INCORPORATION OF NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS INTO SPECIFIC MONOPHASIC FORMULATIONS

The presence of monophasic domains in systems made up of free unsatura ted fatty acids, potassium oleate, d-limonene and transcutol was inves tigated to determine the possibilities of the incorporation of two ant i-inflammatory drugs (piroxicam or diclofenac). The role of the unsatu ration of fatty acids in obtaining suitable monophasic compositions wi th the additional presence of two percutaneous absorption enhancers (d -limonene and transcutol) can be noted from the results obtained. The monophasic realms visualized for the different systems studied were ma inly dependent on the free fatty acid-potassium oleate combination (va riable weight ratio). The final pH value of the monophasic composition s obtained was also different. Alternatively, some other interesting c ompounds present in the stratum corneum (i.e. glycerine or squalene) c an be also used. A percutaneous absorption assay of piroxicam incorpor ated into two monophasic compositions was carried out as a preliminary experiment, with promising results. These systems may possibly consti tute suitable drug delivery strategies for the topical application of anti-inflammatory compounds.