Development and evaluation of ointment and cream vehicles for a new topical steroid, fluclorolone acetonide

Abstract

Several cream and ointment vehicles were developed for a new topical steroid, fluclorolone acetonide. The relative activity of the drug in. these formulations was evaluated by vasoconstrictor assays and by release studies. Enhanced drug release and superior vasoconstrictor activity were demonstrated by fluclorolone acetonide when prepared in vehicles in which it was entirely solubilized. Furthermore, the correlation found between solubility, release and in vivo response demonstrated the usefulness of in vitro release studies in predicting vehicle efficacy. The technical aspects of development and evaluation of ointment and cream vehicles for this steroid are discussed.