Design, Characterization and Evaluation of Topical Analgesic gel for Acute and Chronic pain

Topical gel preparations are designed for application on the skin or mucosal surfaces to deliver medications effectively, bypassing first-pass metabolism and enhancing localized therapeutic effects, particularly in pain management and the treatment of skin conditions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), known for their potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, are increasingly favored for topical administration to mitigate the adverse effects often associated with their oral counterparts. In this context, hydrophilic polymers such as Carbopol 940 have been employed to develop topical hydrogel formulations containing diclofenac sodium. The objective of the study was to formulate and assess various topical dosage forms containing diclofenac sodium, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate, and to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy in managing both acute and chronic pain. Six batches of a gel formulation combining methyl nicotinate, diclofenac sodium, and methyl salicylate were developed and tested.