Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRANSDERMAL PATCHES OF METHOTREXATE

Ravindra Tripathi*, Archana Singh and Dr. Nitendra Sahu

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Abstract

The present study was to develop transdermal matrix patch of Methotrexate and assess its feasibility for transdermal application. The low permeability of skin is the rate-limiting step for delivery of most of the drugs. Studies were carried out to investigate the effect of permeation enhancers like DMSO, tween-80, eucalyptus oil and olive oil on the permeation of Methotrexate from matrix patch through skin. The formulations were subjected to in vitro drug release, in vitro permeation studies, and stability studies. The results of Methotrexate transdermal matrix patch showed that the most promising formulation was FT1 (formulation containing EC: PVP, 3:2; Methotrexate 20%; dibutylpthalate 30% and 2% tween-80 all in %w/w). This formulation was able to deliver drug up to 24 h at a flux of 43.91μg/cm2/h across rat skin. Thus optimized transdermal matrix patch of Methotrexate using polymers such as EC and PVP with tween-80 as permeation enhancers demonstrated their ability to give sustained release, because of excellent release and permeation of drug and its influence on antidepressant efficacy. The developed formulation of Methotrexate is expected to improve the patient compliance, form better dosage regimen and provide maintenance therapy to patients suffering from cancer.

Keywords: Transdermal, Matrix Patch, Methotrexate, Bi?availability.