Snehal A. Tambade , Nagesh H. Aloorkar, Nilesh S. Dabane, Riyaz M. Osmani, Birudev B. Kale and Yogita R. Indalkar
Amongst various routes of administration, topical route is the most preferable and applicable route for drug delivery. Oral administration of naproxen as NSAID has clinically limited use because it causes irritation and ulceration of gastro-intestinal mucosa. Liquid crystals are phases of matter, with choice of self- associated structure, drug solubilization capacity and hence can decrease the drug degradation. Liquid crystals phase possesses high viscosity which allows controlled release of drug. In proposed work naproxen liquid crystals are prepared in combination with poloxamer 407, GMO and carbopol 940; which later incorporated in gel dosage form for efficient topical delivery. Gel formulation is preferred because it provides good bioavailability, extended contact time which is necessary to maintain therapeutic concentration in the skin as well as systemically for a longer period of time. In-vitro drug release study of prepared formulations were performed with 15% poloxamer with increasing concentration of GMO in F1-F3, with carbopol 940 gel base in F13 and poloxamer 407 without GMO in F14. The formulation F3 containing poloxamer 407 with increasing GMO concentration had shown 70.52% drug release at the end of 10 h. Thus, gel containing liquid crystals of naproxen was successfully formulated and evaluated; which demonstrates controlled release rate. This release pattern would prevent excessive accumulation of active agent in the epidermis thereby avoiding irritation and may also enhance safety and efficacy as compare to conventional products.
