Synthesis of a Novel Formulation for Enhancing the Drug Absorption of a Commercially Available Topical Analgesic Cream

Abstract

Background: Topical analgesic drugs are used for numerous painful situations which may include acute conditions such as strain, muscle sprains and chronic conditions which are typically known as osteoarthritis of hand or knee, or neuropathic pain. The commercially The commercially The commercially The commercially The commercially The commercially The commercially The commercially The commercially The commercially av ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer ailable treatment options offer slow Drug release profile leading to delayed effective dose build up and delayed onset of pain relief. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to develop and evaluate a novel formulation of a commercially available analgesic cream for enhanced drug absorption and rapid onset of pain relief. Methodology: The study was designed to develop a topical cream formulation containing carbopol-934 gelling agent, drug release enhancers and API (Methyl salicylate and menthol). Result: The results of the optimized formulation exhibited rapid drug release profile and good physiochemical properties like PH, homogeneity and viscosity. There was no significant difference in the fresh formulation and that after 12 days of freeze thaw cycle in terms of pH, spreadability and drug release profile. There was also no statistically significant difference in the drug release profile and physiochemical properties of the analgesic cream after it was subjected to accelerated shelf-life test. Furthermore, the in vivo study confirmed that the application of novel formulation resulted in rapid and effective analgesic effect than that of the commercially available analgesic agent and no erythema and edema appeared after the novel formulation was applied. Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that the formulation could be promising alternative for the topical analgesic treatment. However, further preclinical, clinical and long-term stability studies are required.