RESUMO
The aim of the current investigation is to optimize ethosomes statistically for enhancing transdermal potential of Tolterodine Tartrate [TT]. Ethosomes bearing TT were prepared by cold method and characterized for various parameters like vesicle size, vesicle shape, surface morphology and% drug entrapment. Microscopic examinations suggest ethosomes as spherical unilamellar vesicles with a smooth surface. Optimized ethosomal vesicles were of 890 +/- 2.67nm size and showed 79.83 +/- 3.18% drug entrapment. Ex-vivo permeation studies across rat skin resulted in increased flux of 4.69 +/- 0.24 Micro g/cm[2]/hr and decreased lag time of 0.13 +/- 0.05 hr when compared with drug solution [0.546 +/- 0.05 Micro g/cm[2]/hr, 3 +/- 0.2 hr].This shows enhancement of transdermal delivery by 8.82 times. Anatomical changes in skin samples due to vesicle-skin interaction were observed on histological examination. Optimized formulation on storage at 4°C for 120 days showed insignificant growth in vesicular size revealing low aggregation of vesicles. The results collectively suggest ethosomes as carriers for accentuated transdermal delivery of TT