Preparation and evaluation of bioadhesive dibucaine gels for enhanced local anesthetic action

In relieving local pains, dibucaine, one of ester type local anesthetics, has been used. In case of their application such as ointments and creams, it is difficult to expect their effects for a required period of time, because they are easily removed by wetting, movement and contacting. To develop suitable bioadhesive gels, the bioadhesive force of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) was tested using auto-peeling tester. The effect of drug concentration on drug release was studied from the prepared 2% HPC-HF gels using synthetic cellulose membrane at 37 ± 0.5°C. We investigated the enhancing effects on drug permeation into skins, using some kind of enhancers such as the glycols, the non-ionic surfactants, the fatty acids, and the propylene glycol derivatives. Anesthetic effects of dibucaine gels containing polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether were measured by tail flick analgesic meter. The bioadhesive force of various types of HPC such as GF, MF, and HF, was 0.0131, 0.0501, and 0.1346 N, at 2% HPC concentration, respectively. The HPC-HF gels showed the highest bioadhesive force. As the concentration of HPC-HF increased, the drug release increased. As the temperature increased, the drug release increased. Among the enhancers used, polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether showed the highest enhancing effects. According to the rat tail flick test, 1% drug gels containing polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether showed the prolonged local anesthetic effects. In conclusion, the dibucaine gel containing penetration enhancer and vasoconstrictor showing enhanced local anesthetic action could be developed by using the bioadhesive polymer, HPC.     

Development of lidocaine gels for enhanced local anesthetic action

In relieving local pains, lidocaine, one of ester type local anesthetics, has been used. To develop the lidocaine gels of enhanced local anesthetic effects, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) based bioadhesive polymer gel containing an enhancer was formulated. As the drug concentration in the gels increased up to 3%, the permeation rate of drug linearly increased, thereafter reaching a plateau. As the temperature of surrounding solutions increased, the permeation of drug increased. The activation energy of drug permeation was 3.29 kcal/mol for lidocaine. The permeation rate of drug through skin was studied using various enhancers, such as glycols, non-ionic surfactants, and bile salts. Among the enhancers studied, diethylene glycol showed the greatest enhancing effects on drug permeation through skin. The analgesic activity was examined using a tail-flick analgesimeter. In the area under the efficacy curve (AUEC) of the rat-tail flick tests, lidocaine gel containing diethylene glycol showed about 3.89-fold increase in analgesic activity compared with the control. The addition of vasoconstrictor in the gels prolonged the analgesic effects. The result of this study supports that the bioadhesive gel with efficient anesthetic effect could be developed using HPMC with combination of enhancer and vasoconstrictor.     

Development of prilocaine gels for enhanced local anesthetic action

Prilocaine, one of local anesthetics, has been used for regional pain relief. When applied as an ointments or creams, it is hard to expect their effects to last for long time, because they are easily removed by wetting, movement and contacting. For more comfortable and better application, we developed a prilocaine gel system using a bioadhesive polymer, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). For suitable bioadhesion, the bioadhesive force of various polymers was tested using an auto-peeling tester. The bioadhesive force of various types of CMC such as 100MC, 150MC and 300MC, was 0.0264, 0.0461 and 0.0824 N, at 1.5% concentration, respectively. The CMC-300MC gels showed the most suitable bioadhesive forces. The effect of drug concentration on drug release was studied from the prepared 1.5% CMC gels using a synthetic cellulose membrane at 37 ± 0.5°C. As the concentration of drug increased, the drug release increased. The effects of temperature on drug release from the 1.0% prilocaine gels were evaluated at 27, 32, 37 and 42°C. As the temperature of the drug gels increased, drug release increased. The enhancing effects of penetration enhancers such as pyrrolidones, non-ionic surfactants, fatty acids and propylene glycol derivatives were studied. Among the enhancers used, polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether was superior. The anesthetic effects were studied by a tail flick analgesic meter. In the rat tailflick test, 1.0% prilocaine gels containing polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether showed the most prolonged local analgesic effects. The results support the view that prilocaine gels with enhanced local anesthetic action could be developed using CMC bioadhesive polymer.     

Development of tretinoin gels for enhanced transdermal delivery.

To develop the new gel formulations that show sustained release for a period of time, the bioadhesive carbopol gels containing tretinoin were prepared. The release characteristics of drug from the carbopol gel were studied according to temperature, receptor medium and drug concentration. For the enhancement of its percutaneous absorption, some kinds of penetration enhancer were used. As the concentration of drug increased, the release of drug from the gel increased, showing concentration dependency. The increase of temperature showed the increased drug release, depending on the activation energy of permeation. Among the enhancers used such as the glycols and the non-ionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether showed the best enhancing effect. The carbopol gels of tretinoin containing an enhancer could be developed for the enhanced transdermal delivery of drug.     

Preparation and evaluation of bioadhesive benzocaine gels for enhanced local anesthetic effects

This study was performed to develop new enhanced anesthetic benzocaine gels with a suitable bioadhesive property for local anesthetic effects. As the concentration of benzocaine in the HPMC gels increased up to 15%, the permeation of drug increased, thereafter slightly increased. The activation energy of drug permeation was 11.29 kcal/mol. Bioadhesive forces were also measured. The permeation rate of drug through the skin was studied using various enhancers, such as glycols, non-ionic surfactants or fatty acids. Among the enhancers used, diethylene glycol showed the most enhancing effects. Analgesic activity was examined using a tail-flick analgesimeter. According to the rat tail-flick test, the value of AUEC (0 - 360min) of 15% benzocaine gels containing diethylene glycol was 4662 +/- 200 s min, while that of gels without diethylene glycol was 3353 +/- 132 s min, showing about 1.39-fold increase in analgesic activity. Fifteen percentage of benzocaine gels containing diethylene glycol showed the most enhanced, prolonged analgesic effects, showing the maximum anesthetic effects at 240 min, while the gels without diethylene glycol showed maximum effect at 180 min.     

Enhanced transdermal delivery of atenolol from the ethylene-vinyl acetate matrix

To enhance transdermal delivery of atenolol, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) matrix of drug containing penetration enhancer was fabricated. Effect of penetration enhancer on the permeation of atenolol through the excised rat skin was studied. Penetrating enhancers showed the increased flux probably due to the enhancing effect on the skin barrier, the stratum corneum. Among enhancers used such as glycols, fatty acids and non-ionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether showed the best enhancement. For the controlling transdermal delivery of atenolol, the application of EVA matrix containing permeation enhancer could be useful in the development of transdermal drug delivery system.     

Development and biopharmaceutical evaluation of quinupramine-EVA matrix containing penetration enhancer for the enhanced transdermal absorption in rats

To increase the skin permeation of quinupramine through the rat skin, different types of enhancers were added to an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) matrix containing 2% quinupramine. The effects of the enhancers on the level of quinupramine permeation through the skin were evaluated by using Franz diffusion cells that were fitted with the intact excised rat skin. Among the enhancers used, which included fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated), glycerides, pyrrolidones, and nonionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether showed the best enhancement. The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of quinupramine from an EVA matrix were examined to determine the level of percutaneous absorption in rats. The percutaneous absorption of quinupramine from the EVA matrix with or without an enhancer was investigated. Quinupramine was administered orally or intravenously to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters with that of the transdermal route. The relative bioavailability of quinupramine in the matrix containing polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether as an enhancer was approximately 2.81 times higher than the group without an enhancer. Histological examination revealed that the skin pretreated with the EVA matrix containing the enhancers had a loosely layered stratum corneum. These results show that the quinupramine-EVA matrix containing a permeation enhancer could be a good transdermal delivery system for providing sustained plasma concentrations.     

Development and Biopharmaceutical Evaluation of Quinupramine-EVA Matrix Containing Penetration Enhancer for the Enhanced Transdermal Absorption in Rats

To increase the skin permeation of quinupramine through the rat skin, different types of enhancers were added to an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) matrix containing 2% quinupramine. The effects of the enhancers on the level of quinupramine permeation through the skin were evaluated by using Franz diffusion cells that were fitted with the intact excised rat skin. Among the enhancers used, which included fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated), glycerides, pyrrolidones, and nonionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether showed the best enhancement. The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of quinupramine from an EVA matrix were examined to determine the level of percutaneous absorption in rats. The percutaneous absorption of quinupramine from the EVA matrix with or without an enhancer was investigated. Quinupramine was administered orally or intravenously to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters with that of the transdermal route. The relative bioavailability of quinupramine in the matrix containing polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether as an enhancer was approximately 2.81 times higher than the group without an enhancer. Histological examination revealed that the skin pretreated with the EVA matrix containing the enhancers had a loosely layered stratum corneum. These results show that the quinupramine-EVA matrix containing a permeation enhancer could be a good transdermal delivery system for providing sustained plasma concentrations.     

Enhanced efficacy by percutaneous absorption of piroxicam from the poloxamer gel in rats

The pharmacokinetics and anti-inflammatory activity of piroxicam from the poloxamer 407 gel were determined to investigate percutaneous absorption of piroxicam from poloxamer gels in rats. The poloxamer 407 gel containing 1% piroxicam showed significant inhibition of carragenin-induced rat foot swelling when compared to the control group. The extent of inhibition of swelling (%) showed a linear relationship with the logarithm of piroxicam dose within approximately 0.4-3.2 mg/kg. The enhancing effect of polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether, non-ionic surfactant on the percutaneous absorption of piroxicam from poloxamer 407 gel was evaluated in rats. The piroxicam gel containing polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether increaesd the relative bioavailability approximately 1.8-fold compared with the gel without enhancer. Percutaneous administration of piroxicam gel containing polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether to rats showed a relatively constant, sustained blood concentration with minimal fluctuation.     

Effects of non-ionic surfactants as permeation enhancers towards piroxicam from the poloxamer gel through rat skins.

The enhancing effects of non-ionic surfactants on the permeation of piroxicam from the poloxamer gels were evaluated using Franz diffusion cells fitted with excised rat skins. The effectiveness of penetration enhancers, the ratio of piroxicam flux in the presence or absence of enhancers, was defined as the enhancement factor. Among the various non-ionic surfactants tested, polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether showed the highest enhancing effects with an enhancement factor of 2.84. To elucidate the mechanisms of the action of enhancers, thermal analysis and histological examinations were carried out. Thermal analysis reveals that various surfactants have different fluidizing effects on stratum corneum. Skin pretreated with the poloxamer 407 gels containing various surfactants showed a loosely layered stratum corneum and wide intercellular space.     

Crystal growth and structure of a new hormonal derived compound

Triprolidine-containing matrix was fabricated with poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (TPX) polymer to control the release of the drug. Effect of penetration enhancer and stripping of skin on the permeation of triprolidine through the excised mouse skin was studied. Penetrating enhancers showed the increased flux probably due to the enhancing effect on the skin barrier, the stratum corneum. Among enhancers used such as glycols, fatty acids and non-ionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether showed the best enhancement. The permeability of triprolidine was markedly increased with stripping the mouse skin to remove the stratum corneum, which acts as a barrier of skin permeation. For the controlling delivery of triprolidine, the TPX matrix containing permeation enhancer could be developed.     

Enhanced permeation of triamcinolone acetonide through the buccal mucosa.

To develop new formulations that have suitable bioadhesive force and provide sustained release in buccal area for an extended period of time, bioadhesive gels containing triamcinolone acetonide were prepared using two polymers, carbopol 934 and poloxamer 407 which were selected for their bioadhesiveness and gelling property, respectively. The drug release profiles from the gels were studied as a function of drug concentration and temperature. Different enhancers such as bile salts, glycols and non-ionic surfactants were used for the enhancement of its permeation through buccal mucosa. Among the enhancers used, sodium deoxycholate showed the best enhancing effects.     

Enhanced transdermal delivery of triprolidine from the ethylene-vinyl acetate matrix.

Triprolidine-containing matrix was fabricated with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer to control the release of the drug. The permeation rate of triprolidine in the stripped skin was greatly larger than that in the whole skin. Thus it showed that the stratum corneum acts as a barrier of skin permeation. The effect of penetration enhancer and stripping of skin on the permeation of triprolidine through the excised mouse skin was studied. Penetrating enhancers showed increased flux probably due to the enhancing effect on the skin barrier, the stratum corneum. Among enhancers used such as glycols, fatty acids and non-ionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether showed the best enhancement. The permeability of triprolidine was markedly increased with stripping of the mouse skin to remove the stratum corneum that acts as a barrier of skin permeation. For the controlling transdermal delivery of triprolidine, the application of EVA membrane containing permeation enhancer could be useful in the development of transdermal drug delivery system.     

Transbuccal permeation, anti-inflammatory activity and clinical efficacy of piroxicam formulated in different gels

In attempts to avoid the systemic side effects of piroxicam (PC) (e.g. gastrotoxicity), several buccal gel formulations containing PC were prepared and their effects on the characteristics of the drug permeation through rabbit buccal mucosa in-vitro were evaluated using a Franz-type diffusion cell. The general rank order of the total flux of 0.5% PC from gels was found to be: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, 2.5%) > hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC, 2.5%) >or= sodium alginate (Na alg., 7%) > methylcellulose (MC, 3%) > hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC, 1.5%) > carbopol 934 (Carb. 934, 1%) >or= sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC, 2%) > pluronic F-127 (PF-127, 20%) > polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 10%). The effect of various penetration enhancers 1% sodium lauryl sulphate (NaLS), 3% sodium deoxycholate (NaDC), 3% sodium tauroglycocholate (NaTGC) on the rate of permeation across the excised buccal mucosa (of 0.5% PC in gels prepared using 3% MC, 2.5% HPMC or 7% Na alg. base) and histology of the buccal epithelium was also investigated. Pharmacodynamic evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of PC in these gel formulations (containing 3% NaDC as an enhancer) was carried out using the kaolin-induced rat paw oedema method. The results obtained indicated that PC administered in 7% Na alg. or 2.5% HPMC gel bases was significantly more effective than the 3% MC gel and oral drug solution in suppressing oedema formation in rats. Comparative clinical studies were conducted in patients with post-operative dental pain and oedema following maxillofacial operations. The results revealed that 7% Na alg. and 2.5% HPMC gel formulations applied to the buccal mucosa were slightly better than or equally effective to the orally administered commercial product (Feldene Flash) tablet) in reducing pain level, swelling and tenderness within a period of 4 days. These findings suggest that PC (0.5%) administered in the buccal gel may present a potential therapeutical use as a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.     

Meloxicam β-cyclodextrin transdermal gel: physicochemical characterization and in vitro dissolution and diffusion studies

The aim of the study was to develop a Meloxicam (ME) transdermal gel formulations based on complexation with β-cyclodextrin. ME β-Cyclodextrin gel formulations were prepared using four different gel bases with different concentrations and different permeation enhancers. The developed formulations were examined for their in vitro characteristics and their diffusion through a mouse skin. The gel formulations were prepared successfully. Physicochemical characterization of ME β-CD complex in solution state by phase solubility revealed 1:1 M complexation of ME with β-Cyclodextrin. ME release profiles from the inclusion complex were superior over ME alone. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose 15% w/w gel base was proven to be a suitable base for ME inclusion complex formulation as it provides a high drug release than other studied bases. ME β-CD complex gel formulations containing oleic acid (1% w/w) or (5% w/w) cineol used as permeation enhancers in (15% w/w) HPMC gel base were proven to provide a higher diffusion rate of the drug through the mouse skin. This is very promising in providing analgesic activity of meloxicam via topical route of administration.     

Enhanced Controlled Transdermal Delivery of Ambroxol from the EVA Matrix

To avoid the systemic adverse effects that might occur after oral administration, transdermal delivery of ambroxol was studied as a method for maintaining proper blood levels for an extended period. Release of ambroxol according to concentration and temperature was determined, and permeation of drug through rat skin was studied using two chamber-diffusion cells. The solubility according to PEG 400 volume fraction was highest at 40% PEG 400. The rate of drug release from the EVA matrix increased with increased temperature and drug loading doses. A linear relationship existed between the release rate and the square root of loading rate. The activation energy (Ea) was measured from the slope of the plot of log P versus 1000/T and was found to be 10.71, 10.39, 10.33 and 9.87 kcal/mol for 2, 3, 4 and 5% loading dose from the EVA matrix, respectively. To increase the permeation rate of ambroxol across rat skin from the EVA matrix, various penetration enhancers such as fatty acids (saturated, unsaturated), propylene glycols, glycerides, pyrrolidones, and non-ionic surfactants were used. The enhancing effects of the incorporated enhancers on the skin permeation of ambroxol were evaluated using Franz diffusion cells fitted with intact excised rat skin at 37° using 40% PEG 400 solution as a receptor medium. Among the enhancers used, polyoxyethylene-2-oleyl ether increased the permeation rate by 4.25-fold. In conclusion, EVA matrix containing plasticizer and permeation enhancer could be developed for enhanced transdermal delivery of ambroxol.     

乙醇对丁卡因凝胶透皮和局麻作用的影响

目的 :考察透皮吸收促进剂乙醇对丁卡因凝胶透皮和局麻作用的影响。方法 :以卡波姆 940为基质配制含 2 0 %和 70 %乙醇的丁卡因 (4 % ,w w)凝胶。采用Franz扩散小池和紫外分光光度法进行小鼠离体皮肤渗透试验 ;用VonFrey镇痛试验考察丁卡因凝胶的局麻作用。结果 :离体皮肤渗透试验表明 2 0 %和 70 %乙醇对丁卡因凝胶均有较强的促渗作用 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,其渗透速率K分别提高了 1 .5 3倍和 2 .1 2倍 ,其中 70 %乙醇的促渗作用明显强于2 0 %乙醇 (P <0 .0 1 ) ,但是 70 %乙醇在一定程度上延长了丁卡因凝胶的滞后时间 ;VonFrey镇痛试验显示含 70 %乙醇的丁卡因凝胶局麻镇痛作用于用药后 1h达高峰 ,痛觉抑制百分率为 1 1 3 % ,镇痛作用持续 5h。结论 :含 70 %乙醇的丁卡因凝胶剂具有较强的透皮作用和局麻效果     

Effect of penetration enhancers on the release and skin permeation of bupranolol from reservoir-type transdermal delivery systems

A reservoir-type transdermal delivery system (TDS) of bupranolol (BPL) was designed and evaluated for different formulation variables like gel reservoirs (made with anionic and nonionic polymers), rate controlling membranes and penetration enhancers on the drug release and in vitro skin permeation kinetics of the devices. Keshary-Chien type diffusion cells and pH 7.4 phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were used for drug release studies and excised rat skin was used as a barrier for permeation experiments. The release rate of BPL from nonionic polymer gel reservoirs [hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)] was much higher than anionic polymer gel reservoirs [carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC) and sodium alginate)]. Among different rate controlling membranes, Cotran-polyethylene microporous membrane demonstrated highest release rate for BPL than all other membranes. An optimized TDS formulation with HPC gel and Cotran-polyethylene microporous membrane was used to study the effect of penetration enhancers on the release and skin permeation rate of BPL from the TDS. Permeation rates of the devices containing 5% (w/v) pyrrolidone (PY) or 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (MPY) were about 3- and 1.5-fold higher than control (no enhancer, P<0.01) indicating PY to be better penetration enhancer for BPL than MPY. The permeation rates of devices containing partially methylated beta-cyclodextrin (PMbetaCD) and PMbetaCD-BPL complex were about 2.5- and 1.4-fold higher than control (P<0.01). Inclusion of 10 and 30% w/v propylene glycol (PG) in the devices increased the permeation rate by 1.4- and 1.8-fold higher than control (P<0.05). In conclusion, reservoir-type TDS of BPL was developed and penetration enhancers increased the skin permeation of BPL at 4-5 times higher levels than the desired target delivery rate.     

Enhanced transdermal delivery of pranoprofen from the bioadhesive gels

Percutaneous delivery of NSAIDs has advantages of avoiding hepatic first pass effect and delivering the drug for extended period of time at a sustained, concentrated level at the inflammation site that mainly acts at the joint and the related regions. To develop the new topical formulations of pranoprofen that have suitable bioadhesion, the gel was formulated using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poloxamer 407. The effects of temperature on drug release was performed at 32 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 42 degrees C according to drug concentration of 0.04%, 0.08%, 0.12%, 0.16%, and 0.2% (w/w) using synthetic cellulose membrane at 37+/-0.5 degrees C. The increase of temperature showed the increased drug release. The activation energy (Ea), which were calculated from the slope of lop P versus 1000/T plots was 11.22 kcal/ mol for 0.04%, 10.79 kcal/mol for 0.08%, 10.41 kcal/mol for 0.12% and 8.88 kcal/mol for 0.16% loading dose from the pranoprofen gel. To increase the drug permeation, some kinds of penetration enhancers such as the ethylene glycols, the propylene glycols, the glycerides, the non-ionic surfactants and the fatty acids were incorporated in the gel formulation. Among the various enhancers used, propylene glycol mono laurate showed the highest enhancing effects with the enhancement factor of 2.74. The results of this study suggest that development of topical gel formulation of pranoprofen containing an enhancer is feasible.     

In vitro percutaneous permeability enhancement of nimodipine by limonene across the excised rat abdominal skin

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of limonene on the in vitro permeation of nimodipine across the excised rat abdominal skin from a 2% w/w hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) gel drug reservoir system. The HPMC gel formulations containing 1.5% w/w of nimodipine and selected concentrations of limonene (0% w/w to 8% w/w) were prepared, and subjected to in vitro permeation of the drug through excised rat abdominal epidermis. The drug content in the gels was found to be uniform, and the drug was found to be stable in HPMC gel formulations. The flux of nimodipine across rat epidermis was markedly increased by the addition of limonene to the HPMC gels. A maximum flux of nimodipine was observed (203+/-0.6 microg/cm2 x h) with an enhancement ratio of about 5.7 when limonene was incorporated in HPMC gel at a concentration of 4% w/w. However, there was no further increase in the permeability of nimodipine beyond 4% w/w of limonene in the HPMC gel. FT-IR data indicated that limonene increased the permeability of nimodipine across the rat epidermis by partial extraction of lipids in the stratum corneum. The results suggest that limonene is useful for enhancing the skin permeability of nimodipine from transdermal therapeutic systems containing HPMC gel as a reservoir.