Diazepam submicron emulsions containing soya-bean oil and intended for oral or rectal delivery.

Physically stable diazepam submicron emulsions were prepared using soya-bean oil. Diazepam concentration 4 mg/ml, suitable for rectal or oral delivery, was achieved in 20% emulsions. Mixture of egg lecithin (1.2%) and poloxamer (2.0%) has been chosen as the most suitable emulsifying agent. Composition of the emulsion may be supplemented with alpha-tocopherol and parabens. However, the system was not stable when either phenylethanol or chlorhexidine gluconate was added. Taste masking agents commonly used as food additives decreased stability of the preparation and were not efficient in elimination of a bitter taste of the drug-loaded emulsions.