Design and Development of Transdermal Patches of Antipsychotic Drug: In vitro and Ex vivo Characterization

Abstract

The purpose of the present research work was to design, assess, and estimate the developed transdermal matrix-type
formulation comprising levosulpiride hydrochloride with the objective of enhancing the bioavailability and compliance of
the patient. Transdermal films of levosulpiride were developed using a solvent casting method by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
(HPMC) E 15, Eudragit RL 100, and Eudragit RS100. In current research work, propylene glycol and oleic acid
was used as plasticizer and permeation enhancers in different fractions. Among the batches, drug content uniformity with
all formulations was perceived between 91.6 to 98%. Folding endurance of patches was good and indicates satisfactory
flexibility. Developed transdermal films had the necessary physicochemical properties, for example, uniformity of drug
content, weight, thickness, folding endurance, and dampness content. Franz diffusion cell was used for in vitro diffusion
studies utilizing dialysis membrane as a pervasion boundary. Formulation F5 (Eudragit RL 100-1%, HPMC E15-9%) was
found to be best among all batches of its consistent release rate for 12 hours and the extent of drug release 97.76%. F5
was the most palatable formulation as it firmly meets the standards and continuously permeated drugs for 12 hours that
can keep up desired therapeutic concentration in plasma. The patches were exposed to transient stability studies and were
observed to be constant and stable.