Design and Evaluation of Atomoxetine-Loaded Transdermal Patches for Enhanced Drug Delivery

Abstract

In present study transdermal drug delivery of Atomoxetine was developed to overcome the first pass metabolism and to reduce frequency of dosing compared to oral route. Oral drug delivery systems have a number of disadvantages, including poor bioavailability because of liver breakdown (first pass) and the propensity to cause fast blood level spikes (both high and low), necessitating high and/or frequent dosage, which can be both expensive and inconvenient. Matrix type of transdermal patches was developed by using polymers HPMC (low viscosity). Transdermal patches were prepared by employing solvent casting method. Ethanol were selected as permeation enhancer and plasticizer. Drug excipient compatibility studies were carried by using FTIR, and it was observed that there were no interactions. Formulations were prepared with varying concentrations polymers ranging from ATF1-ATF9, and all the formulations were evaluated for various physical parameters physical appearance, Flatness, Weight variation, Thickness, Folding endurance, Drug content, Studies on moisture uptake, moisture content, and swelling as well as in vitro drug release experiments utilising eggs membrane and synthetic membrane all revealed results that were within Pharmacopeial limitations. Among all the 9 formulations ATF9 formulation which contains ethyl cellulose 300mg of HPMC K15 had shown 98.96% cumulative drug release within 24 hours.