The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
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The poor solubility of steroid anaesthetics in water has been a serious drawback in the development of clinically acceptable intravenous formulations. The use of Cremophor EL to solubilize steroids such as alphaxalone led to unacceptable hypersensitivity reactions and consequent withdrawal of this anaesthetic. In principle, liposomes can act as a safe solvent for the intravenous administration of alphaxalone. ⋯ The rate of efflux of this anaesthetic from a range of liposomes was measured in serum. The highest rate (85% after 30 min) was observed with an equimolar egg phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol stable plurilamellar vesicle preparation. From these studies it can be concluded that liposomes offer a suitable alternative for intravenous delivery of steroidal anaesthetics.