Purpose: To prepare and characterize tablets loaded with self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) containing docetaxel (DTL). Method: SNEDDS of docetaxel were prepared using various oils, surfactants, co-surfactant and solvents to improve the dissolution rate and bioavailability of the poorly water-soluble chemotherapeutic agent. The SNEDDS components were preliminarily screened for the solubility of the drug in various vehicles, miscibility of excipients, rate of emulsification and

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... rnary phase diagrams. The tablets were prepared by direct compression process with a porous carrier, magnesium alumino-metasilicate, and subsequently loaded with SNEDDS by a simple absorption method. The tablets were then characterized for physical parameters, including tablet hardness, weight variation, disintegration, drug content and invitro drug release. Results: Cremophor-EL, polysorbate-80 and dehydrated alcohol mixture in the ratio 85:10:5 yielded docetaxel SNEDDS with droplet size of 12.16 nm and polydispersity (PDI) of 0.039. Tablets with high porosity suitable for loading with SNEDDS and containg the super-disintegrants, crosscarmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate, in a concentration of 3, 4 and 5 %, achieved complete dissolution of docetaxel from the tablets. In vitro release of docetaxel from SNEDDS and the tablets was similar (p < 0.05). Conclusion: SNEDDS of docetaxel is a promising approach to achieving a solid dosage form of the liquid-loaded drug delivery systems for enhancing the solubility and dissolution rate of the drug, and hence also its bioavailability.