Topical Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Research Articles

Comparison of Pharmaceutical Properties of Topical Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Preparations on Quality of Life

To compare the effects of different pharmaceutical properties of commercially available topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the quality of life, we administered a questionnaire to 65 healthy volunteers. We investigated five creams, five gels, and four solutions of topical NSAID preparations in this study. The survey was conducted to clarify the relationship of their answers and pharmaceutical properties of the topical NSAID preparations. Questions addressed spreadability, smell, viscosity, and comfort level of the topical NSAID preparations. Among the five creams, Napageln had lower spreadability, less smell, and greater viscosity than the other preparations. Because of its easy spreadability, weak smell, and low viscosity, the volunteers favored Sector cream among the cream preparations. Among the five gel preparations, Inteban had less spreadability, stronger smell, and higher viscosity than the other preparations. The volunteers favored Epatec over the other gel preparations. All four solutions had the odor of menthol and other artificial ingredients, except for Napageln. These findings indicate that information on the pharmaceutical properties of commercially available topical NSAID preparations will be helpful to physicians and pharmacists in conducting medical treatment and prescribing.

Topical Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Corneal Abrasions: Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials

Topical Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Corneal Abrasions: Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials

Topical Ketoprofen Patch (100 mg) for the Treatment of Ankle Sprain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs offer the advantage of enhanced drug delivery to local affected tissues with low plasma levels and an expected reduced incidence of systemic adverse events (mainly peptic ulcer disease and gastrointestinal hemorrhage). Hypothesis To test the efficacy and tolerability of a 100-mg patch of ketoprofen applied once a day. Study Design Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods The 2-week trial included patients suffering painful (spontaneous pain ≥50 mm on a 0- to 100-mm visual analog scale), benign (grade I or II), recent (<2 days) ankle sprains as a model of general traumatic soft tissue injuries. The primary efficacy criterion was spontaneous pain change after 7 days of treatment in the intention-to-treat population. One hundred sixty-three patients were randomized (ketoprofen, 81; placebo, 82). Results After 1 week of treatment, the decrease in spontaneous pain was -50 ± 20 mm for ketoprofen and -38 ± 24 mm for the placebo, showing a statistically significant intergroup difference (P =. 0007). The majority of the secondary criteria were also statistically significant in favor of the ketoprofen patch. Tolerance was good in both groups, adverse events being mostly local. Conclusion This trial suggested that a 7-day course of treatment with a ketoprofen patch is useful in benign ankle sprain, without revealing unexpected adverse events.

ICES Report: The Changing Landscape for COX-2 Inhibitors: A Summary of Recent Events

The announcement on September 30, 2004 of the withdrawal of Merck & Co.’s Vioxx® (rofecoxib) from the international market sent shock waves throughout the medical community and instigated a public outcry over the current regulatory approach to monitoring drug safety (Horton 2004). The events leading up to the largest drug withdrawal in history certainly warrant discussion. Vioxx® belongs to a relatively new type of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) known as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors. NSAIDs are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation associated with acute conditions, such as sports injuries, and chronic conditions, such as arthritis. Approximately one in four elderly people use these drugs. While COX-2 inhibitors offer similar levels of pain relief relative to older, traditional NSAIDs, they are marketed as possessing lower rates of adverse gastrointestinal effects. The publication of a large randomized controlled trial in November 2000 convincingly demonstrated a favourable gastrointestinal adverse event profile associated with Vioxx® compared to a commonly used traditional NSAID, Naprosyn® (naproxen). A 50% relative risk reduction in serious gastrointestinal outcomes was observed among Vioxx® users relative to Naprosyn (Bombardier et al. 2000). However, in a secondary analysis of general safety, the same clinical trial also suggested a five fold increased risk of heart attack associated with Vioxx® relative to Naprosyn. Consequently, this prompted numerous systematic reviews and observational studies, the results of which further supported a possible adverse cardiovascular effect of Vioxx®, and were published long before Vioxx’s® withdrawal from the market. Despite this mounting evidence, Vioxx® was not withdrawn until the interim results of a second large randomized controlled trial demonstrated an associated increased cardiovascular risk with the drug; this withdrawal of Vioxx® occurred about four years after the first clinical trial suggested cardiovascular risk. Allegations that the cardiovascular risks associated with Vioxx® were suspected by Merck scientists well before the launch of Vioxx® – as early as 1996 (Lenzer 2004) – have cast serious doubts on the ethical conduct of the pharmaceutical industry and its relationship with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States, the federal drug regulatory body. The Vioxx® withdrawal created a common state of confusion about alternative treatments for frustrated patients and prescribing physicians. At this point, the evidence supporting the use of alternative treatments to Vioxx® varies significantly. Alternatives to Vioxx® include treatment with other drugs marketed as COX-2 inhibitors in Canada, such as Celebrex® (celecoxib), BextraTM (valdecoxib) and Mobic® (meloxicam); traditional NSAIDs, such as Naprosyn® and Advil® (ibuprofen); topical NSAIDs, such as Pennsaid® (topical diclofenac) for limited joint pain; alternative therapies, such as Lakota®; and non-drug therapies, such as weight-bearing exercise, knee taping and acupuncture. A first choice for many physicians was to switch patients to Celebrex®, as the overwhelming majority of evidence from large comparative studies suggested no excess cardiovascular risk with exposure to commonly used doses.

Topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs versus oil of evening primrose in the treatment of mastalgia

To compare oil of evening primrose (OEP) and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) with respect to safety, effectiveness, rapidity of response, cost effectiveness and acceptability in the treatment of breast pain. An open, non-randomised, comparative study of topical (NSAI) gel versus OEP was carried out, over a period of one year. Fifty female patients attending the outpatient department with moderate to severe breast pain were given one of the two agents alternatively, after selection. Results showed that out of 25 patients treated with OEP, 64% had a clinically significant response after three months of treatment, compared with 92% with topical NSAIDs. Only one patient (4%) had side effects with OEP, while no patient had side effects with topical NSAIDs. Twenty per cent and seventy per cent showed acceptability as far as costs were concerned and mode of administration respectively, with OEP. The acceptability rate was 68% and 96% respectively, with topical NSAIDs. This study has shown topical NSAIDs to be safe, effective, rapid and acceptable mode of treatment for cyclical and non-cyclical mastalgia.

Topical Ketoprofen Patch

Although oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in the treatment of a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions, their use may be associated with serious systemic adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal disorders. In order to minimise the incidence of systemic events related to such agents, topical NSAIDs have been developed. Topical NSAIDs, applied as gels, creams or sprays, penetrate the skin, subcutaneous fatty tissue and muscle in amounts that are sufficient to exert a therapeutic effect on peripheral and central mechanisms in the absence of high plasma concentrations. Data indicate that topical NSAIDs are effective at relieving pain in a number of acute and chronic pain indications. This review article discusses the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and tolerability of a new formulation of ketoprofen available as a topical patch. The topical patch containing ketoprofen 100mg as the active principle has been developed using a novel delivery system that dispenses therapeutic doses of the drug directly to the site of injury. Pharmacokinetic data indicate that although plasma levels of ketoprofen are higher when the drug is administered as a patch versus a gel, the total systemic bioavailability of ketoprofen 100 mg administered via a patch is no more than 10% of that reported for ketoprofen 100 mg administered orally. Because the patch facilitates ketoprofen delivery over a 24-hour period, the drug remains continually present in the tissue subjacent to the site of application. High tissue but low plasma ketoprofen concentrations mean that while tissue concentrations are high enough to exert a therapeutic effect, plasma concentrations remain low enough to not result in systemic adverse events caused by elevated serum NSAID levels. Phase III clinical trials in patients with non-articular rheumatism and traumatic painful soft tissue injuries showed that the topical ketoprofen patch was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing pain during daily activities and spontaneous pain after 7 days' treatment. Moreover, the topical ketoprofen patch was well tolerated; adverse events were primarily cutaneous in nature and occurred in a similar number of ketoprofen and placebo recipients suggesting that these events were related to the patch itself rather than the active ingredient. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was low (<8% of all patients), and occurred in a similar proportion of patients receiving ketoprofen and placebo. Thus, the topical ketoprofen patch appears to be a simple, effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of local painful inflammation.

Review: topical NSAIDs reduce pain in osteoarthritis only during the first 2 weeks of use

Lin J, Zhang W, Jones A, et al . Efficacy of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2004;329:324.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Q...

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physiotherapy management of musculoskeletal conditions: a professional minefield?

In Australia, physiotherapy is a primary contact profession when practiced in private ambulatory settings. Primary contact means that physiotherapists take responsibility for diagnosis, decisions on interventions, appropriate ongoing management, and costs related to benefits. For most physiotherapists, the most common clinical presentations relate to symptoms from musculoskeletal conditions. There is considerable research evidence for many "physiotherapy" techniques in the management of musculoskeletal symptoms. As part of these management strategies, some physiotherapists may use nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as an adjunct to treatment. Physiotherapists do not have the training or the legislative powers to prescribe NSAIDs. However, they can recommend that patients seek advice about appropriate adjunct NSAIDs from pharmacists and/or medical practitioners. The roles and responsibilities of key health providers in this area appear to be well defined in terms of minimizing medication misadventure and optimizing patient health outcomes. A recent survey of physiotherapist behaviors and practices, however, identified a number of "gray" areas that could confront unwary physiotherapists, or pose dilemmas for those without the support of medical/pharmacist colleagues. These gray areas relate to the adjunct use of topical NSAIDs in physiotherapy management and making recommendations for the use of oral NSAIDs. This paper reports on qualitative data that highlights the dilemmas confronting physiotherapists.

Lack of consensus on corneal abrasion management: results of a national survey

Our objective was to determine the practice patterns of Canadian emergency physicians with respect to the management of traumatic corneal abrasions. After developing our instrument and pilot testing it on a sample of emergency residents, we randomly surveyed 470 members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, using a modified Dillman technique. We distributed a pre-notification letter, an 18-item survey, and appropriate follow-up surveys to non-responders. Those members with an email address (n = 400) received a Web-based survey, and those without (n = 70) received a survey by post. The survey focused on the indications and utilization of analgesics (oral and topical), cycloplegics, eye patches and topical antibiotics. Our response rate was 64% (301/470), and the median age of respondents was 38 years. Most (77.7%) were male, 71.8% were full-time emergency physicians, 76.5% were emergency medicine certified, and 64.4% practised in teaching hospitals. Pain management preferences (offered usually or always) included oral analgesics (82.1%), cycloplegics (65.1%) and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (52.8%). Only 21.6% of respondents performed patching, and most (71.2%) prescribed topical antibiotics, particularly for contact lens wearers and patients with ocular foreign bodies. Two-thirds of the respondents provided tetanus toxoid if a foreign body was present, and 46.2% did so even if a foreign body was not present. Most respondents (88.0%) routinely arranged follow-up. This national survey of emergency physicians demonstrates a lack of consensus on the management of traumatic corneal abrasions. Further study is indicated to determine the optimal treatment, particularly regarding the use of topical NSAIDs.

Efficacy of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Obstetrics & Gynecology: November 2004 - Volume 104 - Issue 5 Part 1 - p 1100 doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000145745.26680.e7

Les traitements non chirurgicaux de la tendinopathie des épicondyliens

Objective. – To review the literature on nonsurgical treatment of tennis elbow. Methods. – We searched Medline for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs) and literature reviews published from 1966 to December 2003 on nonsurgical treatment of tennis elbow. We used the keys words controlled clinical trial, tennis elbow on lateral epicondylitis, and treatment. We found 46 reports of RCTs and CCTs on 14 nonsurgical treatments and 11 literature reviews. Results. – Corticosteroid injection is the best treatment option for the short term. However, beneficial effects persisted only for a short time, and the long-term outcome could be poor. For the long term, physiotherapy (pulsed ultrasound, deep friction massage and exercise programme) was the best option but was not significantly different from the “wait-and-see” approach. Some support is offered for the use of topical nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, at least for the short term. There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of acupuncture, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, manipulation, orthoses, low-energy laser, glycosaminoglycan polysulfate injection, botulinum toxin injection, or topical nitric oxide application. Conclusion. – Further trials, with use of appropriate methods and adequate sample sizes, are needed before conclusions can be drawn about the effects of many of the treatments for tennis elbow and their ability to change the condition’s natural course.

Efficacy of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Objective To assess the efficacy of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.Data sources Medline, Embase, Scientific Citation Index, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and abstracts from conferences.Review methods...

Effects of topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in the cornea

The effects of topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the corneal tissue of rats were measured. Intact and debrided epithelium groups received one of the following prepartions for times daily for one week: dicloflenac sodium 0.1% (Falcon Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, USA] or Voltaren Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Princeton, New Jersey, USA]), preservative-free ketorolac 0.5% (Acular PF Allergan, Inc, Irvine, California, USA), and carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% (Refresh Plus FP Allergan, Inc.). The rats were sacrificed at 48 hours and 1 week. Matrix metalloproteinase-1, MMP-2 and MMP-8 were detected at 48 hours and 1 week in the debrided and intact epithelium groups treated with topical NSAID, in debrided groups treated with unpreserved artificial tears, but not in intact groups treated with unpreserved artificial tears. In intact corneas, the MMP-1 and MMP-8 levels were higher with diclofenac sodium than with ketorolac. This study suggests that topical application of some topical NSAIDs may induce the early expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-8 in the cornea, thereby playing a role in the corneal cytotoxicity of some NSAIDs. Michael D. Wagoner

Topical NSAIDs for Osteoarthritis

Clinicians do not tend to consider topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating patients with osteoarthritis. However, a small body of literature suggests that such compounds relieve osteoarthritic pain. In an industry-sponsored Canadian study, researchers randomized 248 people with knee osteoarthritis to receive one of three treatments: topical diclofenac solution in a carrier that contained dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to enhance absorption, the carrier solution …

Anti‐inflammatory vs. inflammatory treatments for actinic keratoses

The treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) provides an important opportunity to prevent the development of squamous cell carcinoma. The recent discovery that cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a potential pharmacological target for skin tumours has prompted interest in using topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as a treatment for AKs. Topical 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid gel (Solaraze) is currently the only NSAID licensed for the treatment of AKs. In randomised, double-blind studies, this therapy was effective in clearing AKs, with the efficacy increasing in proportion to the duration of treatment. Topical 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid gel was well tolerated, with the vast majority of adverse events rated as mild or moderate. Older treatments, such as fluorouracil, which promotes an inflammatory response, are also effective in treating AKs, but are not acceptable to many patients because of severe irritation. Imiquimod is an alternative inflammatory treatment, which, although highly effective, is expensive and produces severe erythema, erosion and flaking in a large proportion of patients. Topical anti-inflammatory agents, such as 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid gel, can facilitate the early treatment of AKs without the level of severe side-effects observed with some of the other therapies.

Effects of topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in the cornea

Purpose To assess the effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) eyedrops on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in corneal tissue. Setting Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Refractive Surgery Research Laboratory, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Methods Seventy rats were divided into 2 groups: intact and debrided epithelium. Uniform central corneal epithelial defects were created in the right eye of the debrided corneal group. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups, each receiving 1 of the following eyedrops or artificial tears: The 3 NSAIDs were diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Falcon® or Voltaren®) and preservative-free ketorolac 0.5% (Acular® PF). The artificial tears were carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% (Refresh Plus® PF). The eyedrops were administered 4 times a day for 1 week. The rats were killed on days 2 and 7. The corneas were excised and processed for immunohistochemical staining, Western blot assay, and zymography studies to determine the localization of the production of the following matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs): MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9. Results Matrix metalloproteinase-1, MMP-8, and MMP-2 were detected in rat corneas at 48 hours in the debrided and intact epithelium groups treated with NSAID eyedrops. The MMP-1 and MMP-8 expression levels were higher in intact corneas in the diclofenac sodium groups than in the ketorolac and artificial tears groups. The expression was localized mostly in the epithelial cells and occasionally in keratocytes. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that topical application of some NSAIDs can induce the early expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-8 in the cornea, suggesting that MMPs play a role in the corneal cytotoxicity of certain NSAIDs.

Pharmacotherapy for regional musculoskeletal pain.

Studies performed on drug therapy in regional musculoskeletal pain conditions are of varying quality, and this is related to several methodological problems. The efficacy of analgesic medications is well established from clinical practice. However, both weak and especially strong opioid analgesics are associated with adverse reactions and also with dependency and abuse. The use of anti-depressants and skeletal muscle relaxants is only weakly supported by results from controlled clinical trials. The efficacy of both systemic and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been examined in several Cochrane reviews of various regional musculoskeletal pain conditions. Studies of COX-2 selective NSAIDs have not been performed in conditions with regional musculoskeletal pain, but it is assumed that COX-2 selective inhibitors will not differ from dual COX inhibitors regarding efficacy. Therefore, some of the recent controversies related to gastrointestinal safety and possible risk of myocardial infarctions are also discussed.

Effects of Topical Corticosteroids and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Prostaglandin E2-Induced Aqueous Flare Elevation in Pigmented Rabbits

We evaluated the effects of anti-inflammatory potency of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)-induced aqueous flare elevation in pigmented rabbits. Transcorneal diffusion of PGE₂, 25 µg/ml (7.09 × 10^–2 mmol/l), with the use of a glass cylinder was achieved to produce aqueous flare elevation. Anti-inflammatory drugs were topically administered once before PGE₂ application. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare-cell meter. Topical single instillation of dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate 0.1%, dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1%, and fluorometholone 0.1% 6 h before PGE₂ application inhibited 56, 59, and 43% of flare elevation, respectively. Topical single instillation of bromfenac sodium 0.1% and pranoprofen 0.1% 1 h before PGE₂ application inhibited 33 and 15% of flare elevation, respectively. Indomethacin 0.5% did not inhibit flare elevation. Corticosteroid eyedrops needed several hours from topical instillation to exhibit inhibition of flare elevation. Most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug eyedrops inhibited aqueous flare elevation when instilled 1 h before PGE₂ application.

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for ophthalmic use: a safety review.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used agents that despite chemically heterogeneity, share similar therapeutic properties and adverse effects. Topical ophthalmic NSAIDs are limited to the relatively water soluble phenylacetic and phenylalkanoic acids as well as indole derivatives, which are more suitable for ophthalmic use. Topical ophthalmic NSAIDs are commonly used in the treatment of post-operative inflammation following cataract extraction and various surgical refractive procedures. They are also used in the prevention and treatment of cystoid macular oedema and for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Absorption of topical ophthalmic NSAIDs through the nasal mucosa results in systemic exposure and the occurrence of adverse systemic events, including exacerbation of bronchial asthma. Local irritant effects of topical ophthalmic NSAIDs include conjunctival hyperaemia, burning, stinging and corneal anaesthesia. A more serious complication involves the association of topical ophthalmic NSAIDs with indolent corneal ulceration and full-thickness corneal melts. Analysis of NSAID-associated corneal events implicates the now defunct generic dicolfenac product, diclofenac sodium ophthalmic solution as the agent primarily responsible. However, these events generated a renewed interest in the safety of ophthalmic NSAIDs and a scrutiny of the pharmacology regarding NSAID action in the eye. An elucidation of possible pharmacodynamic explanations of NSAID-induced corneal injury includes the role of epithelial hypoxia, which not only appears to aid in determining the metabolic destination of arachidonate, it may play a key role in orchestrating a novel inflammatory response unrelated to prostanoid formation. The use of NSAIDs under conditions of corneal hypoxia may therefore not only result in a disappointing therapeutic response, it may result in a paradoxical inflammatory exacerbation. Other potential mechanisms include the relationship between NSAIDs and corneal matrix metalloproteinase and direct toxicity due to cytotoxic excipients such as surfactants, solubilisers and preservatives found in topical NSAID ophthalmic preparations. In general, ophthalmic NSAIDs may be used safely with other ophthalmic pharmaceuticals; however, concurrent use of agents known to adversely effect the corneal epithelium, such as gentamicin, may lead to increased corneal penetration of the NSAID. The concurrent use of NSAIDs with topical corticosteorids in the face of significant pre-existing corneal inflammation has been identified as a risk factor in precipitating corneal erosions and melts and should be undertaken with caution. Until clinical evidence dictates otherwise, data supporting theories of potential pharmacodynamic mechanisms of NSAID injury do not alter the favorable benefit-risk ratio of ophthalmic NSAID use when employed in an appropriate and judicious manner.

Investigation on the Interaction of Bendazac with β-, Hydroxypropyl-β-, and γ-, yclodextrins

The interactions of Bendazac, a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, withβ-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and γ-cyclodextrinwere investigated to evaluate possibilities to improve the drug's poor water solubilityand eventually to enhance the topical delivery of Bendazac. Phase solubility studiesdemonstrated the ability of the selected cyclodextrins to complex with Bendazac andincrease drug solubility. The amount of solubilized Bendazac increased linearly withthe addition of each cyclodextrin according toAL type plots. 13C-NMR studiesshowed that the Bendazac A-ring was included in the cavity of the three cyclodextrins.The γ-cyclodextrin was also able to include the B-ring of Bendazac, forminga complex where one drug molecule fitted into two cyclodextrin molecules. Equimolarsolid systems of the drug with each cyclodextrin carrier were prepared using varioustechniques (physical mixing, spray-drying and freeze-drying). The results of differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared analysis, performed on the solid systems, demonstrated that freeze-dried and spray-dried products had a high degree of amorphization and agreed with the hypothesis of the existence of drug–cyclodextrin interaction in the solid state. The cyclodextrins tested were able to improve the dissolution of Bendazac. The dissolution profile of the drug was also affected by the physico-chemical properties of each solid system, the freeze-dried products being the most rapidly dissolving forms.