Abstract

COW GHEE AS A BASE FOR DICLOFENAC SODIUM SUPPOSITORIES

ABSTRACT

Suppositories are solid dosage forms intended for administration of medicine via the rectum, vagina or urethra that melt, soften or dissolve in the body cavity. They generally weigh approximately 1-2 gm and are about 1-1.5 inches long. Suppositories are indicated for administering the drugs to infants & younger children, severely debilitated patients or those who can not take medicines orally. Drugs through rectal route can be given for local or systemic purposes. Types of bases used for suppositories are Coca butter & other synthetic fatty bases, water soluble or dispersible bases and glycerinated gelatine bases. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to formulate diclofenac sodium suppositories incorporating ancient medicinal formulation excipient i.e. cow ghee. Suppositories were prepared using cow ghee and other bases and prepared suppositories were evaluated for their melting range, hardness, drug content and drug release. It was found that cow ghee and PEG combination bases gave best release patterns as well other characteristics. It can thus be concluded that cow ghee being an endogenous substance could be better alternative for such dosage forms, but require further investigations.

Keywords: Suppository, Cow ghee, Diclofenac sodium.