LAUSR

BACKGROUND Enhanced utilization of certain drugs may be possible through the development of alternative delivery forms. Adverse gastrointestinal tract effects such as irritation and ulceration have limited wider applications of NSAIDs in antiiflammatory therapy. This challenge may be overcome through nano topical formulations. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed at exploring the potentials of a transdermal nanovesicular formulation for safe and enhanced delivery of piroxicam (PRX), a poorly water-soluble NSAID. METHODS Preformulation studies were done using DSC and FTIR. Ethosomal nanovesicular carrier (ENVC) was prepared by thin-film deposition technique using Phospholipon® 90 H (P90H) and ethanol, and then converted into gel form. The formulation was characterized using a commercial PRX gel as control. Permeation studies were done using rat skin and Franz diffusion cell. Samples were assayed spectrophotometrically and the data obtained analyzed by ANOVA using GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS The preformulation studies showed compatibility between PRX and P90H. Spherical vesicles of mean size 343.1 ± 5.9 nm, and polydispersity index 0.510 were produced, which remained stable for over 2 years. The optimized formulation (PE30) exhibited pseudoplastic flow, indicating good consistency. The rate of permeation increased with time in the order: PE30 > Commercial, with significant difference (p< 0.05). It also showed higher inhibition of inflammation (71.92 ± 9.67 %) than the reference (64.12 ± 7.92 %). CONCLUSIONS ENVC gel of PRX was formulated. It showed potentials for enhanced transdermal delivery and anti-inflammatory activity relative to the reference. This may be further developed as a safe alternative to the oral form.