Abstract: 
Suppository formulation is a solid formulation intended to be inserted into the rectum where they melt or disperse and exhibit local or systemic effect. It is a valuable alternative to other dosage delivery systems as it tends to eliminate the latter’s attendant side effects. A study has been made on the formulation and evaluation of Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) suppositories using Cow fat (GF), its admixtures and Cocoa butter as reference comparatively. Rectal suppositories containing ASA (300 mg) in pre-calibrated mould were prepared by fusion method using CF, Cow fat and Palm Kernel oil (CP) at 3:1, Cow fat and Liquid Paraffin (CL) at 3:1 and Cocoa Butter (CB) as bases. Thereafter the suppositories were characterized using parameters such as appearance, crushing strength, weight variation, melting point, liquefaction time, content uniformity and in-vitro release in accordance with standard procedures. Liquefaction or disintegration time in minutes followed this order: ACB (4.40 ±0.84)<ACL(8.19±1.72) <ACP(11.28±1.84) < ACF(14.17±2.12) while that of cumulative drug release in percentage is ACL> ACP >ACF>ACB (p<0.05).  Results obtained indicated that the bases used generally could be ranked in the order of CL > CP > CF > CB (p<0.05) in terms of favourable physicochemical properties investigated. The foregoing indicates that CL, CP or CF has promising potential and could be a substitute suppository base in the formulation of ASA suppositories.

Keywords: Formulation, Suppositories, Acetylsalicylic Acid, Cow Fat, Palm Kernel Oil, Liquid Paraffin.