Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Baghdad University, Iraq.

Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Baghdad University, Iraq.

Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Baghdad University, Iraq.
Peppermint oil ,Emulgel ,Mefenamic acid ,Liquid paraffin ,

Mefenamic acid (MA) is a potent nonsteroidalanti inflammatory drug (NSAID); however, its oral bioavailability is very low in addition to the side effects associated with systemic administration cause to prefer the topical route. Emulgels as topical dosage form recently gains an interest represents a combination of gels and emulsions in united form. Seven formulas of mefenamic acid were prepared using liquid paraffin and peppermint as oil, Tween 20, Tween 80, and Span 20 as surfactant, Carbopol940 as gelling agent, methyl and propylparabens as preservative. The prepared formulas were evaluated for homogeneity, consistency, pH, viscosity test, drug content, and in vitro drug release analysis.The results indicate that formulas contain liquid paraffin less than 20% w/w show phase separation. On the other hand, the formulas contain 20% w/w liquid paraffin show acceptable physical characteristics, drug content, and pH values.The results of viscosity study indicate that as the peppermint oil percent increases in the formula, the viscosity was increased. The release rate from formulas contain Tween 80 is higher than that contain Tween 20. On the other hand, the increase in peppermint oil cause decrease in release of drug regardless of surfactant used. Although Formulas (F4-F7) produce acceptable emulgel of mefenamic acid, but formula F7 which contain 2.65% Tween80, 2.35% Span20, and 1% w/w peppermint oil consider the best formula regarding the physical properties and release profile which deliver about 90% of drug within 6 hrs, thus it can be suggested as promising formula to prepare mefenamic acid emulgel.

5 , 11 , 2015