Formulation of an aqueous injection of flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen (1) is an analgesic, antipyretic and antiinflammatory agent which is practically insoluble in water. The aqueous solubility of 1 using various hydrotropes was attempted. The solubility increased up to 63 times in the case of sodium benzoate. Using selected hydrotropes, aqueous injections of 1 were formulated. Formulations were studied for physical and chemical stability. Some of the formulations showed reasonable stability which can be further enhanced by incorporation of appropriate formulation additives. These formulations were evaluated for antiinflammatory and analgesic activity and showed promising results.