Formulation And Evaluation Of Topical Gel Loaded With Ibuprofen Microsponges.

Abstract

Novel microsponges were designed as carriers for topical delivery of Ibuprofen which minimized its gastro intestinal side effects and provided consistent drug levels at application site for longer period of time. Microsponges were developed using novel quassi emulsion solvent diffusion method using different drug: polymer ratios. The batch F3 showed optimum loading efficiency, entrapment efficiency and maximum drug release upto 8 hours, associated with burst effect. Optimized microsponges were incorporated into gel prepared with different polymer concentrations. The gel formulations were evaluated for % drug content, pH, viscosity, spreadability and in vitro diffusion study. The properties of microsponges were greatly affected by drug: polymer ratio. Drug loading, entrapment efficiency, production yield was found to increase with increase in drug: polymer ratio while a decrease in particle size was observed. A controlled release topical drug delivery of Ibuprofen developed as a microsponge loaded gel offers solubilizing matrix for the drug, served as a local depot for controlled drug  release and provided a rate limiting matrix barrier for modulation of drug release. The designed microsponge gel may be evaluated in vivo to confirm its extended release. (1)