In vitro and In vivo characterization of the transdermal delivery of sertraline hydrochloride Films

Sertraline hydrochloride is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor principally used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. To maintain the therapeutic plasma drug concentration of the drug for prolonged period, the transdermal drug delivery has been chosen as an alternative route of drug delivery. The pharmacokinetic properties of sertraline hydrochloride make it suitable for transdermal delivery. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of polymers and penetration enhancers on the transdermal delivery of the drug in order to improve its therapeutic efficacy. In the preparation of films, Eudragit RL 100, Eudragit RS 100, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose [HPMC] and ethyl cellulose were used as polymers. The films were characterized for thickness, tensile strength, drug content, moisture uptake, moisture content, water vapor transmission rate and drug release. The films exhibiting higher rates of drug release were subjected to study the effect of oleic acid and propylene glycol as penetration enhancers on skin permeation of sertraline hydrochloride. In vivo and skin irritation studies were performed for the optimized film. Films containing Eudragit RL 100, Eudragit RE 100 and HPMC showed the highest drug release of 94.34% and 96.90% respectively in a period of 42 hrs. The release data fitted into kinetic equations, yielded zero-order and fickian mechanism of drug release. There was a two-fold increase in-skin permeation of sertraline hydrochloride in the presence of penetration enhancers in the film. The physical evaluation indicated the formation of smooth, flexible and translucent films. No skin irritation occurred on rabbit skin and the infrared studies showed the compatibility of the drug with the formulation excipients. The in vivo study revealed a constant plasma concentration of drug for long periods and the films containing penetration enhancers had achieved adequate plasma levels of the drug. The obtained results indicated the feasibility for transdermal delivery of sertraline hydrochloride using eudragit RE 100 and HPMC

Proniosomes as drug carriers

Approaches to stabilize niosomal drug delivery system without affecting its properties of merits have resulted in the development of the promising drug carrier, proniosomes. Proniosomes is dry formulation using suitable carrier coated with non ionic surfactants and can be converted into niosomes immediately before use by hydration. These proniosome-derived niosomes are as good as or even better than conventional niosomes. The focus of this review is to bring out different aspects related to proniosomes preparation, characterization, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, applications and merits

Wound healing and antimicrobial activity of formulated cream of leaf volatile oil of atalantia monophylla correa

Effect of formulated cream of leaf volatile oil of Atalantia monophylla Correa. for wound healing and antimicrobial activity [bacteria and fungi] were evaluated. The volatile oil was distilled from leaves by using hydrodistillation method. The 2% and 5% cream was prepared by using base [stearic acid, potassium hydroxide, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, propyl paraben sodium, methyl paraben sodium and glycerin]. The cream showed very good wound healing activity by excision wound method in rats compared to that of standard drug Nitrofurazone. The antimicrobial activity of 2% femulated cream was also carried out by standard cup plate technique using Ciprofloxacin and Nystatin as standard drugs for bacteria and fungi respectively