Abstract
Aim
In the current study, efforts are being made to formulate transdermal salbutamol-cubosomal gel to manage paediatric asthma.
Methods
Salbutamol-loaded cubosomal gels were prepared by melt emulsification and sonication. The cubosomal gels were characterised by morphology, particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy, assay, viscosity, and texture profiles. Ex vivo permeation and pharmacokinetic studies were performed using rats.
Results
The mean cubosomal particle size (208–361 ± 12.5–32.5 nm), PDI (0.06–0.11 ± 0.01–0.02), viscosity (8527–9019 cp), and entrapment efficacy (76.3–91.0% w/w) increase with the level of monoolein. The ex vivo permeation study showed a biphasic release pattern, with salbutamol cleared from control gel within 8 h, while cubosomal gels showed sustained release up to 72 h. The pharmacokinetic profiles in the rat model showed 8.62-fold higher bioavailability with cubosomal gel.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated the potential of cubosomal nanoparticle-laden gel to sustain the release of salbutamol to treat paediatric asthma.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.