European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF KETOPROFEN FROM MICROEMULSION BASED SYSTEMS: OCCLUSIVE VERSUS OPEN APPLICATION

Noha W. El Khayat*, Ahmed A. Donia and Gamal M. El Maghraby

ABSTRACT

The use of microemulsion in transdermal drug delivery has gained interest recently with numerous studies recording promising results. The ability of such system to fill the micro-architecture of the skin surface was considered as the main mechanism for enhanced transdermal delivery in addition to the penetration enhancing activity of the components. The first mechanism depends on the fluidity of the formulation. Unfortunately, fluid systems are not widely accepted for topical application. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to compare transdermal delivery of ketoprofen from fluid and non-fluid microemuslion phase transition systems. The tested formulations were fluid ethanol free microemulsion, gel and liquid crystalline (LC) phase systems and ethanol containing microemulsions which thickens after evaporation of ethanol upon open application to skin. All formulations were better than saturated aqueous control. Fluid formulations were superior than gel and LC systems. Open application of ethanol containing systems delivered ketoprofen through the skin at higher rate than the corresponding gel or LC system. The study highlighted the possibility of open application of fluid microemulsion which contains volatile components. This system combines the stron penetration enhancing potential and feasibility of topical application due to thickening after evaporation of the volatile component.

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