Formulation and In Vitro Characterization of Zaltoprofen Suppositories Using Bases and Different Concentration of Plasticizer

The objective of the current study was to explore the use of different suppository bases i.e. Cocoa butter and different grades of polyethylene glycol bases (4000 and 6000) and to observe the effect of plasticizers incorporated in the suppositories for the successful delivery of Zaltoprofen, an novel non steroidal anti inflammatory drug through rectal route of administration. Moreover, Zaltoprofen has tendency to cause gastric ulcer making it necessary to explore safer routes of its administration. Fusion method was used for the preparation of suppositories, which were further evaluated for their visual characteristics, physicochemical properties like dimensions, weight variation, liquefaction time, melting time, disintegration time, drug content and in-vitro release characteristics. Suppositories of PEG 4000 showed best drug release in vitro than other bases. Addition of plasticizer (PEG 400) at 30% concentration reduces the dissolution time in both grades of PEG suppositories.