Ibuprofen for Topical Administration
Set forth herein is a preparation of ibuprofen (2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid) in the free acid form that is suitable for topical administration. The topical ibuprofen formulation is prepared by dissolving the free acid form of ibuprofen, or preparing a homogeneous suspension of the free acid form of ibuprofen, in the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent so as to produce a topical drug formulation compatible with the penetration of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid through the skin tissue. Topical formulations of ibuprofen can be based on a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent such as, e.g., a pyrrolidone solvent or dimethylacetamide.
1 . A method for treating inflammation in a patient in need of therapy, comprising applying to the skin of the patient a physically and chemically stable topical pharmacological composition prepared by a process comprising the steps of:
(a) creating a first mixture by dissolving ibuprofen in a solvent;
(b) creating second mixture comprising at least one water soluble ingredient;
(c) creating a third mixture comprising at least one hydrophobic ingredient;
(d) creating a fourth mixture by combining the second mixture and the third mixture; and
(e) combining the first mixture and the fourth mixture to create the physically and chemically stable topical pharmacological composition.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein step (b) further comprises heating the at least one water soluble ingredient.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the at least one water soluble ingredient is heated to about 70° C.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein step (c) further comprises heating the at least one hydrophobic ingredient.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the at least one hydrophobic ingredient is heated to about 70° C.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein step (d) further comprises cooling the fourth mixture.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the fourth mixture is cooled to about 40° C.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent is a pyrrolidone solvent.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and 2-pyrrolidone.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent is water.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent is dimethylacetamide.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, and dimethylisosorbide.