Design and Evaluation of Ketoprofen-Loaded Oral Medicated Jellies Using Natural Polymers for Rapid Analgesic Relief

Abstract

Oral medicated jellies (OMJs) offer a patient-friendly dosage form with enhanced palatability, ease of administration, and rapid onset of action, particularly advantageous for populations with swallowing difficulties. This study aimed to formulate ketoprofen-loaded OMJs utilizing natural polymers pectin, guar gum, and carrageenan to achieve rapid analgesic effect, improved bioavailability, and patient compliance. Various jelly formulations were prepared via the heat-solvent dispersion method, varying polymer types and concentrations. Physicochemical parameters including appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, gel strength, drug content uniformity, and in vitro drug release were evaluated. Pectin-based jellies demonstrated faster drug release profiles suitable for immediate analgesia, whereas guar gum–carrageenan combinations provided a more controlled release. The optimized pectin formulation (F2) exhibited favorable organoleptic properties, consistent drug content (99.2%), rapid dissolution (~94% release at 60 minutes), and good short-term stability under accelerated conditions. Release kinetics indicated anomalous transport for pectin jellies and zero-order release for guar–carrageenan gels. These findings support the potential of natural polymer-based ketoprofen jellies as effective, patient-centric oral analgesic delivery systems.