Description

ABSTRACT
The objective of the present study was to develop matrix type transdermal patches of fluoxetine using a polymeric combination of ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) by solvent evaporation method. All the formulations were evaluated for in vitro drug release studies and in vitro permeation studies through excised rat skin. The physiochemical compatibility between drug and polymers was determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of in vitro permeation studies showed that the formulation FT1, containing EC/PVP in the ratio of 3:2 with 2% tween-80 as a permeation enhancer exhibited the greatest cumulative amount of drug permeated with a flux 43.91 μg/cm2/h. The formulation was taken up for further evaluation of in vivo pharmacological and skin irritation potential. The antidepressant efficacy of transdermal patches (FT1) was comparable to oral formulation during forced swim and tail suspension test in Wistar rats with no skin irritation. The results of FTIR study indicated that the combination of drug and polymers is suitable for formulation of transdermal patches of fluoxetine. On the basis of results it was concluded that the fluoxetine matrix-type transdermal therapeutic system could be prepared with the required flux to improve the patient compliance and provide maintenance therapy to patient in depression.

Keywords: Transdermal patches, fluoxetine, ethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, in vitro drug release and antidepressant.a