RESUMO
<p><b>AIM</b>To study the preparation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) nanoparticles and compare its pharmacokinetic characteristics with Neoral.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HPMCP nanoparticles loaded cyclosporine A were prepared by solvent-nonsolvent method. CyA-HP50 nanoparticles, CyA-HP55 nanoparticles and Neoral were orally administered at the dosage of 15 mg x kg(-1) to rats. The CyA concentration in blood were determined by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by 3P97 program.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The concentration-time data of the three preparations were best fit by two compartment model. The relative bioavailability of CyA-HP50 and CyA-HP55 nanoparticles calculated by the AUC0-72 were 82.3% and 119.6%, bioequivalent to the reference of Neoral. The relative bioavailability of CyA-HP55 nanoparticles was 145.3% of CyA-HP50 nanoparticles.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CyA HPMCP nanoparticles could be prepared easily and reproducibly. It was found that the oral absorption of CyA can be increased by using the HPMCP nanoparticles.</p>