Formulation and Evaluation of Flurbiprofen Topical Emulgels

Abstract

Topical drug delivery has been used for centuries for the treatment of local skin disorders. Emulgel have emerged as one of the most interesting topical delivery system as it has dual control release system i.e. gel and emulsion. One side the topical applications of the drug offers the potential advantages of delivering the drug directly to the site of action and secondly delivering the drug for extended period of time at the effected site. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSIAD) formulations are designed to deliver therapeutic levels of the active ingredients to the inflamed tissue without elevating serum levels after application on the skin. This route is an attractive alternative to the oral administration of NSAIDS which is associated with high incidence of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) complications and other systemic toxic effects. Flurbiprofen is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent usually well tolerated as compared to other NSAIDS product. It has analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is used in the treatment of rheumatic disorders such as ankylosing spondilities, oesteoarthritis and intraoperative miosis. It suffers from major GIT disturbances. The aim of the present study was to develop an emulgel formulation of flurbiprofen using water soluble polymer of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K100M), carbopol 940, carbopol 941 and xanthan gum. Oleic acid and propylene glycol were used as permeation enhancers. The influence of the type of the gelling agent on the drug release from the prepared emulgel was investigated. The prepared emulgels were evaluated for their physical appearance, pH determination, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, in-vitro drug release, ex-vivo drug release and stability. All the prepared emulgels showed acceptable physical properties, homogeneity, consistency, spreadability, viscosity and pH value. The emulgels were found to be stable with respect to physical appearance, pH, and rheological properties and drug content at all temperature and conditions for one month. Keywords: Emulgel, Topical drug delivery, Flurbiprofen, Carbopol, Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose