FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE-LOADED NIOSOMAL GELS FOR ENHANCED TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

This study focuses on the formulation, characterization, and evaluation of Ketorolac Tromethamine-loaded niosomal gels intended for topical drug delivery. Niosomes were prepared using span 60 and cholesterol in varying ratios by thin-film hydration method, and the optimized niosomal dispersion was incorporated into different hydrogel bases including Carbopol 971P, Xanthan gum, HPMC, and Eudragit S100. The prepared gels were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. Vesicle sizes ranged from 226.4 nm to 694.8 nm with PDI values indicating uniform distribution, while zeta potentials confirmed good stability. Drug content across formulations ranged between 93.5% and 98.4%. The calibration curve of Ketorolac Tromethamine showed a λ_max at 323 nm with excellent linearity (R² = 0.998). In-vitro release studies demonstrated significantly higher drug release from niosomal gels compared to plain gels, indicating enhanced permeation and controlled release behavior. Among all formulations, the hydrogel H4 containing a combination of Carbopol and Xanthan gum at 1:2% showed superior physicochemical properties, sustained drug release over 12 hours, and optimal spreadability and swelling index. Based on these findings, formulation H4 was concluded to be the most effective for delivering Ketorolac Tromethamine topically through a niosomal gel platform.