Compritol®-based solid lipid nanoparticles of desvenlafaxine prepared by ultrasonication-assisted hot-melt encapsulation to modify its release

<b>Aims: </b>Desvenlafaxine (DES) in conventional dosage forms shows initial burst release after oral administration, leading to exaggeration of its side effects. These side effects can be overcome by a sustained-release dosage form using the chemically inert, low-melting-point lipid Compritol®<i> </i>888 ATO, as it reduces initial burst release. <b>Materials &amp; methods: </b>The potential of DES-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (DES-SLNs) synthesized by ultrasonication-assisted hot-melt encapsulation to modify the release of DES was investigated. <b>Results: </b>The entrapment efficiency of DES-SLNs was 65.90% with the <i>in vitro </i>release profile showing a sustained-release behavior achieving 81% cumulative release within 16 h without initial burst release. <b>Conclusion: </b>DES-SLNs are a potential carrier for sustained release of water-soluble antidepressant drugs such as DES.