In vitro release of diclofenac sodium from different topical vehicles

There is currently a great deal of world-wide interest in the field of transdermal drug delivery and, consequently, broad classes of drugs are being evaluated for percutaneous absorption potential. The advantages of this mode of drug administration are numerous, the patient convenience and therapeutic optimization of using patch transdermal systems being major positive features. The in vitro release test is a measure of in process control and also as a finished product specification for example, ointment, cream and gels. An in vitro diffusion cell experiment was designed to demonstrate the rate of release of Diclofenac sodium from three different topical vehicles: (i) an oil in water cream (ii) a gel; and (iii) an ointment. In vitro release of Diclofenac sodium from three different bases to an aqueous receptor phase through cellophane membrane was monitored spectrophotometrically. By monitoring and attempting to explain the numerous possible from the three vehicles, it was a better to understanding of the complexities of transdermal drug administration. More over gel topical vehicles could be suggested as a good candidate for the topical delivery of Diclofenac sodium, giving higher drug release than the cream and ointment formulations.