Utilization of thin film method for preparation of celecoxib loaded liposomes

Purpose: Celecoxib is nonsteroiddal anti-inflammatory drug that has been used extensively to treat patients with arthritis. The aim of the present study was to formulate and characterize liposomal vesicles loaded with celecoxib. Methods: Liposomes were prepared by thin film method using soya lecithin and cholesterol. The release of drug was determined using a dialysis membrane method. Liposomes were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetery (DSC), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and their particle size was also determined. Results: The results showed that the drug encapsulation efficiency was 67.34% and there was 67.16% release after 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 24 h. Results of particle size determination showed a mean size of 677nm and nanoparticles were spherical as shown by TEM. The DSC curve of lecithin, cholesterol and celecoxib were different from celecoxib containing liposome. Conclusion: The results of characterization of the vesicles indicated the potential application of celecoxib loaded liposome as carrier system.