LIPOSOMALLY ENCAPSULATED DICLOFENAC FOR SONOPHORESIS INDUCED SYSTEMICDELIVERY

Liposomes containing diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory agent were incor porated into an ointment base for topical application. The drug loaded liposomes were characterized for various physico-chemical attributes and drug efflux profile in in vitro. The systemic availability of drug from liposomes following topical application was evaluated in rats. T he effect of sonophoresis on the drug release profile in vitro and sys temic availability in vivo was established. The application of liposom al diclofenac resulted in localization of the drug at the site of appl ication with slow systemic availability; however, with the application of ultrasound pulsed drug systemic levels could be achieved.