A REVIEW ON FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF DICLOFENAC OINTMENT

Diclofenac sodium is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) employed for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and musculoskeletal disorders. The present project focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a topical diclofenac ointment intended to provide localized therapeutic action while minimizing systemic side effects associated with oral administration. Topical delivery offers advantages such as improved patient compliance, reduced gastrointestinal irritation, and targeted drug delivery. Diclofenac acts by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate diclofenac sodium ointment using different concentrations of ointment bases. Diclofenac sodium was incorporated into a hydrophobic base by the fusion method. The prepared formulations were evaluated for appearance, pH, spread ability, viscosity, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. Results indicated that the formulation containing an optimized concentration of emulsifying agents exhibited satisfactory physical characteristics and enhanced drug release.

• Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 2022. 
• Aulton ME, Taylor KM. Aulton's Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines. 5th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2017. 
• Barry BW. Dermatological Formulations: Percutaneous Absorption. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1983. 
• Lachman L, Lieberman HA, Kanig JL. The Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1986. 
• Sinko PJ. Martin's Physical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2017. 
• Allen LV, Ansel HC. Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2018. 
• International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH). Q1A(R2): Stability Testing of New Drug Substances and Products, 2003.