European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

DICLOFENAC SODIUM LOADED NIOSOMAL GEL FOR EFFECTIVE TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY USING THREE SQUARE FULL FACTORIAL DESIGN

Anusha Mallina and Dr. Raja Sundararajan*

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to develop niosomal carriers for transdermal delivery of diclofenac for relieving pain and exploring possible mechanism of better skin penetration and permeation of niosomal vesicles. Niosomes were prepared by ethanol injection method. Optimized formulation was obtained using the three squared factorial design study. Characterization was done for the tested formulations followed by particle size, percentage of drug content, percentage of entrapment efficiency, zeta potential and in vitro drug release and the optimized niosomes was subjected to develop niosomal gel using Carbopol 980 NF and characterized for viscosity studies, ex vivo drug release studies, pharmacokinetic study and stability studies etc. The niosomes obtained were large spherical unilamellar vesicles with an average particle size of 886-268nm; polydispersity index of 0.122-0.371; zeta potential of -39 to -49mV; entrapment efficiency of 30.90% to 74.25%. Based on optimum particle size, highest % EE and maximum % drug release F8 niosomes were selected to prepare diclofenac sodium loaded niosomal gel and plain gel using carbopol 980 NF. The niosomes and niosomal gel provided controlled plasma concentration in rats. From the observations made in pharmacokinetic studies the biological half life of the diclofenac niosomal gel has been increased along with reduced elimination rate. It has been proved that niosomal gels are promising tools in the treatment by transdermal route.

Keywords: Factorial design, Niosomal gel, Transdermal drug delivery, Span 60, Cholesterol.