Studies on self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of flurbiprofen employing long, medium and short chain triglycerides

The aim of the study was to successfully design, formulate and evaluate self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system [SNEDDS] of poorly aqueous soluble drug viz. flurbiprofen using long [LCT], medium [MCT] and short chain triglycerides [SCT]. The SNEDDS are thermodynamically stable lipid based drug delivery systems which consist of mixture of oil, surfactant and co-surfactant. Upon aqueous dilution, this mixture produces nano-emulsion spontaneously on slight agitation. The excipients intended to be used were screened for their potential to dissolve the drug and to form clear dispersion upon aqueous dilution. Labrafil M 1944 CS, capryol-90 and triacetin were selected as long, medium and short chain triglycerides, respectively, as lipids while tween-80 and polyethylene glycol-400 [PEG-400]/ethanol [3:1 ratio] were selected as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. The excipients were studied at every possible combination ratios using pseudo-ternary diagram. The LCT, MCT and SCT-SNEDDS were optimized using thermodynamic studies, percentage transmittance value, viscosity, refractive index [RI], electrical conductivity, globule size analysis and in-vitro drug release studies. The drug release profiles of optimized SNEDDS were then compared with market product at different pH mediums. The LCT-SNEDDS was considered to be superior for enhancement of the drug bioavailability when compared with other SNEDDS formulations and market product

Classic Raymond syndrome

Classic Raymond syndrome presents with abducens nerve palsy on the ipsilateral side with contralateral hemiparesis and facial nerve paralysis. A 60-year gentleman presented with deviation of left angle of mouth and right sided weakness. Examination showed that he had left sided abducens nerve palsy, with contralateral central facial paralysis and paresis. MRI of brain confirmed left pontine infarct. These findings were consistent with classic Raymond syndrome. Till now, only a few cases have been reported worldwide, this being the first case reported in South Asia. This case confirms that classic Raymond syndrome is different from the common type of Raymond syndrome in terms of sparing of coritcofacial fibers in the latter type

Comparison of nitroglycerine patch and nifedipine in treatmetn of preterm labour

Background: Preterm labour and resulting preterm birth of baby is challenge for gynaecologists

Objective: To compare the efficacy of transdermal nitroglycerine with oral nifedipine in inhibition of preterm labour. Methodology: This experimental study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. This study enrolled 60 women with preterm labour, first 30 patients received oral Nifedipine and next 30 patients used transdermal nitroglycerine [NTG] patch. The data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 16

Results: Mean prolongation of pregnancy was more with nitro glycerine [30.13+3 days] compared to Nifedipine [29.57+ 6days]. Nifedipine was more successful in prolonging pregnancy beyond 48 hours. Failure of acute tocolysis defined as delivery within 48 hours, was more common with NTG [33.3%] as compared to Nifedipine [23.3%]. Headache was higher in nitrglycerine group [3.3%] compared to Nifedipine group [0%]. The neonatal outcomes in terms of respiratory distress was higher in Nifedipine [76.7%] than Nitroglycrine group [63.3%].There was no statistically significant difference between two groups

Conclusion: Nitroglycerine patch is as effective as Nifedipine in suppression of preterm labour and in prolonging pregnancy

Controlled release matrix tablets of glipizide: influence of different grades of ethocel and Co-excipient on drug release

The aim of the current study was to formulate and evaluate glipizide controlled release matrix tablets by means of different grades of polymer Ethoceland different co-excipients in order to evaluate their effect on drug release profiles during in vitro dissolution studies. Type II diabetes mellitus is usually treated with Glipizide. Glipizide belongs to sulfonylurea group. Gastric disturbance and severe hypoglycemia has been observed after taking glipizide orally. To overcome these problems, controlled release matrices were developed using different grades of ethyl cellulose polymer with a drug-polymer ratio of 1: 3by the direct compression method. The effect on drug release of partial replacement of lactose by different co-excipients, HPMC K100M, starch and CMC, were also studied. Diameter, thickness, hardness, friability, weight variations, drug contents of formulations were tested, these properties were within prescribed limits. Co-excipients and polymer containing formulations were compared to the without co-excipients and polymer containing formulations with respect to their release profile. After a 24-hour release study, ethyl cellulose polymer containing formulation exhibited prolonged release for 5-16 hours; however the polymer Ethocel standard FP 7 Premium without co-excipient containing formulation exhibited controlled release for 24 hours. Incompatibility was investigated between drugs, co-excipient DSC and polymer study was performed and any type of interaction was not found. Different kinetic models were used to study the release mechanism. An enhanced release rate was observed in case of excipients containing formulations

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of ibuprofen controlled release matrix tablets using hydrophilic Eudragit® polymer and co-excipients

The present study was conducted to formulate controlled release dosage forms containing Ibuprofen with Eudragit® S 100 polymer. The tablets were formulated at three different ratios with the polymer to investigate the effect of different concentrations of polymer on in vitro drug release patterns/kinetics and in vivo absorption/pharmacokinetics. Pre-formulation studies were conducted including bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner ratio and angle of repose. In vitro studies were conducted using phosphate buffer [pH 7.4] as dissolution medium. In vivo performance was evaluated using albino rabbits. Physico-chemical characteristics [i.e. dimensional tests, weight variation, hardness, friability and drug content determination] fell in the USP acceptable limits. The compressibility index was found to range between 12.02 +/- 0.01% and 18.66 +/- 0.03%, the Hausner ratio varied between 1.02 +/- 0.01 and 1.19 +/- 0.10 and the angle of repose ranged from 15.19 +/- 0.01 to 24.52 +/- 0.10, all indicating better flow properties than the bulk-reference standard. Both bulk and tapped densities also fell in the USP acceptable range. Ibuprofen market tablets showed T[max] of 2.1 +/- 0.4h, which was significantly [P-value <0.05] lower compared to that of the reference standard [i.e. 4.09 +/- 1.3h]. Ibuprofen test formulation has a half-life [T[1/2]] of 16.9 +/- 2.5h, which was significantly [P-value<0.001] higher compared to that of the reference standard [i.e. 9.23 +/- 2.9h]. Eudragit® S 100 polymers can be used efficiently to develop directly compressed prolonged release tablets

To study the influence of different grades of Ethylcellulose ether derivative polymer Ethocel[registered] and co-excipient on drug release profile of controlled release matrix tablet of acarbose

The aim of the study presented is to formulate and evaluate Acarbose controlled release matrix tablets by means of different grades of polymer Ethocel and different co-excipients with the intention to see their effects on drug release profile during in vitro dissolution studies. Controlled release dosage forms is gaining rapid popularity due to its positive aspect of reduction in dosage frequency and curtailing side effects. Controlled released tablets of Acarbose were prepared by direct compression method, using Ethocel[registered sign] Standard 7 Premium and Ethocel[registered sign] Standard 7 FP premium polymer. The effect of co-excipients including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose [HPMC], Carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC] and starch on the drug placing 30% lactose were also examined. In-vitro studies were carried out with the help of phosphate buffer [PH 7.4] as dissolution medium. Drug release mechanism was assessed by applying various kinetic models. Similarly / dissimilarity factor f[2]/ f[1] were applied for determination of dissolution profile of the test and reference formulations. Physiochemical characteristics were in the USP satisfactory limits. Conventional Acarbose tablet released 97% of the drug within 2 hrs. Ethocel[registered sign] Standard 7 premium and Ethocel[registered sign] standard 7 FP released 59.9% and 47.01% of the drug within 6 and 99.9% and 97% within 24 hours, respectively. This effect possibly has been aceived owing to the smaller particle size of the Ethocel[registered sign] Standard 7 FP premium which show evidence of anomalous, nonfickian release kinetics. Co-excipients like HPMC, CMC and starch augment the drug release rates from the matrices which may be attributed to their hydrophilic nature. Ethocel[registered sign] Standard 7 Premium and Ethocel[registered sign] Standard premium 7 FP polymers show a promising response in fruitful production of controlled release tablets by direct compression method

Endometrial carcinoma; incidence in women with abnormal uterine bleeding

Background: Bleeding from the reproductive tract in women is a naturally occurring event, generally the result of menstruation and childbirth, and is not associated with a bleeding disorder in most cases. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is the most common reason for women to undergo an interventional gynecologic procedure. The major task of the clinician is to exclude endometrial carcinoma in women and to identify organic pathology in order to manage it effectively

Objective. To determine the incidence of endometrial carcinoma in women with abnormal uterine bleeding

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Setting. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan

Duration of study: Six months [16th February 2013 to 15th August 2013]

Material and method: One hundred and sixteen women with complaint of abnormal uterine bleeding, meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. All the patients were undergone endometrial sampling and assessment of endometrial thickness was done which was confirmed by endometrial biopsy to evaluate endometrial pathologies. The collected data was noted on pre-designed proforma

Results: The mean age was 42.07 years. According to parity, 56 women [48.2%] have 1-4 parity, 48 women [41.4%] have 5-8 parity and 12 women [10.4%] have 9-14 parity. The mean duration of dysfunctional uterine bleeding was 14.64 +/- 7.87 months. Six women [5.2%] have endometrial carcinoma while 110 women [94.8%] have no endometrial carcinoma

Conclusion: This study thus proved that in our setup the incidence of endometrial carcinoma is very high. So every patient with abnormal uterine bleeding should undergo endometrial biopsy to rule out endometrial carcinoma

simple and rapid approach to evaluate the in vitro in vivo role of release controlling agent ethyl cellulose ether derivative polymer

Diclofenac sodium [DCL-Na] conventional oral tablets exhibit serious side effects when given for a longer period leading to noncompliance. Controlled release matrix tablets of diclofenac sodium were formulated using simple blending [F-1], solvent evaporation [F-2] and co-precipitation techniques [F-3]. Ethocel[R] Standard 7 FP Premium Polymer [15%] was used as a release controlling agent. Drug release study was conducted in 7.4 pH phosphate buffer solutions as dissolution medium in vitro. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated using albino rabbits. Solvent evaporation technique was found to be the best release controlling technique thereby prolonging the release rate up to 24 hours. Accelerated stability studies of the optimized test formulation [F-2] did not show any significant change [p<0.05] in the physicochemical characteristics and release rate when stored for six months. A simple and rapid method was developed for DCL-Na active moiety using HPLC-UV at 276nm. The optimized test tablets [F-2] significantly [p<0.05] exhibited peaks plasma concentration [C[max]=237.66 +/- 1.98] and extended the peak time [t[max]=4.63 +/- 0.24]. Good in-vitro in vivo correlation was found [R[2] =0.9883] against drug absorption and drug release. The study showed that once-daily controlled release matrix tablets of DCL-Na were successfully developed using Ethocel[R] Standard 7 FP Premium

Vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital

Background: Vitamin D deficiency was considered to be the sole cause of rickets and osteomalacia but now by the discovery that most tissues and cells in the body have vitamin D receptors and many tissues have enzymes that convert primary circulating form of vitamin D to its active form has provided new insight into the function of this vitamin. In different studies, its role has been highlighted in decreasing the incidence of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases

Objective: To determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital

Subjects and Methods: Study Site: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital Rahim Yar khan. A total of 108 pregnant women were recruited from SZMC/Hospital with the exclusion criteria of women having chronic renal or liver diseases, known asthmatic or diabetics and women on antituberculous or antiepileptic drugs. This was a descriptive study, a part of an ongoing prospective study. All pregnant women irrespective of age or gestational age were selected. Data was collected on a predesigned proforma and analyzed in SPSS version 17

Results: A total of 108 pregnant women were included. 77 women [71%] were deficient in vitamin D, 18 women [16.7%] were insufficient and only 13 [12%] women were having normal vitamin D levels with the mean level of 15.9ng/dl. There was no statistically significant association between vitamin D levels and any specific age groups, parity and gestational ages

Conclusion: There is high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and vitamin D deficiency is present in all age groups, with any parity and gestational ages. This raises concerns about the health consequences for the mother and baby. Awareness programs should be started at local and national levels regarding importance of exposure to sunlight and intake of healthy diet. A targeted screening strategy to detect and treat women at risk of severe vitamin D deficiency is required in Pakistan

Audit of the maternal mortality in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Maternal mortality is an important measure of maternal health

Objectives: To determine the maternal mortality ratio and determinants of maternal mortality in a tertiary care hospital

Patients and Methods: A descriptive study, was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. This was a 3 years study conducted from 1[st] January, 2010 to 31[st] December, 2012. All direct and indirect maternal deaths during pregnancy, labour and perpeurium were included. The reason for admission, condition at arrival, and possible factors responsible for death were identified. The other information including age, parity, gestational age and relevant features of index pregnancy were recorded on a proforma and analyzed by SPSS version 16

Results: There were a total of 30563 deliveries and 29139 live births. Total 168 maternal deaths occurred during 3 consecutive years, with a MMR of 576 per 100000 live births. The highest maternal mortality age group was 20-30 years in which 61.3% deaths were observed. Out of 168 maternal deaths, 26.78% were primigravida. Obstetrical hemorrhage [48.2%] was the most frequent cause followed by hypertensive disorders [20.8%] and sepsis [15%]

Conclusion: Birth facilities in our hospitals should be up to the mark to manage the pregnancy related complications promptly. Our study revealled high maternal mortality ratio in hospital setting with obstetrical haemorrhage, hypertensive disorder and septicemia as leading direct causes of maternal mortality whereas blood reaction as leading indirect cause of maternal mortality

Frequency of congenital heart diseases in infants of diabetic mothers referred to pediatrics department

To determine the frequency of congenital heart disease in infants of diabetic mothers referred to Pediatrics department. A total of 101 full-term neonates, aged from 0 to 29 days, admitted in the Neonatology unit, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar - Pakistan, diagnosed clinically and confirmed by echocardiography were included in the study. All the children included in the study were sent to Cardiology Department of the Institute for echocardiography. After Echocardiography report, frequency of normal and congenital heart diseases [CHD] like VSD, ASD, PDA, TGA and PFO among these children was determined. Out of 101 neonates, 67 [66.30%] were males and 34 [33.7%] were female. Majority [n=97, 96.0%] neonates' age ranged from 0-10 days. Maternal history showed that 55 [54.5%] mothers got diabetes during the pregnancy and 46 [45.5%] were having pre-gestational diabetes. The frequency of CHD was 52.5% in infants of diabetic mothers. Following CHDs were found in 53 neonates of diabetic mothers; Patent ductus arteriosus [PDA] in 17 [16.8%] cases, Ventricular septal defect [VSD] in 13 [12.9%], Atrial septal defect [ASD] in 09 [08.9%], Patent foramen ovale [PFO] in 08 [7.9%] and Transposition of the great arteries [TGA] in 6 [5.9%] cases respectively. Frequency of congenital heart disease in IDMs was 52.5%. Careful evaluation and early diagnosis of CHD in this high-risk group are highly indicated and echocardiography is recommended for all infants of diabetic mothers as soon as possible

Uterine atony; association of low serum vitamin D

Uterine atony is one of the causes of postpartum hemorrhage, resulting in increased maternal morbidity and mortality. To determine the association of low serum vitamin D level with uterine atony, among women delivering in a tertiary care hospital. Case control Study. Gynae and Obstetrics department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan. 1st January to 31st December, 2013. A total of 130 patients were recruited and grouped as A [Cases] including patients with uterine atony [100 patients] and group B [Controls] patients having no uterine atony [30 patients] after cesearean section or vaginal delivery and fulfilling the inclusion or exclusion criteria. The test for 25 OH vitamin D was performed on Elecsys 2010 Roche by using electrochemiluminescence technique. Oral informed consent was taken from all subjects and approval from institutional ethical committee was obtained. Chi square test was applied to compare atony and non atony groups in terms of presence or absence of vitamin D deficiency. The data was entered and analysed on SPSS version 17. It was noted that those who have uterine atony 87% were having vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency as compared to 68% in group with no uterine atony. This difference was statistically significant. [p=0.02] so uterine atony was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. In atony group mean age was 25+/-4 years, gravida 2.64+/-1.2, gestational age, 37+/-1.2, blood loss 1032+/-400, and serum vitamin D level 15.9+/-6, ng/ml. In non atony group, group mean age was 26+/-3 years, gravida 2.7+/-1, gestational age, 38+/-.8, blood loss 309+/-92, and serum vitamin D level 23+/-9 ng/ ml. The mean level of serum vitamin D level was significantly low [15.9+/-6 ng/ml] in atony group as compared to non atony group[23+/-9 ng/ml]. Mean blood loss was significantly high [1032ml] in atony group as compared to non atony group [309ml]. Our results revealed that low vitamin D level is strongly associated with uterine atony and hence is a risk factor for uterine atony

Comparison of LMA Classic and i-gel in anesthetized, spontaneously breathing patients during elective surgical procedures

The primary objective of this study was to compare two supraglottic airway devices regarding mean insertion time. Secondary objective was to assess the devices regarding first attempt success and ease of insertion. Tertiary objectives were to compare the post removal cough, laryngospasm and blood on device. Interventional quasi experimental study conducted in Department of Anesthesiology, ICU and Pain Management Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from April 2012 to October 2012. 100 adult patients aged 15 to 70 years, ASA-I and II, Mallampati I and II, who were scheduled for various elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia were taken. Study was conducted in anesthetized spontaneously breathing patients. The patients were divided into i-gel and LMA groups by draw method. SPSS 16 was applied for analysis. No statistically significant difference was reported between the groups, regarding mean insertion time, first attempt success, ease of insertion, cough and laryngospasm. Blood on LMA after removal had significantly greater incidence than on i-gel [10% on LMA group while none in i-gel group]. Both i-gel and LMA Classic can be used safely and effectively in selected patients under general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing

Synthesis, conjugation and evaluation of some novel polymers and their micro particles for sustained release drug formulations

To prepare and evaluate three novels functionalized polymers [PGA, PGA-co-caprolactone and PGA-copentadecalactone] for the development of nanoparticles which were further used in the development of a novel polymeric prodrug using Ibuprofen as a model drug. The Ibuprofen-polymer prodrug was developed by coupling the drug to one of the three prepared polyester polymers via ester linkage. A hydrolytic enzyme was used to prepare two polymer monomers, glycerol and polyvinyl adipate, which are non toxic, ester linked biological monomers. The polymers and their prodrug were characterized using NMR, GPC, UV-spectrophotometer and DSC. In vitro drug release study of Ibuprofen-polymer conjugate was performed in phosphate buffer PH 7.4 using a roller [Stuart STR 1] placed in an incubator [Stuart SI 60] and the temperature was kept constant at 37 +/- 1°C. Among the three polymers, glycerol-adipateco-pentadecalactone was observed to give a burst release following slow release in the medium. These characteristics suggest that these polymers can be successfully used in sustained release drug formulations

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of clotrimazole gel containing almond oil and tween 80 as penetration enhancer for topical application

Achieving a desirable percutaneous absorption of drug molecule is a major concern in formulating dermal and transdermal products. The use of penetration enhancers could provide a successful mean for this purpose. The aim of this study was to develop Clotrimazole gel and to evaluate the effect of almond oil and tween 80 [in different concentrations], on the permeation of drug through rabbit skin in vitro. In order to investigate the effect of penetration enhancers used in this study on the permeation of Clotrimazole through sections of excised rabbit skin, Franz diffusion cell was employed. Sample solution was withdrawn at specific time interval up to 24 h. Significant difference in permeation among the eight formulations was seen in the study. The permeation profile of various formulations also showed that the added enhancers in individual batches affected the permeation of the drug. Drug permeation increased with increased concentration of Tween 80 and decreased concentration of almond oil. Furthermore, almond oil combined with tween 80 showed synergistic effect. The clotrimazole gels were successfully formulated and could be beneficial for topical use

Development of novel diclofenac potassium controlled release tablets by wet granulation technique and the effect of co-excipients on in vitro drug release rates

The aim of the present study was the formulation and evaluation of controlled release polymeric tablets of Diclofenac Potassium by wet granulation method for the release rate, release pattern and the mechanism involved in drug release. Formulations having three grades of polymer Ethocel [7P; 7FP, 10P, 10FP, 100P, 100FP] in several drugs to polymer ratios [10:3 and 10:1] were compressed into tablets using wet granulation method. Co-excipients were added to some selected formulations to investigate their enhancement effect on in vitro drug release patterns. In vitro drug release studies were performed using USP Method-1 [Rotating Basket method] and Phosphate buffer [pH 7.4] was used as a dissolution medium. The similarities and dissimilarities of release profiles of test formulations with reference standard were checked using f2 similarity factor and f1 dissimilarity factor. Mathematical/Kinetic models were employed to determine the release mechanism and drug release kinetics

Development of a novel ketoprofen transdermal patch: effect of almond oil as penetration enhancers on in-vitro and ex-vivo penetration of ketoprofen through rabbit skin

The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate topically applied ketoprofen gels and patches and to see the effect of naturally occurring almond oil as penetration enhancer on the penetration of ketoprofen through artificial membrane/rabbit skin. Prior to ketoprofen gel and patch formulation, the particle size and particle size determination of ketoprofen was analyzed by Particle size analyzer [Horiba LA300]. Ketoprofen gels and patches were formulated and almond oil was added in several concentrations i.e. 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3%. The formulated gels were evaluated by several parameters like pH, spreadibility, consistency, homogeneity, skin irritation and drug content determination. In vitro drug permeation studies from transdermal gels and patches were carried out across artificial membrane and rabbit skin by using Franz Cell Apparatus [PermeGear, USA]. Kinetics model was employed to the release patterns of ketoprofen from gel and patches in order to investigate the drug transport mechanism. The cumulative amount of drug penetrated from different formulations was statistically evaluated by using One-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]. Stability study was performed for various batches of ketoprofen transdermal gel. Almond oil as penetration enhancer in various concentrations significantly enhances the penetration of drug from transdermal gels and patch across synthetic membrane/rabbit skin but was most significant when used in 3% concentration

Formulation development and investigation of ibuprofen controlled release tablets with hydrophilic polymers and the effect of co-excipients on drug release patterns

The aim and objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate controlled release polymeric tablets of Ibuprofen with determinations of formulation factors using various grades and types of polymer Ethocel i.e. Ethocel Standard 10P; 10FP, 100P and 100FP for their release rates and release patterns in suitable media and also the mechanism involved in the release of drug from the matrices. The effect of several co-excipients was also studied on the drug release rates and patterns of Ibuprofen from the polymeric matrices. Ibuprofen-Ethocel CR tablets were prepared at three different D:P ratios i.e. 10:1, 10:2 and 10:3. The effects of co-excipients were studied only in formulations having D:P ratio of 10:3. In vitro drug release studies of Ibuprofen-Ethocel controlled release matrix tablets were carried out in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 using Pharma Test Dissolution Apparatus adopting Rotating Basket Method according to USP. Different kinetic models were applied to the release data of test formulations in order to investigate the release mechanism of drug from the controlled release matrix tablets. The release patterns of Ibuprofen-Ethocel CR matrices were compared with reference conventional Ibuprofen tablets and Ibuprofen SR tablets. F[2] similarity factor was applied to the test formulations and reference standard to compare their similarities. The drug formulations studied exhibited satisfactory release results

Effect of olive oil on transdermal penetration of flurbiprofen from topical gel as enhancer

The present study was conducted to formulate and evaluate flurbiprofen transdermal gel. A standard calibration curve was constructed to obtain a regression line equation to be used for finding out the concentration of drug in samples. Olive oil was used as penetration enhancer and was added in different concentrations to some selected formulations to see its enhancement effect on in vitro drug release profiles. The prepared gels were evaluated for several physico-chemical parameters to justify their suitability for topical use. The in vitro drug release studies were carried out by using Franz cell diffusion apparatus across both synthetic membrane and excised albino rabbit skin. In order to investigate the drug release mechanism a kinetic approach was made by employing Korsmeyer kinetic model to the in vitro drug release profiles of flurbiprofen. The flurbiprofen topical gels were successfully prepared and could be beneficial for topical use

Preparation and evaluation of 5, 9-dimethyl-2-cyclopropyl-2-decanol as a penetration enhancer for drugs through rat skin

In the present study a new alcohol derivative of tetrahydrogeraniol [THG], an acyclic monoterpene, has been prepared by using Grignard reagent and methyl cyclopropyl ketone. Penetration enhancing effects of THG and the synthesized derivative 5,9-dimethyl-2-cyclopropyl-2-decanol [DICNOL] on the transdermal penetration of 5-fluorouracil [5-FU] and tramadol hydrochloride [tramadol HC1] across the excised rat skin were studied by an in vitro permeation technique using Franz diffusion cells. Azone was used as standard enhancer for comparison. DICNOL and THG significantly enhanced 5-FU and tramadol HC1 penetration through rat skin compared with the control. DICNOL enhanced the permeability of 5-FU and tramadol HC1 across full thickness skin by about 11 and 20 fold, respectively. Increased partition coefficient and diffusion coefficient values were obtained by these enhancers. The results suggest that the amount of DICNOL in the skin, especially in the stratum corneum, may be related to its penetration enhancing effects