Enhanced in vitro and ex vivo transdermal permeation of microemulsion gel of tapentadol hydrochloride

Abstract

Aim of the current study is to develop a microemulsion gel for transdermal delivery of tapentadol hydrochloride. Microemulsion was developed using phase diagram and subjected to assay, globule size, PDI, zeta potential, TEM and in vitro drug release studies. The optimized microemulsion was converted into gel using carbopol 934 NF and evaluated for viscosity, spreadability, in vitro, ex vivo, FTIR, DSC, stability and skin irritation studies. The mean globule size, PDI, zeta potential and in vitro drug release of microemulsion were found 247.3 nm, 0.298, –17.6 mV and 98.42% respectively. In vitro and ex vivo drug release of gel was found 92.2% and 88.6% in 24 h. Viscosity and spreadability results indicated ease of application and no incompatibility was observed from FTIR studies. The skin irritation studies showed absence of erythema. Key findings from the current research concluded that microemulsion gel was suitable for effective transdermal delivery.

Keywords:

• Phase diagram
• microemulsion
• gel
• stability
• transdermal delivery

Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to University Grants Commission-Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship, New Delhi, for providing funding to complete the project. The authors are also thankful to MSN Laboratories Pvt Ltd for providing the TPHCl.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The current work was done with the support of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)-University Grants Commission (UGC).