Abstract The objective of the current research work was to explore the potential of emulgel in enhancing the topical delivery of piroxicam. Emulgel formulations of piroxicam were prepared using three types of gelling agents: Carbopol 934, Xanthan gum and HPMCK15M. Based on solubility studies Tween-80 and Span-80 as emulsifiers and propylene glycol as co-surfactant were selected for preparation of emulgel. The persuade of the type of the gelling agent on the drug release from the prepared emulgel was investigated. The mentha oil is used as permeation enhancer. The formulated emulgel were characterized for their physical appearance, pH determination, viscosity, spreadability, in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug release, skin irritation test, anti inflammatory activity, analgesic activity and stability studies. All the prepared formulations showed acceptable physical properties, homogeneity, consistency, spreadability, viscosity and pH value. In-vitro release study demonstrated diffusion controlled release of piroxicam from formulation up to 8 h. The drug release profile exhibited zero order kinetics.
Keywords Emulgel, Carbopol, NSAID’S, Spreadability, Piroxicam