Utilization of thin film method for preparation of celecoxib loaded liposomes.

PURPOSE Celecoxib is nonsteroiddal anti-inflammatory drug that has been used extensively to treat patients with arthritis. The aim of the present study was to formulate and characterize liposomal vesicles loaded with celecoxib. METHODS Liposomes were prepared by thin film method using soya lecithin and cholesterol. The release of drug was determined using a dialysis membrane method. Liposomes were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetery (DSC), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and their particle size was also determined. RESULTS The results showed that the drug encapsulation efficiency was 67.34% and there was 67.16% release after 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 24 h. RESULTS of particle size determination showed a mean size of 677nm and nanoparticles were spherical as shown by TEM. The DSC curve of lecithin, cholesterol and celecoxib were different from celecoxib containing liposome. CONCLUSION The results of characterization of the vesicles indicated the potential application of celecoxib loaded liposome as carrier system.