Amal S. M. Abu El-Enin

The aim of this work is to improve the anti-inflammatory activity of Lornoxicam through incorporating it in a topical gel using different polymers as Carbopol 934, Sodium carboxy methylcellulose or Sodium alginate. Various penetration enhancers (Glycerin, Polyethylene glycol or Sorbitol) were used with objective of enhancement in the percutaneous permeation of the drug. Formulations were evaluated for pH, drug content, rheological properties, spreadability, in-vitro drug release in phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) and permeation study through cellulose membrane. Anti-inflammatory activity of Lornoxicam gel was studied in rats by carrageenan induced paw edema method and compared with the commercial formulation (Feldene® gel). Considering physical properties, in-vitro release and in-vitro permeation studies, FS1 (Lornoxicam gel containing 1% Carbopol with 10% Sorbitol as penetration enhancer) was the best formula among the studied formulations, this formula also exhibited significantly higher anti-inflammatory activity in rats compared to Feldene® gel.