The present paper provides an updated overview of the methodologies applied in photodegradation studies of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Photostability tests, performed according to international standards, have clearly demonstrated the photolability of many drugs belonging to this class, observed during the preparation of commercial forms, administration or when dispersed in the environment. The photodegradation profile of these drugs is usually monitored by spectrophotometric or chromatographic techniques and in many studies the analytical data are processed by chemometric procedures. The application of multivariate analysis in the resolution of often-complex data sets makes it possible to estimate the pure spectra of the species involved in the degradation process and their concentration profiles. Given the wide use of these drugs, several pharmaceutical formulations have been investigated to improve their photostability in solution or gel, as well as the pharmacokinetic profile. The use of lipid nanocarriers as liposomes, niosomes or solid lipid nanoparticles has demonstrated to both minimize photodegradation and improve the controlled release of the entrapped drugs.
Keywords: ICH Quality Guidelines; liposomes; niosomes; photodegradation; solid lipid nanoparticles.