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: This study aimed to develop and evaluate Prochlorperazine Maleate-loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) for intranasal administration to enhance brain delivery. Prochlorperazine Maleate, a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist used in schizophrenia management, was selected due to its poor oral bioavailability and significant hepatic metabolism. NLCs were prepared using a lipid-based approach and optimized by varying lipid composition and surfactant concentration. The optimized formulation consisted of a solid lipid to liquid lipid ratio of 77.51:22.49 with 1.5% Tween 80. Evaluation parameters included particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, release kinetics, ex vivo 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.