Objective: The purpose of the study was to synthesize prodrugs of mefenamic acid, to be used as Anti inflammatory drug with fewer adverse effects.
Methods: The drug was covalently bonded to PEG 1500 (polyethylene glycol) and PEG 6000 as such and with a linker glycine. The prodrugs were characterized by FT-I.R and N.M.R. For the drug release studies, all the prodrugs were subjected to pH 1.2 and pH 7.2. For the anti inflammatory activity, Carrageenan induced rat paw edema method was followed and for Ulcer protecting activity, Pylorus ligation method was used, the prodrugs were administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats.
Results: The results suggested that the prodrugs of mefenamic acid, the drug release was higher at pH 7.2 than at pH 1.2. The result obtained for anti inflammatory activity was comparable to the standard drug of mefenamic acid. For ulcers, the prodrugs were found to possess Ulcer curing property higher than the standard drug.
Conclusion: The prodrugs thus synthesized possess anti inflammatory activity as well as good ulcer protecting activity, can be used instead of standard drug
