In vitro release, pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies of doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin HCl) encapsulated in lipiodolized w/o emulsions and w/o/w multiple emulsions.

The lipiodolized w/o emulsion or w/o/w multiple emulsion containing Doxorubicin hydrochloride (1; Adriamycin HCl) with different emulsifiers was prepared to evaluate in vitro sustained-release behavior, pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution function in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The results of dissolution indicate that the release of 1 was significantly sustained for both emulsions when HCO-60 (polyoxyethylene (60) hydrogenated castor oil) was used as an emulsifier. The serum concentration of 1 was reduced and prolonged for both emulsions with the increase of HCO-60.