Formulation, development and characterization of ibuprofen microemulgel for arthritis

Objective: Microemulgel is composed of aqueous phase, lipophilic phase, along with surfactant and co-surfactant, a suitable gelling agent is also incorporated. The drug Ibuprofen is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Its oral administration associated with many GIT, hepatic and renal problems. The main objective of the study was to formulate a stable topical microemulgel of ibuprofen in order to achieve the highest bioavailability with least side effects. Method: Pseudo ternary phase diagram was constructed in order to get the suitable concentrations of lipophilic phase, surfactant and co-surfactant. Phase titration method was used to prepare microemulsion, with surfactant and co-surfactant in a ratio of 2:1 respectively, along with gelling agent to form microemulgel. Formulations were evaluated to check appearance, pH, flowability, particle size, drug content, spreadability, drug release and skin irritation. Results: The globule size of microemulsion was 400 nm and zeta potential was -14 mV showing acceptable stability. Formulated emulgel showed good physical characteristics, suitable pH of 6.4 for skin. The drug content was 98.474%. The stability study showed that the ibuprofen was stable in phosphate buffer pH of 6.8. The carbopol 940 as a gelling agent showed high release rate values. The release rate of the optimized formulation, F1 was 94% and it followed Korsmeyer Peppas model (n=0.467). Conclusion: The prepared formulation was cost-effective because of promising highest bioavailability. The results suggest the potential use of developed microemulgel is mainly for topical delivery of ibuprofen, ensuring the safe use.