Formulation and Evaluation of Febuxostat and Diclofenac Sodium Emulgel for the Management of Gout

Emulgels provide potential opportunity to deliver poorly water soluble drugs through gellified system.When gels and and emulsions are used in combine form, it results in the formation of emulgel. Emulgels are explained as emulsions, either of the oil-in-water type or water-in-oil type,which are gelled by mixing with a geling agent. Also, emulgels provides benefits and possess the advantages of both gel and emulsion. Therefore, emulgels have been recently used as vehicles for the delivery of drugs through skin.The aim of the present work was to develop an emulgel formulation, containing Febuxostat ,anti-gout drug and Diclofenac Sodium ,a NSAID with the aim to enhance the penetration and improve systemic availability of the selected drugs.The study also aims to minimize the severe gastric distress of the drugs by oral route. Emulgel was prepared by using carbopol 934 as a gelling agent, PEG -400 was used as penetration enhancer. The emulsion was prepared and incorporated into the gel base. The prepared formulation was evaluated for physical appearance, rheological studies, spreadability studies and swelling index. In vitro drug release, drug content and stability studies were also examined.