the formulations was reduced. Conclusion A rank-order correlation was observed between the patterns of solubilisation obtained during in vitro digestion and the in vivo performance of self-emulsifying formulations of danazol. In general a decrease in the lipid content and an increase in the proportions of surfactant and co-solvent resulted in reduced danazol bioavailability.     

Examination of the impact of a range of Pluronic surfactants on the in-vitro solubilisation behaviour and oral bioavailability of lipidic formulations of atovaquone

Exogenous surfactants are increasingly used to enhance the dispersion properties of lipid-based formulations of poorly water-soluble drugs, yet their possible effects on formulation digestion and oral bioavailability in-vivo are not well documented. In this study, in-vitro dispersion and digestion experiments were conducted using formulations comprising a blend of long-chain glycerides, ethanol, a model poorly water-soluble drug (atovaquone), and a series of surfactants including Cremophor EL and a range of Pluronic surfactants (Pluronics L121, L61, L72, L43 and F68). Inclusion of Cremophor EL, a surfactant with a high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), promoted complete digestion of the formulation and effective dispersion and solubilisation of the lipolytic products and co-administered drug. Surprisingly, formulations containing the Pluronic (L121) with the lowest HLB (0.5) equally effectively promoted digestion and drug solubilisation and a trend towards decreased digestion and drug solubilisation was observed with Pluronics of increasing HLB values. All formulations effectively prevented drug precipitation, suggesting possible utility in-vivo, and no correlation was evident between the ability of the formulations to self-emulsify on dispersion and to promote drug solubilisation on digestion. Subsequent assessment of the oral bioavailability of atovaquone after administration of formulations containing Cremophor EL or Pluronic L121 or a simple solution of atovaquone in long-chain glycerides confirmed the utility of lipid-based formulations for enhancing the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs such as atovaquone, but also indicated that in some cases microemulsion preconcentrate formulations may not provide additional bioavailability benefits beyond that achievable using simple lipid solutions.     

Susceptibility to Lipase-Mediated Digestion Reduces the Oral Bioavailability of Danazol After Administration as a Medium-Chain Lipid-Based Microemulsion Formulation

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of lipidic formulation type on in vitro dispersion and digestion properties and the relationship to oral bioavailability, using danazol as a model lipophilic poorly water-soluble drug. METHODS: Three lipid-based danazol formulations [a long-chain triglyceride solution (LCT-solution) and self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) based on long-chain (C18) lipids (LC-SMEDDS) and medium-chain (C8-C10) lipids (MC-SMEDDS)] were administered to fasted beagle dogs and compared with a micronized danazol formulation administered postprandially and in the fasted state. In vitro dispersion and particle size data for the two SMEDDS were compared, and the distribution/solubilization patterns of danazol across the various phases produced during in vitro digestion quantified. RESULTS: The LCT-solution and LC-SMEDDS formulations significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of danazol when compared to fasted administration of the powder formulation. In contrast, and despite displaying excellent dispersion properties, the MC-SMEDDS resulted in little enhancement in danazol bioavailability. In support of the in vivo findings, in vitro digestion of the medium-chain formulation resulted in significant drug precipitation when compared with the long-chain lipid formulations. CONCLUSIONS: Digestion of microemulsion preconcentrate formulations based on medium-chain lipids may limit in vivo utility when compared with similar formulations based on long chain lipids.     

Application of Capmul MCM and caprylic acid for the development of danazol-loaded SEDDS

Abstract

The feasibility of using Capmul MCM and caprylic acid (medium-chain triglyceride pre-digestion products) as the lipid phase was investigated for the development of self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) as a carrier system to enhance solubilization of poorly water-soluble danazol. The composition of SEDDS was first evaluated by phase diagrams of lipid/surfactant/water systems. Thereafter, danazol-loaded SEDDS was formulated and subjected to dispersion/precipitation study in distilled water, HCl buffer, phosphate buffer, or biorelevant aqueous media. The mechanism of danazol dispersion was investigated by comparing the solubilization capacity of blank SEDDS dispersed in various aqueous media with respective dispersion/precipitation profiles obtained. Phase diagrams showed that at least 30% (w/w) Cremophor RH40, as the surfactant, was needed to properly emulsify Capmul MCM:caprylic acid (1:1), as the lipid phase. Different extent of danazol precipitation was observed upon the dispersion of danazol-loaded SEDDS in different aqueous media. Danazol precipitation was dominated by the solubilization capacity of danazol, which was influenced by the ratio of Capmul MCM:CA and Cremophor RH40, pH of aqueous media, gastrointestinal composition, and blank SEDDS concentration.     

Incomplete Desorption of Liquid Excipients Reduces the in Vitro and in Vivo Performance of Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems Solidified by Adsorption onto an Inorganic Mesoporous Carrier

The purpose of the current study was to provide a mechanistic basis for in vitro and in vivo performance differences between lipid-based formulations solidified by adsorption onto a high surface area material and their respective liquid (i.e., nonadsorbed) counterparts. Two self-emulsifying formulations (based on either medium-chain or long-chain lipids) of the poorly water-soluble drug danazol were solidified by adsorption onto Neusilin US2. Liquid and adsorbed lipid-based formulations were subjected to in vitro dispersion-digestion tests, and additional in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate the cause of performance differences. The bioavailability of danazol after oral administration to rats was also assessed. The percentage of the dose solubilized in the aqueous phase during in vitro dispersion-digesting was ～35% lower for the adsorbed formulations when compared to their liquid counterparts. This trend was also reflected in vivo, where the bioavailability of danazol after administration of the adsorbed formulations was ～50% lower than that obtained after administration of the equivalent liquid formulation. Incomplete desorption of the microemulsion preconcentrate from the carrier on dispersion-digestion was identified as the main contributor to the reduced pharmaceutical performance of the adsorbed formulations. The results of the current study indicate that solidification of lipid-based formulations through adsorption onto a high surface area carrier may limit formulation (and drug) release in vivo and thereby reduce oral bioavailability.     

Design of Lipid-Based Formulations for Oral Administration of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs: Precipitation of Drug after Dispersion of Formulations in Aqueous Solution

This study was designed to investigate the precipitation of a lipophilic drug following dispersion of lipid formulations in water. The model drug fenofibrate was formulated in representative lipid delivery systems designed for oral administration, using medium chain glycerides, polysorbates, and propylene glycol as excipients. Aqueous dispersion of water-insoluble self-emulsifying lipid formulations resulted in turbid emulsions, followed subsequently by very slow precipitation of 3–7% of the dose of fenofibrate. Self-emulsifying formulations that included water-soluble surfactants, which dissolved a lower mass of drug in solution at equilibrium, nevertheless typically maintained drugs in a metastable state, following dilution with water, for several hours or even days. Formulations with higher contents of hydrophilic materials resulted in more rapid precipitation. Extensive precipitation of fenofibrate from oil-free formulations, comprising of only surfactants and cosolvents, took place within 30 min. The results indicated that most of the lipid systems were supersaturated with respect to the drug on dilution, but the extent of precipitation varied significantly between formulations and was influenced by the extent of supersaturation after dilution. The study suggests that the use of hydrophilic formulations for delivery of lipophilic drugs may result in a greater extent of drug precipitation in the stomach. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:3582–3595, 2009     

Comparison of in vitro tests at various levels of complexity for the prediction of in vivo performance of lipid-based formulations: Case studies with fenofibrate

The objectives of this study were to characterise three prototype fenofibrate lipid-based formulations using a range of in vitro tests with differing levels of complexity and to assess the extent to which these methods provide additional insight into in vivo findings. Three self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) were prepared: a long chain (LC) Type IIIA SEDDS, a medium chain (MC) Type IIIA SEDDS, and a Type IIIB/IV SEDDS containing surfactants only (SO). Dilution, dispersion and digestion tests were performed to assess solubilisation and precipitation behaviour in vitro. Focussed beam reflectance measurements and solid state characterisation of the precipitate was conducted. Oral bioavailability was evaluated in landrace pigs. Dilution and dispersion testing revealed that all three formulations were similar in terms of maintaining fenofibrate in a solubilised state on dispersion in biorelevant media. During in vitro digestion, the Type IIIA formulations displayed limited drug precipitation (<5%), whereas the Type IIIB/IV formulation displayed extensive drug precipitation (∼70% dose). Solid state analysis confirmed that precipitated fenofibrate was crystalline. The oral bioavailability was similar for the three lipid formulations (65–72%). In summary, the use of LC versus MC triglycerides in Type IIIA SEDDS had no impact on the bioavailability of fenofibrate. The extensive precipitation observed with the Type IIIB/IV formulation during in vitro digestion did not adversely impact fenofibrate bioavailability in vivo, relative to the Type IIIA formulations. These results were predicted suitably using in vitro dilution and dispersion testing, whereas the in vitro digestion method failed to predict the outcome of the in vivo study.     

Enhancing intestinal drug solubilisation using lipid-based delivery systems

Lipid-based delivery systems are finding increasing application in the oral delivery of poorly water-soluble, lipophilic drugs. Whilst lipidic dose forms may improve oral bioavailability via several mechanisms, enhancement of gastrointestinal solubilisation remains argueably the most important method of absorption enhancement. This review firstly describes the mechanistic rationale which underpins the use of lipid-based delivery systems to enhance drug solubilisation and briefly reviews the available literature describing increases in oral bioavailability after the administration of lipid solution, suspension and self-emulsifying formulations. The use of in vitro methods including dispersion tests and more complex models of in vitro lipolysis as indicators of potential in vivo performance are subsequently described, with particular focus on recent data which suggests that the digestion of surfactants present in lipid-based formulations may impact on formulation performance. Finally, a series of seven guiding principles for formulation design of lipid-based delivery systems are suggested based on an analysis of recent data generated in our laboratories and elsewhere.     

Particle size reduction for improvement of oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs: I. Absolute oral bioavailability of nanocrystalline danazol in beagle dogs

Danazol is a poorly water soluble compound (10 μg/ml) that demonstrates poor bioavailability. The impact on bioavailability of increasing the area for dissolution by decreasing drug crystal particle size to less than 200 nm and stabilizing the particles to prevent agglomeration in the GI tract has been evaluated. A randomized three-way crossover study was conducted in fasted male beagle dogs to compare absolute oral bioavailability of danazol from three formulations. The three formulations examined were: A, an aqueous dispersion of nanoparticulate danazol (mean particle size 169 nm); B, danazol-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPB) complex; C, an aqueous suspension of conventional danazol particles (mean particle size 10 μm). The three formulations were administered (200 mg) at 1 week intervals, and a fourth leg was conducted using intravenous danazol-HPB at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Plasma samples were obtained over the course of 24 h and analyzed by SPE-HPLC. Absolute oral bioavailability of each formulation was determined by comparison of oral AUC values to intravenous AUC values in the same dog, normalized to a 20 mg/kg dose. Absolute bioavailabilities of the three formulations were: nanoparticulate danazol, 82.3 ± 10.1%; cyclodextrin complex, 106.7 ± 12.3%; conventional danazol suspension, 5.1 ± 1.9%. The bioavailabilities of nanoparticle dispersion and cyclodextrin complex are not significantly different (P = 0.05) suggesting that the nanoparticle dispersion had overcome the dissolution rate limited bioavailabilty observed with conventional suspensions of danazol. This approach should have general applicability to many poorly soluble drugs with dissolution rate-limited absorption.     

Evaluation of drug precipitation of solubility-enhancing liquid formulations using milligram quantities of a new molecular entity (NME)

A precipitation screening method using a 96-well microtiter plate was developed to evaluate in vitro drug precipitation kinetics of liquid formulations for poorly water-soluble compounds, using milligram quantities of compounds and milliliter volumes of biorelevant media. By using this method we identified three formulations showing distinct in vitro precipitation kinetics (fast, slow, and no precipitation) for a model new molecular entity (JNJ-25894934). The in vitro precipitation profiles in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF), and fed state simulated intestinal fluid (FeSSIF) were compared with those measured by a USP dissolution method, and with in vivo absorption at the fasted and fed states in canine pharmacokinetic (PK) studies. The precipitation kinetics of all three formulations in the initial hours measured by the screening method correlated to those determined by the USP method (R(2) = 0.96). The PK results showed that the fast-precipitation formulation had the lowest bioavailability. However, a similar bioavailability was observed for the slow- and no-precipitation formulations. The oral bioavailability of JNJ-25894934 at the fed state was also significantly higher than that at the fasted state for all three formulations (p < 0.05). In addition, the in vitro precipitation profiles in FeSSIF correlated better with in vivo absorption than those in SIF and FaSSIF.     

Choice of Nonionic Surfactant Used to Formulate Type IIIA Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems and the Physicochemical Properties of the Drug Have a Pronounced Influence on the Degree of Drug Supersaturation that Develops During In Vitro Digestion

The performance of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) is influenced by their tendency to generate supersaturated systems during dispersion and digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the effect of drug loading on supersaturation during digestion of fenofibrate or danazol SEDDS, each formulated using long-chain lipids and a range of nonionic surfactants. Supersaturation was described by the maximum supersaturation ratio (SR^M) produced by in vitro digestion. This parameter was calculated as the ratio of the total concentration of drug present in the digestion vessel versus the drug solubility in the colloidal phases formed by digestion of the SEDDS. SR^M proved to be a remarkable indicator of performance across a range of lipid-based formulations. SEDDS containing danazol showed little evidence of precipitation on digestion, even at drug loads approaching saturation in the formulation. In contrast, fenofibrate crystallized extensively on digestion of the corresponding series of SEDDS, depending on the drug loading. The difference was explained by the generation of higher SR^M values by fenofibrate formulations. A threshold SR^M of 2.5–2.6 was identified in six of the seven SEDDS. This is not a definitive threshold for precipitation, but in general when SR^M is greater than 3, fenofibrate supersaturation could not be maintained. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:1050–1063, 2014     

Use of in vitro lipid digestion data to explain the in vivo performance of triglyceride-based oral lipid formulations of poorly water-soluble drugs: studies with halofantrine

The relative oral bioavailability (BA) of halofantrine base (Hf) was assessed in male beagle dogs after administration of a medium chain triglyceride (MCT), a long chain triglyceride (LCT), and a blended LCT/MCT lipid solution formulation of Hf (Study 1) and after administration of suspensions of Hf base and Hf. HCl in LCT (Study 2). A series of in vitro lipid digestion experiments were also performed in an attempt to clarify the data obtained. In vitro drug solubilization profiles were markedly dependent on the mass of lipid employed in lipid digestion experiments. At high lipid masses ( approximately 25 mg triglyceride/mL), MCT formulations gave maximal benefit, whereas at low lipid concentrations ( approximately 5 mg triglyceride/mL), LCT formulations provided improved solubilization capacity. The in vitro digestion and solubilization data at lower lipid masses were consistent with the in vivo data where the BA of Hf after oral administration of the LCT solution > LCT/MCT blend > MCT solution. The second BA study showed similar, albeit variable, exposure after oral administration of a suspension of Hf base or Hf. HCl in LCT and this trend was broadly consistent with in vitro results. This study demonstrates the potential utility of in vitro digestion models to assess and rank order the in vivo performance of lipid solution and suspension formulations of poorly water-soluble drugs such as Hf.     

吡罗昔康自微乳化药物传递系统的处方筛选与体外评价

筛选吡罗昔康自微乳化药物传递系统(SMEDDS)的处方并进行体外评价。考察了吡罗昔康在不同油相和表面活性剂中的溶解度；对不同油相和表面活性剂进行初步配伍研究；通过绘制三元相图研究处方中不同油相、表面活性剂和辅助表面活性剂形成微乳的能力和区域；对制剂粒径及溶出度进行考察。处方选用肉桂醇作为吡罗昔康的溶剂，以Labrafil M 1944CS为油相，Cremophor EL为表面活性剂，Transcotol P为辅助表面活性剂。所得3个处方乳化后的粒径及分布分别为(32.2±5.0)、(40.1±6.4)、(81.9±12.2)nm。制剂溶出速度快。通过处方研究确定了最优处方，研制了吡罗昔康SMEDDS。     

The influence of gastric acidity and taste masking agent on in situ gelling pectin formulations for oral sustained delivery of acetaminophen

Dilute solutions of pectin containing complexed calcium ions form gels when these ions are released in the acidic environment of the stomach. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a variation of gastric pH and the addition of a taste masking agent on the gelation of the pectin solutions and on the in vitro and in vivo release of acetaminophen from the gels. Increase of pH above 2.5 and addition of 10% (w/v) D-sorbitol significantly affected the ability of 1.5% (w/v) pectin solutions to form coherent gels in vitro. Gelation of sorbitol-free formulations was observed at pH 1.2 and in vitro release of acetaminophen from the gels followed diffusion-controlled kinetics; in vitro gelation of these formulations, however, was incomplete at pH 3.0 resulting in poor sustained release characteristics. Inclusion of 10% (w/v) D-sorbitol in the formulations inhibited the in vitro gelation of the 1.5% (w/v) pectin sols and poor sustained release properties were noted from these formulations even at pH 1.2. The bioavailability of acetaminophen from gels formed in the stomach of gastric-acidity controlled rabbits following oral administration of the liquid formulations was not, however, significantly affected either by the inclusion of 10% (w/v) D-sorbitol or increase of pH to 3.6. Visual observation showed in situ gelation of 1.5% (w/v) pectin formulations containing D-sorbitol at pH 4.3 suggesting that normal variations of gastric acidity in the fasting state will have no effect on the bioavailability of acetaminophen when delivered using these formulations.     

Assessment of the percutaneous penetration of indomethacin from soybean oil microemulsion: effects of the HLB value of mixed surfactants

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the ratios or the hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) values of Cremophor EL and Span 80 on the phase behavior of the O/W microemulsions and the percutaneous absorption and penetration of indomethacin microemulsions. The existence of microemulsion regions is investigated in quaternary systems composed of soybean oil/Cremophor EL and Span 80 (mixed surfactants)/diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (cosurfactant)/water by constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams at various Cremophor EL/Span 80 ratios. In addition, five microemulsion formulations with various mixed surfactants HLB values were evaluated by in vitro penetration experiments using mouse skin and Franz diffusion cells. The flux and amount of indomethacin penetration from 5 microemulsion formulations were significantly different from the control, and the enhance ratios ranged from 2.38 to 4.68 and 2.11 to 4.23, respectively. The HLB value of mixed surfactants in the formulations was a principal factor in determining the percutaneous penetration of the drug. The flux and amount of drug penetration increased gradually with increasing content of the lipophilic surfactant Span 80 and skin retention was highest for mixed surfactants with a HLB value of 7.6. Therefore, it is suggested that the presence of mixed surfactants was beneficial in the formation of O/W microemulsions and enhanced percutaneous penetration of indomethacin.     

The Precipitation Behavior of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs with an Emphasis on the Digestion of Lipid Based Formulations

An increasing number of newly discovered drugs are poorly water-soluble and the use of natural and synthetic lipids to improve the oral bioavailability of these drugs by utilizing the digestion pathway in-vivo has proved an effective formulation strategy. The mechanisms responsible for lipid digestion and drug solubilisation during gastrointestinal transit have been explored in detail, but the implications of drug precipitation beyond the potential adverse effect on bioavailability have received attention only in recent years. Specifically, these implications are that different solid forms of drug on precipitation may affect the total amount of drug absorbed in-vivo through their different physico-chemical properties, and the possibility that the dynamic environment of the small intestine may afford re-dissolution of precipitated drug if present in a high-energy form. This review describes the events that lead to drug precipitation during the dispersion and digestion of lipid based formulations, common methods used to inhibit precipitation, as well as conventional and newly emerging characterization techniques for studying the solid state form of the precipitated drug. Moreover, selected case studies are discussed where drug precipitation has ensued from the digestion of lipid based formulations, as well as the apparent link between drug ionisability and altered solid forms on precipitation, culminating in a discussion about the importance of the solid form on precipitation with relevance to the total drug absorbed.     

Effects of protein binding on the biodistribution of PEGylated PLGA nanoparticles post oral administration

The surface of nanoparticles is often functionalised with polymeric surfactants, in order to increase systemic circulation time. This has been investigated mainly for intravenously administered nanoparticles. This study aims to elucidate the effect of surface coating with various concentrations of polymeric surfactants (PEG and Pluronics F127) on the in vitro protein binding as well as the tissue biodistribution, post oral administration, of PLGA nanoparticles. The in vitro protein binding varied depending on the polymeric surfactant used. However, in vivo, 1% PEG and 1% Pluronics F127 coated particles presented similar biodistribution profiles in various tissues over seven days. Furthermore, the percentage of PEG and Pluronics coated particles detected in plasma was higher than that of uncoated PLGA particles, indicating that systemic circulation time can also be increased with oral formulations. The difference in the in vitro protein binding as a result of the different poloxamers used versus similar in vivo profiles of these particles indicates that in vitro observations for nanoparticles cannot represent or be correlated to the in vivo behaviour of the nanoparticles. Our results therefore suggest that more studies have to be conducted for oral formulations to give a better understanding of the kinetics of the particles.     

Cefuroxime axetil solid dispersion with polyglycolized glycerides for improved stability and bioavailability

Objectives Cefuroxime axetil (CA), a poorly soluble, broad spectrum cephalosporin ester prodrug, is hydrolysed by intestinal esterase prior to absorption, leading to poor and variable bioavailability. The objective was therefore to formulate a stable amorphous solid dispersion of the drug with enhanced solubility and stability against enzymatic degradation. Methods Spray drying was used to obtain a solid dispersion of CA with Gelucire 50/13 and Aerosil 200 (SDCAGA), and a solid dispersion of CA with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (SDCAP); amorphous CA (ACA) was obtained by spray drying CA alone. The formulations were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies, and compared for solubility, dissolution and bioavailability in rats. Key findings SDCAP and SDCAGA showed improved solubility and dissolution profiles owing to amorphization and formation of solid dispersions with hydrophilic carriers. The improved stability of amorphous CA in solid dispersions compared to ACA alone was attributed to hydrogen bonding interactions involving the amide of CA with the carbonyl of polyvinyl pyrrolidone in SDCAP, whereas in SDCAGA the interactions were at multiple sites involving the amide and carbonyl of CA with the carbonyl and hydroxyl of Gelucire 50/13. However, SDCAGA showed superior bioavailability compared to SDCAP, ACA and CA. Conclusions Improvement in physical stability of solid dispersions was attributed to hydrogen bonding, while improvement in bioavailability of SDCAGA compared to SDCAP, in spite of comparable solubility and dissolution profile, may be attributed to Gelucire, which utilizes intestinal esterase for lipolysis, protecting the prodrug from enzymatic degradation to its non‐absorbable base form.     

Development and bioavailability assessment of ramipril nanoemulsion formulation.

The objective of our investigation was to design a thermodynamically stable and dilutable nanoemulsion formulation of Ramipril, with minimum surfactant concentration that could improve its solubility, stability and oral bioavailability. Formulations were taken from the o/w nanoemulsion region of phase diagrams, which were subjected to thermodynamic stability and dispersibility tests. The composition of optimized formulation was Sefsol 218 (20% w/w), Tween 80 (18% w/w), Carbitol (18% w/w) and standard buffer solution pH 5 (44% w/w) as oil, surfactant, cosurfactant and aqueous phase, respectively, containing 5 mg of ramipril showing drug release (95%), droplet size (80.9 nm), polydispersity (0.271), viscosity (10.68 cP), and infinite dilution capability. In vitro drug release of the nanoemulsion formulations was highly significant (p<0.01) as compared to marketed capsule formulation and drug suspension. The relative bioavailability of ramipril nanoemulsion to that of conventional capsule form was found to be 229.62% whereas to that of drug suspension was 539.49%. The present study revealed that ramipril nanoemulsion could be used as a liquid formulation for pediatric and geriatric patients and can be formulated as self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) as a unit dosage form.