FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF PIROXICAM CONVENTIONAL AND HOLLOW SUPPOSITORIES
Objective: The objective of this study was to develop higher and rapid release of piroxicam from suppositories of different types (conventional and hallow) using different bases. Methods: Thirteen formulas (F1–F13) were prepared (five conventional and the rest were hollow type suppositories) by using different bases such as witepsol H35, polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with different ratio and glycerinated gelatin. The prepared suppositories were evaluated for physical properties such as hardness, melting time, softening time and for dissolution profiles. Results: All of the prepared suppositories had acceptable physical properties. The maximum percent release of piroxicam was 98%, 97%, 95% and 91% within 50 min were obtained from hollow type suppositories containing piroxicam in a solution form and utilizing witepsol H35 base (F10), glycerinated gelatin base (F13), PEGs 400:4000 (70:30) (F12) and PEGs 200:6000 (70:30) (F11), respectively. Also, they exhibited rapid release of piroxicam however, F10 and F12 released 65% and 50% of piroxicam within 5 min while, F11 released 57% within 10 min. Conclusion: Hollow type suppositories containing piroxicam in a solution form can be considered as the most suitable formulas (F10–F13). So that, the hollow-type suppository is useful as a promising approach for enhancing the release of piroxicam to be administered rectally. Also, the study revealed that in addition to the type of suppositories, the type of the base, the grade and the ratio of PEGs bases are other important factors affecting the physical properties of suppositories and the dissolution profile of piroxicam.