Fabrication and evaluation of a stable flurbiprofen hydrogel

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to prepare a stable 6% Flurbiprofen hydrogel. Oral Flurbiprofen generates several
side effects; hence hydrogel was prepared to reduce these side effects in the present study. Gastrointestinal side
effects such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines are commonly seen when the
drug is administered orally. In this research, a hydrogel was formulated whereby flurbiprofen was the active
ingredient, using a thickening agent (Carbopol) and distilled water (solvent). The finished formulation gives a
white color hydrogel. Stability studies were performed at different accelerated conditions, i.e. 2-40oC (Cool
room), 250C (Room temperature) and 400C (Oven) for 28 days to predict the stability of formulations. Different
parameters, namely pH, liquefaction, color, phase separation and effect of centrifugation (Simulating gravity)
were determined during stability studies. There were no changes in liquefaction, color, phase separation and
centrifugation in the formulation stored at 2-40oC (Cool room), 250oC (Room temperature) and 400oC (Oven)
up to 28 days. Based on one-way ANOVA test, the changes in pH values of the sample was not significant at
different levels of time and temperature (p > 0.05). The mean pH value of the sample at different storage
conditions was not far from the initial value of the studies, which is pH 5.5. The drug content of Flurbiprofen
hydrogel was found to be 76.3% of Flurbiprofen. The Hydrogel released 79.46% of the drug content by 8 hours.
Overall, this indicates that the formulation was stable and can be used for the topical dosage form.