LAUSR

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate methotrexate-loaded nanoemulgel for topical delivery in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Based on nanoemulsion composition, the pseudo ternary phase diagram was fabricated by using peanut oil, Tween 20 as the surfactant, and PEG 400 being used as a co-surfactant. The methotrexate-loaded nanoemulsion was formulated by using the spontaneous emulsification method. Badam gum was used as a gel matrix in the prepared nanoemulsion to form nanoemulgel. The methotrexate loaded nanoemulgel was characterized and evaluated for pH, particle size, physical appearance, viscosity, spreadability, TEM, drug content, diffusion study, release kinetics, and stability studies. Results: The nanoemulgel constituting 8.6% peanut oil, 34.4% of Tween 20 and PEG 400 as Smix (surfactant and co-surfactant mixture), 43% water, and 12.5% w/w badam gum was concluded as optimized formulation. The prepared nanoemulgel was translucent in nature having a particle size of 195.1nm and zeta potential of -0.278mV. Drug content and drug release for the optimized formulation were found to be 98.11±0.34% and 95.11±0.02% respectively. pH, viscosity, and spreadability were found to be optimum. Stability study data showed that the prepared nanoemulgel was stable at different temperatures varying from -25 to +45ºC. Conclusion: Methotrexate loaded nanoemulgel has been formulated for topical drug delivery for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.