Formulation, Optimization and Evaluation: Piroxicam Emulgel for Topical Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Piroxicam is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is classified as BCS class II drug (low solubility and high permeability). In the present study preparation of piroxicam loaded emulgel for the topical drug delivery is optimized by the central composite experimental design. The effect of different concentrations of surfactants i.e., span-80 & tween-80 was investigated on zeta potential (mv), polydispersity index (PDI), particle size (nm) & entrapment efficiency. The optimized batch of formulation suggested by the central composite design (CCD) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) & Transmission electron microscopy analysis and also the mechanical and rheological properties were studied. The optimized batch of the formulation possess adequate spreadibility and viscosity. Results of in-vitro release studies revealed that the drug loaded emulgel showed (91.10 %) release in 12 hours dissolution study whereas in-vitro antiinflammatory study determined by egg albumin denaturation method exhibited 98.88% inhibition. However, ex-vivo bioadhesion study displayed the comparable results between piroxicam loaded emulgel (0.036 ± 0.4 N) and marketed Pirox® gel (0.037 ± 0.15). Hence, piroxicam when loaded in emulgel can be administered topically with improved properties.