Abstract
Background and Objective: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deterioration of cognitive and memory functions. Galantamine is one of the most commonly used drugs for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and the main challenge in its use is the frequent dosing: Patients with Alzheimer's usually suffer from dementia and often forget to take medication. The aim of this research was to evaluate the in vivo biodegradability and pharmacokinetic behavior of galantamine when administered as intramuscular, in situ, controlled-release depot injection. Materials and Methods: In situ gel was prepared by using Poly-DL-lactide-coglycolide and its in vivo biodegradability rate was evaluated as a novel technique in rats. The pharmacokinetic behavior of galantamine after administration of the in situ gel as an intramuscular injection was assessed in rabbits. Results: The prepared galantamine in situ gel showed an in vivo biodegradability rate estimated at 11% every 7 days in rats and the pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed that galantamine mean residence time extended to 71 days in rabbits. Conclusion: Preparation and administration of galantamine as an intramuscular in situ gel formula is an excellent approach for providing an extended release of more than 2 months, which will eliminate the forgetting of doses associated with dementia.