Preparation of Transdermal Films of Nifedipine: Ex-vivo and In-vitro Studies

Objective: The aim of present study was to prepare and evaluate the transdermal films (TFs) of Nifedipine (NFDP). Methods: The TFs were prepared by solvent evaporation technique and twelve formulations of NFDPTFs were prepared by taking HPMC E15 and Eudragit L100 in different ratios. Polyethylene glycol (15%) and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were incorporated as plasticizer and permeation enhancer respectively. DMSO was incorporated in the formulations F7-F12 but it was absent in F1-F6. Results: The prepared TFs were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, folding endurance, drug content, moisture absorption, moisture content determination, mechanical properties and ex-vivo permeation. Mechanical properties revealed that the formulations F4 and F10 were found to be strong enough but not brittle. Hence, the formulations F4 and F10 were selected for ex-vivo studies. The formulations F4 and F10 showed maximum drug permeation within 24 h and formulation with permeation enhancer showed highest drug permeation than formulation without permeation enhancer. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the formulation with permeation enhancer (F10) showed highest permeability through the rat skin than formulation without permeation enhancer.