Abstract

Summary: Topical gel formulations are of increasing interest in the pharmaceutical industry, they are typically

transparent or translucent, water-based semisolids with good spreading properties and pleasing aesthetic

characteristics. Thus, the physicochemical characteristics of preparations may vary in spite of the fact that they contain

the same ingredients or additives. This study examined differences in brand-name and generic versions of ketoprofen

gels.

Material and Methods: Four types of commercial ketoprofen gels (Ket1 – Ket4) were used, and different physcichemical

properties and chemical qualitative and quantitative assay of each preparation was determined using the brand product

(ket1) as a reference.

Results: Comparison of the pH, refractive indices, spreadability, and homogeneity of the four different preparations

revealed that Ket1, Ket2, and Ket3 are very similar to the brand product (Ket4). The four products showed similar

ketoprofen contents and were within the pharmacopoeial limit using UV-visible spectrophotometry (92.5-107.5%). The

absorption spectra of the four ketoprofen products were achieved and indicate the presence of the active ingredients

without any interaction with the other pharmaceutical additives.

Conclusion: The drug content of all gel formulations was found to be within the limit of the British pharmacopeia. The

generic products (ket2-ket4) meet various patient needs when compared with a brand-name product.