Role of phospholipids in the oral and parenteral delivery of poorly water soluble drugs

This paper reviews the role of phospholipids, as excipients for oral and parenteral delivery of poorly water soluble compounds and as natural constituents of many biological systems. The nomenclature of phospholipids and aspects of their physico-chemical, toxicological, biochemical properties and regulatory status, which are of importance for pharmaceutical scientist are reviewed. The oral administration of poorly water soluble compounds in phospholipid based formulations and latest developments in dissolution testing using phospholipid/bile salt containing biorelevant media are discussed. The intravenous administration of poorly water soluble compounds in liposomes, mixed micelles, oil-in-water emulsions and their dissolution mechanism in blood are discussed. In this context, the extemporaneously loading of the lipid vehicles with poorly water soluble compounds is described.