Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ETHOSOMAL GEL OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM

Abstract

In the present study, attempts were made to prepare and evaluate the Ethosomal gels for transdermal Topical delivery of Diclofenac sodium Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) agents having limited transdermal permeation. Diclofenac sodium loaded ethosomal carriers were prepared, optimized and characterized for vesicular shape and surface morphology,(SEM) scanning electronic microscopy, vesicular size, entrapment efficiency, stability, in- vitro release study. Using Phospholipids (Phosphotidyl chaoline), carbopol 934 and sodium alginate as retarding polymers, glutaraldehyde as cross linking agent and cineole as penetration enhancer. In the pre formulation studies, the solubility, partition coefficient, melting point, pH and drug polymer compatibility were determined to assess the application of drug for transdermal delivery. The transdermal gels were evaluated for physical appearance, drug content uniformity, and skin irritation. All the gels were smooth and uniformity in drug content was observed with low SD values. The gels showed no significant irritation. In-vitro drug permeation through rat skin was performed for 4 hours using Keshary-Chien diffusion cells. The permeation studies reveal that the under iontophoretic and sonophoretic conditions the drug permeation was enhanced 2-3 folds as compared to drug permeation under passive condition. The presence of cineole greatly enhanced the permeation of drug under iontophoretic and sonophoretic conditions. It can be concluded from the present study that the applied ultrasound and DC electric current enhanced the skin permeation of Diclofenac sodium 2-3 folds depending upon the formulation variables.

Keywords: Ethosomal Gel, Diclofenac sodium ,Transdermal delivery, Phospholipid (Phosphotidyl chaoline), Chemical penetration enhancer, Sonophoresis, Iontophoresis.