Transdermal delivery of fenoprofen: preparation, evaluation and in vitro release

The present study aimed at preparation and evaluation of fenoprofen transdermal drug delivery systems using various polymers likeERS100, ERL 100, HPMC and EC, in order to avoid its hepatic first pass metabolism and GI disturbance. The transdermal patches of fenoprofen were prepared by solvent casting method on surface of mercury, dibutyl phthalate (DBT) was used as plasticizer, d-limonene as permeation enhancer. The various formulations were evaluated for their physical appearance, thickness uniformity, weight uniformity, drug content and water vapour transmission (WVT). The in vitro studies revealed that the addition of hydrophilic component (HPMC polymer) to an insoluble film former tends to enhance drug release. Further the transdermal therapeutic systems that showed better permeation were subjected for stability studies at 370 C and 450 C, which were found to be stable. Finally it was concluded that the above transdermal systems could be useful to treat chronic pain and inflammation in arthritis.