ABSTRACT

Objective: Acute gouty flares cause joint pain and inflammation, necessitating effective treatment. Colchicine is a key treatment, but its low oral bioavailability and gastrointestinal side effects make it unsafe. This research aimed to develop a microsponge-based drug delivery system that enhances colchicine's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy whilereducing side effects in acute gout flares. Method: The synthesized colchicine-loaded microsponges were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction. The formulated microsponge gel was evaluated for spreadability, pH, and viscosity properties to find out their suitability for topical application. In vitro drug release and drug content of the microsponge gel were analyzed by UV spectrophotometry, in vitro ischemic diffusion using Franz diffusion cells, and ex vivo diffusion using albino rat skin. Drug-excipient interactions are evaluated through FTIR and DSC studies. Findings: The developed microsponge formulations had desired features like porous and spherical morphology and high drug encapsulation efficiency. In-vitro and ex-vivo studies revealed the controlled and sustained drug release. From all the formulations, F4 showed a maximum percentage of drug release over a period of 24 hours. Topical gels have proper spreadability, viscosity, and pH. Drug-excipient compatibility studies showed no significant interaction. Novelty: Microsponge-based delivery systems in colchicine provide hope for the application- oriented treatment of acute gout flares through controlled drug release and have great potential to increase therapeutic outcomes while reducing the incidence of side effects. Keywords: Colchicine, Gout, Drug Release, microsponges, UV spectrophotometry
Publication date: 01/10/2025

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/October/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9502.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.10.9502