PHARMACOSOMAL GEL FORMULATION OF ACECLOFENAC

Aceclofenac is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its poor aqueous solubility and gastrointestinal side effects may limit its therapeutic effectiveness. The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate Aceclofenac-loaded Pharmacosomes and incorporate the F10 Pharmacosomal formulation into a topical gel for controlled drug delivery. Pharmacosomes were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using soya lecithin, and twenty formulations were designed using Central Composite Design (CCD). The prepared formulations were evaluated for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. FTIR studies confirmed compatibility between Aceclofenac and the formulation excipients. The Pharmacosomal formulations exhibited satisfactoryphysicochemical characteristics and controlled drug release over 8 hours. The F10 Pharmacosomal formulation was incorporated into a Carbopol 934-based topical gel and evaluated for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. The Pharmacosomal gel showed a smooth and uniform appearance, pH of 6.58, viscosity of 5365 ± 3.42 cps, spreadability of 13.17 ± 0.53 gm·cm/sec, extrudability of 108 ± 4.56, and drug content of 93.18 ± 0.06%. The developed Aceclofenac Pharmacosomal gel demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical properties and controlled drug release, indicating its potential as a topical drug delivery system.