Liposomal gel of diclofenac sodium as topical delivery system

ABSTRACT

This study the preparation of diclofenac sodium in lecithin vesicles and loading in pluronic F-127 gel, the effect of sodium cholate on the diffusion of the drug through rat skin and the anti-inflammatory activity of the liposomal gel formulations. Lecithin vesicles were prepared in the presence or absence of sodium cholate by the dry film method and sonication. The size of liposomal vesicles ranged from 100-700 nm and the encapsulation efficiency of the diclofenac sodium was between 60-80%. The lecithin vesicles were loaded in pluronic F-127 gel. The highest cumulative of drug diffusion through rat skin was 19.31 +/- 1.50 [micro g/cm[2]] for lecithin vesicles in the presence of sodium cholate [F4]. Also the highest cumulative of drug diffusion through rat skin was 12.20 +/- 0.50 [micro g/cm[2]] for liposomal gel [F8]. The anti-inflammatory activity of the liposomal gel formulations was studied on carrageenan induced paw edema in rats. The results show that, F8 and F6 show superior anti-inflammatory activity in comparison with the other gel formulations. From the results, lecithin vesicles and liposomal gel of diclofenac sodium appear to be advantageous for topical delivery of the drug