Ketorolac tromethamine (KT) is one of NSAIDs that has GIT, renal and hepatic disorder if
taken orally. The study aimed at avoiding the adverse effects of KT by formulating it in different
topical dosage form such as gel (Sodium algnate, NaCMC, HPMC, Carbopol 934 and Pluronic
F127), emulgel (O/W), microemulsion and cream (O/W and W/O). The interactions between KT,
polymers and other ingredients used were studied using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC)
and Infra red (IR) spectroscopy. The physical properties of these formulations appearance,
homogeneity, pH and viscosity were studied. The in-vitro release of KT from these formulations
through cellophane membrane was carried out. The kinetic study of KT release from these
formulations was also studied. In-vitro study of KT permeation in diffusion cell using rat skin
from the selected formulations was carried out.
Physical investigation of KT and polymers indicated that no interaction between KT and
polymers. Among the polymers used in gel formulations, HPMC and NaCMC gave the highest
release rate of KT in-vitro, while pluronic F127 gave promising sustained release. In case of
emulgel formulations, O/W emulgel base gave higher release than microemulsion base. Also in
case of emulsion ointment base formulations, the release of KT from O/W base was higher than
W/O type which gave the lowest release.
In-vitro study of KT through the diffusion cell using rat skin as biological membrane,
higher permeation was obtained in case of carbopol 934 gel and O/W emulgel comparison with
pluronic F127 gel which gave the lowest permeation of KT.