Oleic Acid Based Emulgel for Topical Delivery of Ofloxacin

The objective of the present study is to formulate and evaluate ofloxacin emulgel. Emulgel formulations of ofloxacin were prepared using different concentrations of gelling agent’s Carbopol-940 and Xanthum gum. Tween-80 and span-80 were used as emulsifiers and propylene glycol as a humectant in the preparation of emulgel. The effect of the concentration of gelling agent on the drug release from the prepared emulgel was investigated. The compatibility study was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR). The formulated emulgel was characterized by their physical appearance, pH determination, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, microbial test and in vitro diffusion study. FTIR indicated that the drug and excipients used in the study are compatible with each other. All the prepared formulations showed acceptable physical properties, homogeneity, consistency, spreadability, viscosity, and pH value. Drug release from all the formulations depended upon the concentration of the polymer used. As the concentration of Carbopol 940 increased the spreadability and drug release was found to be decreased. Emulgels formulated with oleic acid gave a much higher release rate of ofloxacin than emulgels formulated with liquid paraffin. The release of drug from all the emulgels prepared followed Zero-order kinetics. The linear Higuchi plots indicated that the drug release from all the emulgels prepared followed diffusion kinetics. Emulgel formulated with oleic acid exhibited greater flux when compared with those formulated with liquid paraffin. The formulations were found to be stable during stability testing. It can be concluded that Carbopol 940 and oleic acid are recommended for the formulation and preparation of Ofloxacin emulgels for topical drug delivery. Key words: Ofloxacin, Emulgel, Spreadibility, Zone of inhibition