Formulation, validation and evaluation studies on metaxalone and diclofenac potassium topical gel.

Twenty different batches of gels containing metaxalone and diclofenac potassium were prepared for topical application. These drugs act synergistically in the management of pain and inflammation. Gels were prepared by varying the type of gelling agent (ten batches each of hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose and carbopol 934). The prepared gels were characterized and evaluated. Batch F7 emerged as the best batch on the basis of favourable pH, high drug content, homogeneity and drug release. HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography) method validation of gel formulation was also carried out and the developed and validated method was found to be robust and accurate.

Introduction

Pain and n class="Disease">inflammation have been haunting the ailing mankind since ages. Whereas inflammation is human body’s response to various stimuli including infection, injury and others, pain could have many manifestations like post-operative pain, musculoskeletal pain, arthritic pain, pain due to injury, etc. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are orally given are often associated with gastric irritation and ulceration [1]. To overcome these disadvantages and for local action, NSAIDs are often formulated as topical preparations like ointments, creams, gels, etc. Such preparations provide high concentration of required drug at the desired site and avoid systemic side effects. Further, they can be used in nauseated or unconscious patients [2].

Gels are preferred because they are less greasy and can be easily cleared from skin. Gels are characterized as semi-solid systems in which the organization of the dispersing medium is controlled by a three-dimensional interlacing network of particles [3]. n class="Chemical">Metaxalone belongs to the category of muscle relaxants and acts by blocking nerve impulses in the brain. It is preferred in pain caused by sprains, strains and musculoskeletal conditions [4]. Metaxalone is freely soluble in chloroform, soluble in methanol and in 96% ethanol, but practically insoluble in ether or water. Diclofenac potassium is an arylacetic acid derivative and is known to act by inhibiting the prostaglandin synthesis. Diclofenac binds and chelates both isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and −2), thereby blocking the conversion of arachidonic acid to pro-inflammatory-proprostaglandins [5]. It has a pKa of 4.0 and it is freely soluble in methanol. Diclofenac potassium is slightly soluble in water under acidic pH but solubility increases as the pH increases to 7.5. Marketed formulations of metaxolone are often associated with a number of side effects like drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, leucopenia, hemolytic anemia. On the other hand, constipation, flatulence, heartburn, and edema were reported for diclofenac potassium [6].

Pharmaceutical analysis is a branch of practical chemistry whn class="Disease">ich involves a set of procedures to classify, determine, quantify, purify a substance, separate the compounds of a solution or mixture, or determine the structure of chemical substances. The classification of analytical methods includes chemical method (non-aqueous titration, oxidation-reduction, complexometric, gravimetric, etc.), physical methods (polarimetry and refractometry), spectroscopic methods (UV[ultraviolet]-visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, atomic spectroscopy, etc.), and separation method (chromatographic method and electrophoresis). UV-visible spectroscopy is most frequently used techniques in pharmaceutical analysis. Validation of the method is the mechanism used to ensure that the analytical technique employed for a specific test is appropriate for its intended use. Method validation can be used to assess the quality, reliability, and consistency of the analytical results and it is an essential part of good analytical practice. Different parameters of analytical validation are system suitability test, specificity, accuracy, range, linearity, precision, etc [7]. The aim of this research was to formulate a gel preparation of metaxolone and diclofenac potassium by and to validate an analytical method for simultaneous estimation of these drugs. By formulating a gel, it is also possible to overcome the side effects associated with oral use of these drugs.

Materials and Methods

Materials

Carbopol 934 was obtained from Titan Biotech Ltd, New Delhi, India. n class="Chemical">HPMC (Hypromellose) and oleic acid were obtained Central Drug House, New Delhi. Propylene glycol and triethanolamine were supplied by Molychem, Mumbai, India. The drugs, diclofenac potassium and metaxolone were received ex-gratia from Crystal Pharmaceuticals, Ambala, India. All other chemicals used were of analytical grade.

Identification of drugs

The received samples of drugs were subjected to identification as per the methods given in the Indian Pharmacopoeia, 2018 [8]. Solutions of the drugs were subjected to UV spectroscopy ben class="Chemical">tween the range 200–400 nm. Metaxolone exhibited absorption maxima at 273 nm whereas diclofenac potassium was observed at 280 nm. Further, the drug samples were subjected to IR (infrared) spectroscopy by using KBr pellet method.

Preformulation studies

Metaxalone and n class="Chemical">diclofenac potassium presented as white crystals. They were subjected to solubility studies and melting point determination. Melting point was determined by open capillary method.

Preparation of standard curve

Solutions of metaxalone in n class="Chemical">methanol were prepared in the concentration range of 80–800 μg/mL and absorbance was measured at 273 nm. Similarly, diclofenac potassium dilutions in range of 10–100 μg/mL were prepared in methanol and absorbance recorded at 280 nm. Standard curves were plotted by taking absorbance on Y-axis and concentration of analyte on X-axis.

Preparation of metaxalone and diclofenac potassium topical gel

A total of twenty batches were prepared, ten each by using carbopol and n class="Chemical">HPMC. The type and amount of penetration enhancers was varied as per details given in Table 1 and Table 2. Weighed quantity (125 mg) of carbopol 934 or HPMC was agitated in water with the help of a stirrer for uniform mixing for about 20 minutes followed by addition of penetration enhancers (oleic acid/propylene glycol/Tween 80) to gel base. Accurately weighed amounts of metaxalone and diclofenac potassium were dissolved in methanol. The drug solution was added to polymer at 500 rpm speed with due care to avoid air entrapment. Then pH of prepared gel was adjusted by adding small amounts of triethanolamine. After that, final volume was adjusted by addition of PEG (polyethylene glycol). Different formulations were prepared as per details recorded in Table 1 for carbopol and Table 2 for hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC).

Table 1

Composition of various batches of Carbopol.

Ingredients	Control	Oleic acid			Propylene glycol			Tween 80
	F1	F3	F4	F5	F6	F7	F8	F9	F10	F11
Carbopol 934 (g)	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125
Drug* (g)	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3
Oleic acid (mL)	-	1.25	2.50	5.00	-	-	-	-	-	-
Propylene glycol (mL)	-	-	-	-	1.25	2.50	5.00	-	-	-
Tween 80 (mL)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1.25	2.50	5.00
Water (mL)	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50
Triethanolamine (mL)	Q.S***	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S
PEG**	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S

250 mg of metaxalone and 50 mg of diclofenac potassium was taken as drug

PEG = Polyethylene glycol

Q.S = Quantity sufficient

Table 2

Composition of various batches of Hypromellose (HPMC)

Ingredients	Control	Oleic acid			Propylene glycol			Tween 80
	F2	F12	F13	F14	F15	F16	F17	F18	F19	F20
HPMC (g)	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125	0.125
Drug* (g)	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3
Oleic acid (mL)	-	1.25	2.50	5.00	-	-	-	-	-	-
Propylene glycol (mL)	-	-	-	-	1.25	2.50	5.00	-	-	-
Tween80 (mL)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1.25	2.50	5.00
Water (mL)	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50
Triethanolamine (mL)	Q.S***	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S
PEG **	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S	Q.S

250 mg of metaxalone and 50 mg of diclofenac potassium was taken as drug

PEG = Polyethylene glycol

Q.S = Quantity sufficient

Evaluation of prepared gels

Appearance

Colour is important for patient acceptance. The prepared gels were visually evaluated for clarity, colour, and particle’s existence.

pH

The pH of gel was accurately measured by using digital n class="Gene">pH meter as pH of gel is responsible for skin irritation. The alkaline pH products should be avoided in sensitive skin. Moreover, skin permeability is also pH dependent [9].

Viscosity

Viscosity measurement was done by using Brookfield viscometer (Model-LVDV II PLUS PRO). A 10 g of sample was taken in 50 mL beaker, dipped the spindle groove and then set the rpm. The readings were taken after a gap of 3 min. This procedure was repeated thrice and average of three determinations was taken. The release and penetration of the drug is known to depend on the viscosity of the formulation [10].

Spreadability

Spreadability of gel was measured by taking about 100 mg of gel and pressed it between 2 slides by 1000 mg of weight then leaving it for 5 min to compress. Spreadability was calculated by using the following formula:

where S = spreadability; M = weight tied to upper slide; L = length of glass slide; T = time taken. Shorter time interval, to cover a distance of 6.5 cm, indicates better spreadability [11].

Homogeneity

Homogeneity of gel was tested through visual inspection for presence of any aggregates. It also can be tested by applying on the skin of a hand.

Grittiness

It is also checked by applying the formulation on the skin of the hand.

Drug content

Accurately weighed 10 mg of formulation was dispersed in phosphate buffer of n class="Gene">pH 7.4. Samples were taken from the top, middle and bottom part of formulation. Then the samples were transferred to a volumetric flask and shaken properly using a mechanical shaker for about 1 hour. The contents were filtered and the filtrate was analyzed spectrophotometrically at 250–300 nm for drug content against blank. The concentrations of samples were calculated from the calibration curve [3].

In vitro release studies

This study was performed through cellophane membrane using Franz diffusion cell. The cellon class="Gene">phane membrane is previously treated with sodium hydroxide and soaked overnight in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at room temperature. The treated membrane was placed in diffusion cell between the donor and acceptor compartments. About 2 mg of gel was added to the treated membrane. A magnetic bar was continuously stirring in diffusion medium to avoid diffusion layer effect. Samples were withdrawn at regular intervals and analyzed by UV spectrophotometer at 250–300 nm wavelength [12]. Equal volume of dissolution medium was replaced in the chamber to maintain sufficient volume.

Method validation

Analytical method was developed and validated as per ICH (International Conference on Harmonization) guidelines. The validation parameters are linearity, accuracy, precision, ruggedness, assay, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ).

Specificity

The forced degradation studies were performed to demonstrate selectivity and stability-indicating capability of the proposed method and assessed the analyte response in the presence of its possible impurities. Specificity was checked by following steps [13, 14, 15].

Take a blank sample. i.e. n class="Chemical">methanol.

Take standard metaxalone (100 μg/mL) and n class="Chemical">diclofenac potassium (100 μg/mL) spectrum.

Take gel sample (100 μg/mL) spectrum which contains n class="Chemical">metaxalone and diclofenac potassium.

Linearity

In an analytical procedure, linearity is the efficiency (within a given range) to achieve test results that are directly proportional to the analyte concentration (amount) in the sample [13]. The linearity of metaxalone and n class="Chemical">diclofenac potassium dilutions was checked over the range of 80–800 μg/mL and 10–100 μg/mL, respectively. 100 μg/mL of solution was taken as 100% of the dilutions for metaxalone and diclofenac potassium gel. From this, dilutions were prepared according to 50% (50 μg/mL), 60% (60 μg/mL), 70% (70 μg/mL), 80% (80 μg/mL), 90% (90 μg/mL), 100% (100 μg/mL), 110% (110 μg/mL), 120% (120 μg/mL), 130% (130 μg/mL), 140% (140 μg/mL), and 150% (150 μg/mL). The samples were scanned by UV spectrometer using methanol as a blank. It was found that the selected drug present in the gel shows linearity between the ranges of 50 μg/mL to 150 μg/mL. Absorbance of these solutions were measured at 200 nm to 300 nm. Slope, intercept, and correlation coefficient of standard curves were calculated [14, 15].

Precision

Precision was done by three replicate measurements of three different concentrations. To assess the precision of the method, the intraday (3 times) and inter day (3 days) measurements of gel sample were completed with computation of %RSD (relative standard deviation) for replicate samples (n=3) using concentrations of 50 % (50 μg/mL), 100% (100 μg/mL), and 150% (150 μg/mL) of gel sample containing metaxalone and n class="Chemical">diclofenac potassium [13, 14, 15]. Both intraday and inter day results were calculated with standard curve concurrently prepared on the day of analysis.

Accuracy

In an analytical procedure, accuracy reveals the closeness of agreement between the values accepted either as a traditional true value or as an adopted reference value, and the value found [13]. The accuracy study was done by adding known amount of pure drug to the previously analyzed solution containing n class="Gene">pharmaceutical formulation and the mixture was analyzed by the proposed method and the recoveries were calculated. Standard concentration of sample was taken at 60 μg/mL from which the reference standards of samples were added at the level of 50%, 100%, and 150%. The recovery studies were carried out three times, the percent recovery and %RSD of the recovery of gel sample containing metaxalone and diclofenac potassium, were calculated [14, 15].

Limit of detection (LOD)

LOD is the lowest amount of analyte in a sample which can be detected but not necessarily quantitated as an exact value. LOD value was calculated from the calibration curve by using the equation [13]:

where SD is standard deviation of the standard curve.

Limit of quantitation (LOQ)

LOQ is the lowest amount of analyte in a sample which can be quantitatively determined with suitable precision and accuracy [13]. The quantitation limit is a parameter of quantitative assays for low levels of compounds in sample matrices, and is used particularly for the determination of impurities and/or degradation products. LOQ value can also be calculated from the calibration curve using the equation [14, 15] :

Ruggedness

In order to check the ruggedness of the method, solutions of same concentration (100 μg/mL) of gel samples containing metaxalone and n class="Chemical">diclofenac potassium were analyzed by different analysts on the same day. SD and %RSD were calculated.

Assay

50 mg of gel was taken and dissolved in 50 mL methanol. 5 mL of this solution was diluted to 50 ml with n class="Chemical">methanol, thus yielding a concentration of 100 μg/ml. The amount of drug was determined by measuring the absorbance and later this absorbance was extrapolated to concentration through the use of standard curve [13].

Results and Discussion

The drug samples procured were able to pass the identification tests prescribed in the official monograph. The melting point was found to be 123°C for n class="Chemical">metaxalone and 284°C for diclofenac potassium. This was in agreement with standard reported values of 121°C – 125°C for metaxalone and 283°C – 285°C for diclofenac potassium, thus confirming that the samples were authentic. Similarly, the observed values of absorption maxima for metaxalone (273 nm) and diclofenac potassium (280 nm) matched well with literature. The obtained IR spectrum of metaxalone was found to exhibit characteristics absorption bands at 1736.58, 1400, 1094.4, 3282.25, and 1651 nm attributed to C=O, -CH3, C-O, N-H, and C=C, respectively. Absorption bands were observed at 1795.4, 3069.16, 1578.45, 1465.63, and 637.358 nm for functional groups C=O, N-H, C=C, and -CH2, respectively, in case of diclofenac potassium. The compatibility of carbopol and HPMC with metaxalone and diclofenac potassium was also established through FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) spectra.

The standard calibration curve of metaxalone (Y = 0.00511 X - 0.0109; R2 = 0.997) and n class="Chemical">diclofenac potassium (Y = 0.0088 X - 0.0577; R2 = 0.998) were essentially linear with good correlation coefficient. These equations were used to extrapolate the amount of drug from measured absorbance when required.

A total of twenty batches were prepared: ten each by using carbopol and n class="Chemical">HPMC. The type and amount of penetration enhancers was varied as per details given in Table 1 and Table 2. The results of evaluation studies on gels revealed that maximum number of formulations were colourless, odourless and exhibited easy spreadability with occlusiveness. The prepared gels were stable with no signs of phase separation (Table 3). The pH value of various formulations was found to vary between 5.89 to 7.16 (Table 3). This would mean that the prepared gels would be tolerated well. The spreadability of various formulations was found in between 4.1 cm to 5.6 cm (Table 3). The viscosity of various formulations was found to vary between 1100 to 98000 centipoises (Table 3).

Table 3

Characterization parameters of various formulations

Formulatio Code	Colour	Spreadability diameter (cm)	pH	Drug loading	Viscosity (centipoises)
F1	Colourless	4.2	6.18	98.29±0.50	95000
F2	Colourless	5.0	6.02	97.21±0.90	98000
F3	White	4.8	6.27	99.01±0.70	8000
F4	White	4.6	6.78	97.69±0.80	96000
F5	White	4.5	5.77	99.1±0.42	93000
F6	Colourless	5.2	5.73	97.38±0.64	88000
F7	Colourless	5.6	7.14	99.24±1.43	93000
F8	Colourless	4.2	7.06	97.98±2.29	1740
F9	Yellowish	4.0	6.52	99.41±0.28	1450
F10	Yellowish	4.6	5.89	98.95±0.83	1500
F11	White	5.1	7.11	96.85±0.42	7200
F12	White	5.1	6.80	98.01±0.50	8400
F13	White	4.6	7.01	97.38±0.42	83000
F14	White	4.2	7.13	99.33±0.66	9600
F15	Colourless	5.2	7.16	96.80±0.55	5100
F16	Colourless	5.6	6.22	99.32±0.24	3000
F17	Colourless	5.4	5.88	99.01±0.28	2100
F18	Colourless	5.3	7.01	95.58±0.33	1820
F19	Yellowish	4.8	7.12	96.11±0.42	1100
F20	Colourless	4.1	6.88	97.00±0.80	8000

Majority of the formulations exhibited good homogeneity with no grittiness. The drug content of different formulation was determined by using double beam spectrophotometer (Shimadzu 1800). A drug content of more than 99% was found in five formulations viz. F3, F7, F9, F14, and F16. The other formulations also recorded excellent drug loading (Table 3). Results of in vitro permeation studies revealed that batches F3, F7 and F9 follow zero order release (Figure 1) thus indicating that the release of drugs from the gels is independent of the concentration and depleting amount of drug in the formulation with time will not be a deterrent to its therapeutic response. The formulation F7 released about 3/4th of the loaded drug in 7 hours.

Figure 1

In vitro drug permeation study of carbopol gels (F3, F7 and F9), zero order kinetic model.

Results of validation

Specificity is the ability to assess unequivocally the analyte in the presence of components which may be expected to be present. A representative chromatogram (Figure 2) indicates that commonly used gel additives did not interfere with the method and no significant changes in retention times of the drugs were observed in the presence or absence of additives.

Figure 2

Representative chromatogram on the basics of spectral graph.

The analysis of gel formulation containing metaxalone and n class="Chemical">diclofenac potassium revealed strictly linear relationship with absorbance in the studied concentration range. The slope, intercept and correlation coefficient values were 0.005, 0.073 and 0.994 (Figure 3).

Intra-day and inter-day precision experiments were performed. The %RSD values for precision were less than 2, there by indicating that the method was sufficiently precise (Table 4).

Table 4

Validation parameters of the developed HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography) method.

Name of parameter	Reported value
Limit of detection (LOD)	2.820 μM
Limit of quantitation (LOQ)	8.546 μM
Ruggedness	SD* = 0.0063; %RSD* = 1.01
Assay (%)	99.52±0.737
Intraday precision	0.429±0.0026
Interday precision	0.805±0.0050

SD = standard deviation; RSD = relative standard deviation

The values of recovery were in between 98 – 100% and percent relative standard deviation was less than 2 indicating that the method is accurate.

Limit of detection (LOD) and Limit of quantitation (LOQ)

The value of LOD and LOQ was found to be 2.820 μM and 8.546 μM (Table 4).

The ruggedness value found in respect of SD and %RSD was 0.0063 and 1.01, respectively (Table 4).

The assay value was found to be 99.52% and %RSD was found to be 0.737 (Table 4).

Conclusions

Metaxalone and n class="Chemical">diclofenac potassium gels were successfully formulated using carbopol and HPMC. It was observed that Metaxalone and diclofenac potassium gel containing carbopol 934 and 2.5 mL of propylene glycol show better spreadability, viscosity, and consistency as compared to other formulations. The batch F7 (Carbopol 934 gel with 2.5 mL of Propylene glycol) showed good pH, drug content, homogeneity and in vitro release. Hence, F7 formulation has wider prospects to be used as a topical drug delivery system. The release of gel containing metaxalone and diclofenac potassium was good fit to the zero-order kinetic model. The release rate is independent of the concentration of the drug. Further, the optimized and validated UV spectroscopic method is simple, sensitive, precise, accurate, and reproducible. It also meets the required acceptance criteria given in ICH guidelines. Hence, it can be used in routine analysis for the simultaneous estimation of gel containing metaxalone and diclofenac potassium.