Preparation of sertraline-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and the pharmacokinetics studies

Sertraline is a worldwide used antidepressant for perinatal depression. However, the secreting of sertraline into milk arose the concerns for the potentially negative effects on breastfed infants. The present study aims to alter the biodistribution of sertraline by loading the drug into chitosan-nanoparticles. Our results demonstrated an effective way to load the water-soluble sertraline into nanoparticles, and keep the size around 200 nm. The in vivo results demonstrated the difference of sertraline concentration in plasma after the intravenous injection through the marginal ear vein in rabbits. Because of the protection of nanoparticles, the drug concentration in plasma increased 5 h post the injection, which may delay the tissue-distribution of sertraline. Thus, our results indicate that the nanoparticles-encapsulation may change the biodistribution of sertraline and offer a safe window for breastfeeding. Nevertheless, the sertraline in breast milk was still detectable after injection of sertraline-loaded nanoparticles. Thus, it still needs caution for lactating women to have antidepressant drugs during breastfeeding. Key words: Sertraline, chitosan, nanoparticles, pharmacokinetics.