Purpose: To develop and evaluate
self-adhesive matrix-type ondansetron hydrochloride (OND)
transdermal formulation.
Methods: OND transdermal patches
were prepared using solvent casting method. The matrix
polymer composition was Eudragit E 100, polyvinyl
pyrrolidone and either propylene glycol or dibutyl
sebacate as plasticizer. Mean patch thickness, tensile
strength, moisture content, water absorption capacity
and drug content of the patches were studied. In vitro
release and permeation of the patches were determined
using Franz diffusion cell.
Results: Mean patch thickness,
moisture content, and water uptake increased with
increased contents of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and
plasticiser. Higher levels of PVP and plasticiser
increased drug release. Addition of release modifier
such as succinic acid (SA) and myristic acid (MA) to the
patch formulations produced a significant increase in
drug release from the patch. Higuchi plots for patches
containing propylene glycol (PG) were non-linear (r2
= 0.9564), indicating that they did not follow Higuchi
release model whereas the plots for most of the patches
containing dibutyl sebacate (DBS) followed Higuchi
release model (r2 = 0.9974).
Conclusion: DBS is a superior
plasticiser to PG for OND matrix patches while succinic
acid (SA) is a more effective release modifier than
myristic acid (MA) for PG patches.
Keywords: Ondansetron hydrochloride,
Drug release, Release modifier, Transdermal, Dibutyl
sebacate, Succinic acid, Higuchi model, Plasticizer
