FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRANSDERMAL PATCH OF PREGABALIN

The objective of present study is to determine the permeation of Pregabalin from transdermal patch into microcirculation of skin. Matrix type transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) of Pregabalin was prepared by the solvent evaporation technique. Several batches were prepared by using combination of HPMC and PVP; PVA and PVP; Eudragit RL-100 and Eudragit RS-100; HPMC and EC in different ratios. Propylene glycol was used as plasticizer and DMSO was incorporated as a permeation enhancer. Formulated transdermal patches were charachterised for their physicochemical parameters like thickness, weight variation, flatness, tensile strength, folding endurance, moisture content, moisture uptake and drug content uniformity. Patches were evaluated for their in-vitro drug release profile and ex-vivo skin permeation studies. Patches were also subjected to stability studies and skin irritation studies to determine their compatibility with skin. Formulation P₁ containing HPMC and PVP in the ratio of 3:1 and propylene glycol, 5%w/v and DMSO, 6%w/v was found to be the most  optimum formulation. P₁ was also found to exhibit maximum in -vitro %drug release of about 81.70%. Result of evaluation studies revealed that Pregabalin can be administered as a controlled drug delivery system to reduce frequency of drug administration. But this hypothesis requires further confirmation via in-vivo pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies in animal and human models.