Abstract: AimTo prepare self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) containing atorvastatin,and decrease its size to improve the solubility in the stomach. And to study the effect of the resultant microemulsion in reducing the presystemic clearance in the gastrointestinal mucosa and hepatic first-pass metabolism, improving the oral bioavailability, and reducing side effect and expenditure. MethodsPseudoternary phase diagrams were used to evaluate the self-microemulsification existence area. The HPLC analyses in vitro and in vivo were set up. Solubility in various vehicles was determined. The self-microemulsification efficiency was assessed, such as self-microemulsification time, stability, particle size and zeta potential. SMEDDS containing atorvastatin, non-ionic surfactant and lipid were prepared. Droplet size/ distributions and zeta potential of the resultant microemulsion were determined. Photos were taken with transmission electron microscope. Oral bioavailability was studied on prepared SMEDDS hard capsules and compared with that of the conventional tablet in Beagle dogs in vivo. ResultsThe optimal formulations had wide microemulsion existent field and had good self-microemulsifying efficiency. Droplet size was within 100 nm and showed Gaussian distribution. After oral administration of SMEDDS capsules and the conventional tablet to fasted Beagle dogs, the C_max from SMEDDS was greater than that of the conventional tablet. AUC from zero to 24 h of SMEDDS was about 1.5-fold higher than that of the conventional tablet. Oral bioavailability of atorvastatin SMEDDS was greater than that of the conventional tablet. ConclusionThe results indicated the potential use of SMEDDS for the delivery of atorvastatin to increase its oral bioavailability.