Formulation and Evalution of Diclofenac Gel

The present study focuses on the formulation and development of a topical gel containing diclofenac sodium for the treatment of localized musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is widely used due to its potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The goal was to enhance the topical delivery of diclofenac through an effective gel formulation, thereby minimizing systemic side effects associated with oral administration. Various gel formulations were prepared using different concentrations of gelling agents such as Carbopol 934 and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC). The prepared gels were evaluated for physicochemical properties including appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation exhibited suitable pH for skin application, satisfactory viscosity for topical use, uniform drug distribution, and sustained drug release over several hours. The findings demonstrate that a well-designed diclofenac gel can serve as an effective topical system for the management of inflammatory conditions with improved patient compliance.