Enhancing Transdermal Delivery of Glimepiride Via Entrapment in Proniosomal Gel

Objective: The aim of this study is to formulate and evaluate proniosomal gel formulations as transdermal delivery systems of glimepiride (GM) to improve its therapeutic efficacy. Methods: Proniosomal formulations have been prepared using different types of non-ionic surfactants with cholesterol in different molar ratios. Proniosomal gel; PN16 (Span 60, Tween 60, Cholesterol; 35:35:30 molar ratio) that exhibits maximum EE % (94.01 ± 0.88) and most prolonged release was chosen for ex-vivo skin permeation and in-vivo hypoglycemic activity studies. Results: Proniosomal gel produced better permeation through rabbit skin than HPMC niosomal gel and HPMC gel. The pharmacokinetic parameters; time of maximum response (Tmax), % reduction in blood glucose concentration and area above the blood glucose levels-time curve (AAC) of proniosomal gel were studied. Proniosomal gel showed a controlled release behavior and a significantly higher hypoglycemic activity (65.34 ± 6.54%). Conclusion: It is evident from this study that proniosomal gel can act as an alternative approach for enhancing transdermal delivery of GM.