Preparation and Characterization of Propylthiouracil Niosomes

Propylthiouracil, a lyophobic drug with an antiproliferative activity, was formulated into niosomes using various classes of nonionic surfactants. Feasibility of vesicle formation by the sonication method was evaluated. Size and size distribution was measured by laser diffraction. Entrapment and drug release over 24 h were monitored by UV spectrophotometric method at 275 nm. The results revealed that niosomes readily formed from various compositions of nonionic surfactant and cholesterol, with or without a stabilizer. Entrapment of PTU in niosomes depended on bilayer composition. The release of PTU from all niosomal formulations studied was retarded and followed the first-order kinetics. Degree of slow release had a negative correlation with drug entrapment. The release rate also depended on the physical state of the bilayer. The results of this study indicate that PTU niosomes were able to control the release of PTU and might be of value to develop further into topical formulations.