Formulation of topical hydro alcoholic gel containing indomethacin 0.2% using carboxy methyl cellulose and hydroxyl propyl cellulose

Background:

Indomethacin is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is used in treatment of pain and inflammatory. Immediate and sustained release products of this drug have side effects, so a proper replacement is needed. Use of the medicine via topical and cutaneous routs has advantages such as avoiding side effects on gastrointestinal; and supplying an amount of medicine in plasma for long time. The purpose of the present study was production and evaluation of the topical gel of indomethacin with an appropriate appearance and stability to reduce side effects especially on gastrointestinal and to deliver enough amount of the drug to target site.

Material and methods:

First the standard curve of indomethacin was plotted and then gels with different concentration of CMC and HPC was prepared. After the examination the appearance and stability of different formulations, the best formulations were chosen and rheology, stability and release experiments were done.

Results:

5% HPC and 2.5% CMC were chosen as the best percentages of these polymers to prepare formulation of indomethacin. Release drug from these formulations followed a first order rate and rheograms of both formulae showed a mild plastic behavior.