Formulation and evaluation of matrix-type transdermal delivery system of ondansetron hydrochloride using solvent casting technique

The purpose of this research was to develop a matrix-type transdermal therapeutic system containing drug Ondansetron hydrochloride (OSH) with different ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymeric systems by the solvent evaporation technique by using 25 % w/w of di-butyl phthalate to the polymer weight, incorporated as plasticizer. 5% menthol was used to enhance the Transdermal permeation of OSH. Formulated transdermal patches were physically evaluated with regard to thickness, weight variation, drug content, flatness, folding endurance, percentage of moisture content and water vapour transmission rate. All prepared formulations indicated good physical stability. Ex vivo permeation studies of formulations were performed by using Franz diffusion cells. Formulation prepared with combination of hydrophilic polymers containing permeation enhancer showed best ex vivo skin permeation through rat skin (Wistar albino rat) as compared to all other formulations. The release profile of OSH followed zero-order kinetics in all formulations. However, the release profile of the optimized formulation F17 (r2 = 0.999 for Higuchi) indicated that the permeation of the drug from the patches was governed by a diffusion mechanism. Formulation F showed highest flux among all the formulations in drug permeation. These results indicate that the formulations containing menthol as the penetration enhancer (5%) giving better penetration of OSH through rat skin were considered as suitable for large scale manufacturing with a backing layer and a suitable adhesive membrane.