Vesicular aceclofenac systems: a comparative study between liposomes and niosomes.

Vesicular delivery systems have been reported to serve as local depot for sustained drug release. Aceclofenac multilamellar liposomes and niosomes were prepared and a comparative study was done between them through evaluation of entrapment efficiency, particle size, shape, differential scanning calorimetry and in vitro drug release. A stability study was carried out by investigating the leakage of aceclofenac and the change in the vesicles particle size when stored at (2-8 degrees C) for 3 months. The anti-inflammatory effect of aceclofenac vesicles was assessed by the rat paw oedema technique. Results showed that the entrapment efficiency and the in vitro release of aceclofenac from the vesicles can be manipulated by varying the cholesterol content, the type of surfactant as well as the type of charge. Niosomes showed better stability than liposomes. Both vesicular systems showed significant sustained anti-inflammatory activity compared to the marketed product, with niosomes being superior to liposomes as manifested by both oedema rate and inhibition rate percentages suggesting their effectiveness as topical anti-inflammatory delivery systems.