FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TOPICAL NANOEMULGEL LOADED WITH SULFASALAZINE FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Mubashira K. V.*, Praseena K., Muhammed Harshad P. and Muhammed Sajir K.

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily impacts the joints, causing pain, swelling, and potential loss of function. Conventional treatment strategies often involve the systemic use of antiinflammatory drugs, which are associated with significant side effects. To address this, targeted drug delivery systems, particularly topical formulations, offer a more localized approach with reduced systemic exposure. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a sulfasalazine-loaded nanoemulgel for the effective topical management of rheumatoid arthritis. Method: Preformulation studies were conducted to assess the physicochemical compatibility between sulfasalazine and selected excipients (Arachis oil, Tween 80, Span 80). Nanoemulsions were prepared using ultrasonication method. Carbopol 934p was used as gelling agent. The optimized nanoemulsion was incorporated into a Carbopol-based gel to create the nanoemulgel. The prepared nanoemulgel was evaluated for various parameters including particle size, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, drug content, and spreadability. In vitro release studies were conducted using a Franz diffusion cell to assess the sustained release of sulfasalazine. Result: The nanoemulgel constituting Smix ratio 1:2 and 32% arachis oil was optimized formulation. The prepared nanoemulgel was yellow translucent in nature having a particle size of 210.8nm with PDI 0.33 drug content and drug release of optimized formulation were found to be 87.5 and 68.5 respectively. pH, viscosity, spreadability were found to be optimum. The stability data showed that the prepared nanoemulgel was stable for 3 month at various temperature. Conclusion: Sulfasalazine loaded nanoemulgel has been successfully formulated for topical delivery for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Keywords: Sulfasalazine, Nanoemulgel, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Topical Delivery, Arachis Oil.