Stability studies on aqueous and oily ophthalmic solutions of diclofenac

Various aqueous and oily diclofenac ophthalmic formulations were subjected to accelerated and long term stability studies. Degradation of diclofenac was found to follow first-order kinetics. Among the aqueous formulations containing preservative, formulation with PMA, PMN, SA, MP/PP and SMS showed diclofenac content above 90% after 6 months of accelerated and 12 months of room temperature storage. Diclofenac 0.1%, w/v aqueous formulation (pH 7.4), with 5-10% overages, containing SMS, MP/PP or PMN look promising taking both stability and corneal permeability in view. However, for use in cataract surgery formulation without preservative appears ideal. Oily ophthalmic formulations except those in olive and mustard oil, had more than 90% drug content after 6 months of accelerated and 12 months of room temperature storage. Diclofenac (0.2%, w/v) ophthalmic solution in sesame oil with 3% overage and containing benzyl alcohol (0.5%, v/v) as preservative, appears ideal, taking both stability and corneal permeability in view.