Formulation and Characterization of Controlled Release Flurbiprofen Microsponges Loaded in Gels

  Objective: The main objective of this study was to formulate transdermal gels containing Flurbiprofen microsponges for controlled drug delivery. Methods: Microsponges containing Flurbiprofen and ethylcellulose were prepared by the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. By varying the amount of drug and the polymer, seven batches of microsponges were formulated. Microsponges formed were characterized for surface morphology, thermal behavior, drug content, particle size, X-ray powder diffraction studies and in vitro drug dissolution studies. Results: SEM confirmed the spherical and the porous nature of the microsponges. Formulation F7 showed highest drug content and in vitro drug release of 92.74% at the end of 8 h and all the formulations followed zero order kinetics. Based on the results of drug content and in vitro release studies, formulation F4 was selected as the optimized batch and was incorporated into a carbopol gel base. The in vitro drug release from the microsponge gel was found to be extended over a longer period of time as compared to that from the marketed Flurbiprofen gel. Conclusion: Formulating Flurbiprofen in microsponges facilitated the controlled release of drug for long period of time thus eliminating the need of frequent dosing.