Formulation and Evaluation of Zidovudine Transdermal Patch using Permeation Enhancers

Objective: The objective of this research was to study the permeation of zidovudine using permeation enhancers. Methodology: Transdermal patches were formulated using permeation enhancer namely T-Anethole. Zidovudine patches were prepared by solvent casting method. Results: The prepared patches were evaluated for drug content, thickness and weight variation folding endurance, moisture uptake, water vapor transmission, ex-vivo permeation study and skin irritation study. Fourier Transform Infrared revealed no interaction among the drug, polymers and terpene used in the present study. Different formulations were prepared and variations in drug release profiles were observed. About 67.42% of drug release was observed for TPS control patch (without permeation enhancer) whereas for TPS4 patch containing t-anethole as permeation enhancer, drug release at the end of 8h was found to be 93.21%. The ex vivo permeation studies were performed in 7.4 phosphate buffer saline using a Franz diffusion cell. The skin irritation test was performed on rabbits and these results suggested that both placebo and drug-loaded films produced negligible erythema. Ex vivo studies indicated that formulation TPS4 shown better release of zidovudine for 8 hrs with flux 614.05μg/cm2 /hr. Conclusion: The transdermal patches of zidovudine using permeation enhancers done successfully.