DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF TRANSDERMAL SALBUTAMOL DELIVERING SYSTEMS

The transdermal drug delivery systems based on polymeric pseudolatex a nd matrix diffusion controlled systems for salbutamol were prepared an d compared for in vitro skin permeation profile and in vivo performanc es. Poly (isobutylene) was used as release controlling polymer in both the systems. In vitro skin permeation was studied using the human cad avar skin in franz diffusion cell. Permeation rate constants for matri x diffusion controlled system and pseudolatices were 10.625 and 13.750 mcg/hr/cm(2) respectively. The prepared transdermal systems were test ed on human volunteers having chronic reversible airways obstruction a nd compared with oral treatments (Asthaline). The in vivo drug plasma profiles following transdermal and oral treatments reveal that althoug h peak plasma level by oral administration was higher in comparison wi th the transdermal treatments, troughs and peaks were discernible at d osing times. In the case of transdermal treatments, constant drug plas ma and FEV(1) levels were recorded indicating controlled and systemic delivery of drug spaced over 30 hours. Among the prepared transdermal drug delivery systems, pseudolatices demonstrated better drug plasma p rofile, maintained at relatively higher level and flatter in appearanc e. The relative performance of the systems was noted to reflect in AUC and FEV(1).