Effect of formulation and penetration enhancers on percutaneous absorption of haloperidol

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of formulations and penetration enhancers on the percutaneous absorption of haloperidol. Several transdermal haloperidol get formulations were prepared using different polymers. These formulations were evaluated invitro utilizing improved franz diffusion cells. The highest amount of haloperidol [373.23 micro g] delivered in 24 hrs through rabbit skin was achieved by using methylcellulose as a gel forming polymer. Different enhancers including azone, oleic acid lecithin and 1.8 cineole were added to methylcellulose gel formulation in various concentrations [3.0, 6.0 and 9% w/w]. among the various permeation promoters tested 1.8 cineole was the most effective agent for enhancing the percutaneous absorption of haloperidol from methylcellulose gel formulation. It was found that 1.8 cineole and azone have enhanced transdermal delivery of the drug by 6.16 and 3.56 fold respectively. On the other hand the formulation containing lecithin did not show significant difference from the control, while oleic acid showed a decrease in the amount of haloperidol transported across the skin as compared to control