ABSTRACT:
Fluocinolone acetonide (FA) is a corticosteroid primarily used in dermatology to reduce skin inflammation and relieve itching. The percutaneous absorption increases risk associated with systemic absorption of topically applied formulation. Controlled release of drug to the skin could reduce the side effect while reducing percutaneous absorption. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to produce FA entrapped microporous microparticles (microsponges) to control the release of drug to the skin. Microsponges were prepared by previously optimized quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. Compatibility of drug with reaction adjuncts was studied by FT-IR and DSC. Production yield, loading efficiency and particle size analysis and surface morphology of microsponges were performed. Microparticles were then carbopol 934 gels into standard vehicles for release and comparative anti-inflammatory studies. Free flowing powder microsponges were spherical in shape, between 31.34 and 82.26 µm in diameter. FT-IR and DSC studies revealed absence of primary incompatibility between formulation adjuvants and process parameters. Surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy revealed micro-porous nature of microsponges. Drug release was observed controlled with comparative anti-inflammatory activity with the gels containing free drug.