TOPICAL LIPOSOMAL SYSTEM FOR LOCALIZED AND CONTROLLED DRUG-DELIVERY

A liposomal reservoir system bearing the local anesthetic, benzocaine, was developed for controlled and localized delivery via topical route . The liposomal suspension was incorporated into an ointment and gel b ase. The developed systems were studied for various physical and kinet ic attributes in vitro. The systems delivered the drug at a controlled rate over 24 h, whereas plain drug ointment showed a rapidly decrease d release rate over 24 h, with more than 92% released. The drug delive ry across human cadaver skin following liposomal ointment application was noted to be considerably slow. The in vivo study revealed a longer duration of action in the case of liposomal formulations. An effort w as made to study the effect of ultrasound as a reversible means to eff ect pulsatile delivery of the drug from the liposomal depot. The work proved the potential of liposomes as a slow release vehicle which foll ows apparent zero order kinetics and its use in modulating drug input via skin.