Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of EPAS technique on the in vitro diffusion characteristics of Naproxen in three different gel forming agents as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) and Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). All the formulations were evaluated for their appearance, homogeneity and % drug content and uniformity, pH, Grittiness and in-vitro release study through cellulose nitrate membrane in upright Franz diffusion cells. It was found that all the formulated gels were homogenous, smooth in texture and elegant in appearance. The results of the drug content were found in acceptable range indicating uniform distribution of drug throughout the base. The pH of the gel formulations was found in the normal pH range of the skin that would not produce any skin irritation. There was no significant change in pH values and drug content in accelerated stability studies for tested formulations. It is obvious that the EPAS technique adapted has significantly enhanced the dissolution profile of naproxen when compared with pure naproxen in PVA, HPMC and CMC Gel formulation studied. All the gel formulations were subjected to Peppas model kinetic analysis.