Formulation and evaluation of natural palm oil based Diclofenac sodium suppositories.

The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate natural palm oil based Diclofenac sodium suppositories. The formulated natural palm oil based suppositories were compared with suppositories of water soluble bases (PEG 4000 and 6000) and lipid soluble base (cocoa butter). The in-vitro drug release rate studies were carried out by using dissolution apparatus. The invitro release pattern of diclofenac sodium from the formulated suppositories F1, F2, F3 and F4, were found to be 9.51% to 73.67%, 16.73 to 84.22%, 65.04 % to 87.54% and 50.76% to 83.54% after 30 min and 3 hrs respectively. The rapid in-vitro release rate was shown by F3 (Formulation with PEG 4000 as base). F3 can be used for immediate action. The in-vitro release rate of F1 (with natural palm oil base) was found to be moderate and consistent when compared with all other formulations. Natural palm oil base can be considered as a suitable base for sustained release suppositories. Natural palm oil suppository base can be used as a base for sustained release suppositories of Diclofenac sodium. It is encouraged to perform drug release kinetic studies for this respective base in future. Besides that, in-vitro release rate studies can also be included for this natural palm oil base incorporated with different classes of drugs.