Development of ketorolac tromethamine loaded biocompatible polymeric microspheres and matrix films: designing for topical application

Abstract

Ketorolac Tromethamine (KT) is a powerful and important active ingredient in the pyrropyrrole group of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). In this study, microspheres of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were prepared by crosslinking with FeCl₃. KT-loaded microspheres were coated with ethyl cellulose (EC) film to obtain transdermal patches. The cumulative release ranged between 22 and 82%. Moreover, equilibrium swelling values, entrapment efficiency, drug loading capacity, crosslinking density, and film thickness were examined. Microspheres and EC films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Controlled release
• ketorolac tromethamine
• microspheres
• pain
• poly (vinyl pyrrolidone)
• sodium carboxymethylcellulose

Acknowledgments

Gazi University Photonic Application and Research Center and METU Central Laboratory are acknowledged for their services in finalizing necessary analyses in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).