Development and Evaluation of Aceclofenac Gel for Topical Application

Aceclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In order to decrease the gas triculcerogenic effects, aceclofenac gels have been developed. This study was conducted to develop agel formulation of aceclofenac using four types of gelling agents: carbopol, Triethanolamine, Ethanol (99.9 %) and Polyethylene glycol. Effect of penetration enhancer (propyleneglycol) on the release has been studied. The gels were evaluated for physical appearance, rheological behavior, drug release and stability. The drug release from all gelling agents through a rat skin for diffusion study was evaluated using Keshary-Chien diffusion cell. All gels showed acceptable physical properties concerning color, homogeneity, consistency, spreadability and pH value. Among all the gel formulations, carbopol showed superior drug release than followed by Ethanol (99.9 %) and Polyethylene glycol and Sodium hydroxide. Drug release decreased within crease in polymer concentration. Drug release was not linearly proportional with the concentration of penetration enhancer or co-solvents. Stability studies showed that the physical appearance, rheological properties, and drug release remained unchanged upon storage for three months at ambient conditions.