Abstract

Background: Diclofenac potassium (DP) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for the management of pain and inflammation, however, it may cause gastric ulceration when given orally, depending on the nature of the formulation. In order to circumvent this, we explored the formulation of DP rectal suppositories. Aim: To prepare diclofenac potassium suppositories in order to prevent the gastric ulceration caused by DP when given by oral administration. Materials and methods: The suppository base were prepared using polyethylene glycol 4000 and Suppocire at varying ratios. Diclofenac potassium suppositories were prepared by fusion. Analysis were made on the suppositories viz physical appearance, weight variation, disintegration study, uniformity content, hardness, in vitro dissolution study and melting point test. The antiinflammatory properties were studied using Wistar rats. Results: The suppositories had smooth appearance, suppositories weight ranged from 1.19 ± 0.07 g to 1.31 ± 0.07 g, drug content ranged from 99 to 101 % and melting point of 37.1 ± 0.08 oC was recorded. The suppositories showed stable hardness of 1.2 Kgf and highest disintegration time 24 ± 0.06 min. Drug release was significantly enhanced by the content of Suppocire in the lipid matrix with highest release of 92.60 % at 60 min by formulations containing the highest content of Suppocire®. The anti-inflammatory properties showed that the formulation showed about 49 % 78 % oedema inhibition at 5 h. Conclusion: Diclofenac potassium suppositories showed good in vitro and anti-inflammatory properties and could be a better delivery system for this drug in order to circumvent gastric ulceration.