Abstract

INVITRO EVALUATION OF SALICYLIC ACID RELEASE FROM AN OINTMENT AND CREAM BY AGAR PLATE METHOD

Venkateswara Rao. S*, Durga Reshma. K and Padmalatha. K

ABSTRACT

Delivering medicine to the general circulation through the skin is seen as a desirable alternative to taking it by mouth. The present study was aimed to find out the better dosage form for salicylic acid based on its release from two different semisolid formulations i.e., ointment and cream. Salicylic acid is the most commonly used and also prescribed for various dermatological ailments like psoriasis, acne, fungal infection and also as keratolytic. Salicylic acid ointment and Salicylic acid cream were prepared and evaluated the rate of release of salicylic acid from both ointment and cream by Agar plate method and compared the rate of its release from both the formulations i.e. ointment and cream. The violet/purple color developed on agar plates due to a complex reaction between salicylic acid and ferric chloride was measured to evaluate the drug releasing kinetics. This method is based on the diffusion and release pattern of drug from different semisolid formulation bases. The formulations were also characterized by physical parameters and results were found in acceptable limits. Salicylic acid release was found to be maximum in cream form compared to ointment form.

Keywords: Salicylic acid, Diffusion, Agar medium, Oil in water cream, Releasing rate.