Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles as carriers for antimycobacterial drug rifampicin

Abstract

Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) polymers were investigated as carriers for the first line antitubercular drug rifampicin. Different formulations of PLG microparticles viz. porous, non porous and hardened exhibited sustained release of rifampicin up to 7 weeks <i>in vitro. </i>However, hardened PLG microparticles exhibited the most sustained release <i>in vivo </i>in different organs up to 6 weeks. In case of free rifampicin, release was detected <i>in vivo </i>only up to 48 hr. In addition, no hepatotoxicity was observed on a biochemical basis (levels of SGPT, ALP and total bilirubin) in comparison to control animals. Taken together, these results suggest that polymer encapsulated antitubercular drug rifampicin may serve as an ideal therapeutic approach for treatment of tuberculous infections.