Clarithromycin- and omeprazole-containing gliadin nanoparticles for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori.

The aim of the present work was to prepare and evaluate the oral mucoadhesive sustained release nanoparticles of clarithromycin and omeprazole in order to improve patient compliance by improving its therapeutic effect and reducing its dose-related side effects. The clarithromycin- and omeprazole-containing gliadin nanoparticles were prepared by the desolvation method using Pluronic F-68 as a stabilizing agent. The results showed that this method is reproducible, easy, and leads to the efficient entrapment of drug as well as formation of spherical particles ranging from 400 to 650 nm. The maximum percentage of drug entrapment for clarithromycin and omeprazole was 81.7 +/- 2.2 and 73.7 +/- 3.9%, respectively, whereas the percentage of yield of the system was 85.1 +/- 1.9%. The sustained release behavior of gliadin nanoparticles was evaluated in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) and simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2), at 37 +/- 1 degrees C. Their mucoadhesive properties were determined by in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro antibacterial activity of the formulations was performed on isolated culture of Helicobacter pylori, which showed greater eradication effect of dual therapy entrapped formulations when compared with single therapy containing formulations and plain drugs.