Topical Anti-Inflammatory Gels of Naproxen Entrapped in Eudragit Based Microsponge Delivery System

Abstract

Naproxen is a medium potency, synthetic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indicated for the relief of inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug`s oral administration contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcer disease, gastro esophageal reflux (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, or other gastrointestinal disorders. Controlled release of the drug to the skin could reduce the above mentioned side effects related to oral administered drug formulation while reducing percutaneous absorption. Therefore, the aim of present study was to produce naproxen entrapped micro porous micro particles (micro sponges) to control the release of the drug to the skin. Naproxen micro sponge was prepared using quasi emulsion solvent diffusion method. In order to optimize the micro sponge formulation, factors affecting the physical properties of micro sponges were determined. Compatibility of the drug with excipients was studied by FT-IR. Production yield, loading efficiency and surface morphology of micro sponges were performed. It was shown that the drug: polymer ratio and stirring rate influenced the particle size and drug release behaviour of micro sponges. The results showed that, generally an increase in the ratio of the drug: polymer resulted control release rate of naproxen from micro sponges.