Formulation development of ibuprofen using different gel bases

Abstract

Introduction: This study was done to formulate and evaluate the topical drug release variation of Ibuprofen 5% w/w gel using different gel bases. Dermatological biopharmaceutics aims at designing active drugs and incorporating them in vehicles to allow transdermal delivery. This study was undertaken to formulate Ibuprofen gel using different polymer bases and investigate the effect of the different polymers on release profile of the Ibuprofen. Hydroxy ethyl cellulose and carbopol 940 were used in the different formulations and in each in three different concentrations. Materials and methods: Ibuprofen was obtained from Lab & Allied, Kenya. Carbopol 940 was obtained from Oxford Labchem, India. Hydroxy ethyl cellulose was given as a kind donation from Stedam Pharma Manufacturing Ltd. Kenya. The equipments used electric stirrer (Jencos Scientific Ltd Bedfordshire) Water bath (Clifton unstirred serial no. 50689 Nick Electro Ltd England) Viscometer (NDJ-55 Rotating Viscometer) Dissolution tester (Erweka DT6 Serial No. 68062 Germany), Spectrophoyometer (Genesys 105 Serial No. ZL9R 130 209) pH Meter (Jenway 3510 Bibby Scientific Ltd, Uk). A total of 18 formulations were prepared all with the same concentrations of Ibuprofen and other ingredients but with varying amounts of the polymer bases HEC and C940. The formulations were subjected to tests for pH, viscocity microbial load, drug content assay and drug release profile. Results and discussion: The pH, viscosity and drug content assay were all found to be within the expected range. Drug release was evaluated over one hour. The release rate was found to be directed by polymer concentration for both HEC and C940. Higher polymer concentration in the polymer matrix decreased the rate of drug release. A burst drug release was obtained in the first 15 minutes giving an immediate release profile especially with HEC based formulations. C940 was found to give slow prolonged drug release rate. Formulations with proper adjustment of these polymers in the gel formulations of Ibuprofen can offer desirable release characteristics.