In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a hydrogel-based prototype transdermal patch system of alfuzosin hydrochloride

The first-line therapy for moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia is the oral therapy by alfuzosin hydrochloride. Unfortunately, the oral therapy of alfuzosin is associated with several route-specific systemic side-effects. The current study was aimed to develop a prototype transdermal patch system for alfuzosin using a hydrogel polymer and optimize the drug delivery through the skin for systemic therapy. The prospective of different chemical enhancers (polyethylene glycol (PEG 400), isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, menthol and L-methionine; 5% w/v) and iontophoresis (0.3?mA/cm²) in the alfuzosin delivery across the full thickness rat skin was assessed in vitro. In vivo iontophoretic studies were carried out using selected patch system (PEG 400) for a period of 6?h in Sprague-Dawley rats. Passive permeation studies indicated that the incorporation of chemical agents have moderate effect (~?4- to 7-fold) on the alfuzosin skin permeability and reduced the lag time. Combined approach of iontophoresis with chemical enhancers significantly augmented the drug transport (~ 43- to 72-fold). In vivo pharmacokinetic parameters revealed that the iontophoresis (transdermal patch with PEG 400) significantly enhanced the C_max (~ 3-fold) and AUC_0-α (~ 4-fold), when compared to control. The current study concludes that the application of iontophoresis (0.3?mA/cm²) using the newly developed agaorse-based prototype patch with PEG 400 could be utilized for the successful delivery of alfuzosin by transdermal route.