Comparative in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic evaluation of phenytoin sodium loaded polymeric nanomicelles and marketed phenytoin sodium iv

The biodistribution and pharmacokinetic characteristics of intravenously administered phenytoin sodium-loaded nanomicelles were assessed and compared to the commercially available phenytoin sodium iv at a dose of 25 mg/kg. In the biodistribution analysis, the phenytoin sodium-loaded nanomicelles displayed a maximum brain drug concentration of 865 ± 1.0 µg after 15 min of administration, whereas the marketed phenytoin sodium iv and phenytoin sodium solution exhibited maximum concentrations of 707.2 ± 65.6 µg and 168.4 ± 10.4 µg, respectively, after 30 min. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution studies using dye-loaded polymeric nanomicelles demonstrated rapid brain uptake within five minutes of administration. During a 60-min period, the optimized formulation of nanomicelles resulted in higher plasma drug concentrations than the marketed formulation and phenytoin sodium solution, indicating reduced plasma protein binding. Additionally, the optimized nanomicelles exhibited lower drug deposition in peripheral organs when compared to the marketed phenytoin sodium iv, thereby reducing peripheral toxicity. Consequently, these findings suggest that phenytoin sodium-loaded nanomicelles hold promise as a potential treatment option for managing acute seizure emergencies.