Published Paper Details:

Background: Felodipine, a calcium channel blocker, suffers from poor aqueous solubility and limited oral bioavailability, which restricts its therapeutic efficacy. To overcome these limitations, nanoparticle-based delivery systems provide a promising approach for enhancing solubility, stability, and sustained release. Methods: Felodipine-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method with PLGA as the polymer and PVA as the stabilizer. Preformulation studies, including organoleptic evaluation, FTIR, ?max determination, melting point, solubility, partition coefficient, and drug excipient compatibility, were carried out. The formulations (F1-F5) were characterized for physical appearance, particle size, zeta potential, SEM morphology, pH, drug content, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and stability studies under ICH conditions. Results: Preformulation confirmed drug identity, purity, and lipophilic character (log P = 4.1). The prepared nanoparticles exhibited uniform, milky dispersions with particle sizes in the range of 234-254 nm. Formulation F4 showed optimal stability with a zeta potential of -13.7 mV, spherical morphology, and high entrapment efficiency (86.4%). In vitro release studies revealed sustained drug release, with F4 showing maximum release (92.9% over 8 hours) following zero-order kinetics. Stability testing confirmed no significant changes in drug content, pH, or release profile after three months at accelerated conditions. Conclusion: Felodipine-loaded PLGA nanoparticles, particularly formulation F4, demonstrated favorable physicochemical characteristics, enhanced entrapment, controlled release, and stability. This delivery system offers a promising strategy to improve the solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of Felodipine compared to conventional formulations.