FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM MICROEMULSION

The aim of my present study is to Develop and Evaluate Microemulsion for topical application of Diclofenac sodium by using oleic acid at different ratios for the treatment of pain. Design of microemulsion formulation for topical use of drugs, having the potential to increase the solubility of poorly water soluble drugs. To avoid the first pass metabolism and there is a potential to deliver the drug in a controlled manner to minimize the adverse effect on the g.i.t like mild dyspepsia and heartburn to ulceration and hemorrhage. Reduction of dosing frequency due to longer duration of action. To improve patient compliance to provide sustained release drug for longer periods of time due to short half-life. To delivery of hydrophilic as well as lipophilic drug as drug carriers because of its improved drug solubilization capacity and long shelf - life. Microemulsion was prepared by water trituration method using oleic acid as oil phase, tween-80 as surfactant and polyethylen glycol-400 as co-surfactant. Different oils, surfactants and co-surfactants were screened to select ideal components of microemulsions with good solubility and excellent skin penetration of Diclofenac sodium. The solubility of diclofenac sodium was highest in oleic acid followed by olive oil, and isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate. ME-3 was exhibited 98.54 +/- 0.26% higher drug content then other formulations. Among all formulations, the highest permeation flux of mu g/cm(2)/hour was observed in of formulation ME-3.