Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SOLID DISPERSION INCORPORATED GEL OF ROFECOXIB

*Lokesh Prasad, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jatav, Dr. Govind Soni, Dr. Shweta Shriwas

ABSTRACT

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a solid dispersion incorporated gel of Rofecoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with poor water solubility, which limits its bioavailability. The primary aim was to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of Rofecoxib through the development of solid dispersions, subsequently integrating them into a topical gel formulation for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Solid dispersions of Rofecoxib were prepared using various hydrophilic carriers, including polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), via the solvent evaporation method. The prepared solid dispersions were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-raydiffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm the amorphous nature and molecular interaction of the drug with the carriers. Solubility studies and in vitro dissolution tests demonstrated a significant improvement in the solubility and dissolution rate of Rofecoxib in the solid dispersion form compared to the pure drug. The optimized solid dispersion was incorporated into a gel base using carbopol as the gelling agent. The gel was evaluated for its physical properties, pH, spreadability, viscosity, and drug content uniformity. In vitro release studies of the gel showed sustained drug release over 24 hours, indicating its potential for prolonged therapeutic action. In conclusion, the solid dispersion incorporated gel of Rofecoxib successfully enhances the drug's solubility, dissolution rate, and stability, providing a promising formulation for the effective topical delivery of Rofecoxib in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

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