Published Paper Details:

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain represents a significant global health burden, frequently leading to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Diclofenac Sodium are commonly prescribed for the management of MSK pain, conventional oral dosage forms are associated with limitations including delayed onset of action, low bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism, and poor patient compliance particularly among geriatric, pediatric, and dysphagic populations. This study aims to develop and evaluate fast dissolving tablets (FDTs) of Diclofenac Sodium, leveraging their potential to offer rapid disintegration in the oral cavity and enhanced systemic absorption via pre-gastric pathways. Tablets were formulated via direct compression using various super disintegrants, including Crospovidone, Croscarmellose Sodium, and Sodium Starch Glycolate. The formulations were subjected to comprehensive physicochemical characterization, including pre-compression (angle of repose, bulk density) and post-compression evaluations (hardness, friability, disintegration time, drug content, and in vitro dissolution studies). The optimized formulation demonstrated superior disintegration (<=30 seconds), improved dissolution rate, and acceptable mechanical integrity. These findings confirm the feasibility of FDTs as an alternative drug delivery system for Diclofenac Sodium, providing enhanced bioavailability, rapid therapeutic onset, and improved patient adherence. In conclusion, the developed FDTs represent a promising strategy for the effective management of musculoskeletal disorders, offering clinical advantages over conventional dosage forms through improved pharmacokinetic and patient-centric profiles.