Design and optimization of ibuprofen microemulgel using phase titration for effective and enhanced dermal drug delivery.

BACKGROUND

The oral administration of ibuprofen is limited due to gastrointestinal adverse effects and inadequate solubility, necessitating the development of enhanced cutaneous delivery systems.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to create and optimize a microemulgel for ibuprofen to improve solubility, permeability and prolonged release.

METHODS

Microemulsions were prepared using phase titration utilizing Tween 80, butanol and vegetable oil, thereafter incorporating carbopol gel. Preformulation studies encompassed solubility and partition coefficient. Post-formulation characterization involved globule size, zeta potential, pH, drug content and in-vitro/ex-vivo release analyses. Compatibility was evaluated by utilizing FTIR and DSC techniques.

RESULTS

The improved formulation (F3) exhibited a droplet size of 117.5 nm, a zeta potential of -6.47 mV and a drug content of 82.94%. FTIR and DSC analyses validated compatibility. Ex-vivo investigations revealed improved skin permeability and drug release conformed to the Korsmeyer-Pappas model (n = 0.626), signifying non-Fickian diffusion.

CONCLUSION

The formulated ibuprofen microemulgel demonstrated stability, compatibility with skin and prolonged drug release, indicating its potential as an effective option for topical NSAID administration.