Formulation and evaluation of topical gels incorporated with solid dispersions of an antiinflammatory drug

Formulation and development of a most effective product from poorly soluble drugs is one of the most challenging tasks in pharmaceutical industries. Solid dispersion is an efficient solubility enhancement method to overcome the solubility problem. The aim of this study was to formulate topical gels incorporated with solid dispersion of Aceclofenac to enhance permeability through the skin. Aceclofenac solid dispersions were prepared using suitable hydrophilic carriers to increase its aqueous solubility. In this study, solid dispersions of Aceclofenac were prepared by solvent evaporation and co-grinding method with two different hydrophilic carriers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVPk-30), and HPMC E15 LV. These were used in the ratio of (drug: carrier) 1: 1, 1:2 & 1:3 respectively. Evaluation parameters for formulation optimization were drug content, percentage practical yield, DSC, , in-vitro dissolution studies & FTIR. The optimized SD (F3) solid dispersion is incorporated in topical gels of different concentrations prepared by using two gelling agents such as Carbopol 934 and HPMC K100M. From the results of in-vitro dissolution studies it was found that formulation F3 containing PVP k30 (1 : 3 ratio of drug: PVP k30) shows a higher dissolution rate compared with other formulations and pure drug. Optimized solid dispersion was incorporated into topical gels prepared by using two gelling agents in different concentrations. From the stability data obtained, no significant changes in physical appearance, viscosity, pH, and drug contents were seen. The present research work could be concluded as a successful production of topical gels incorporated with Aceclofenac solid dispersion. Improvement in aqueous solubility and thereby greater skin permeation is expected