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1. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy
ISSN: 2250-3013, www.iosrphr.org
‖‖ Volume 2 Issue 5 ‖‖ Sep-Oct. 2012 ‖‖ PP.31-37
Formulation and Evaluation of Transdermal Patches of
Propranolol Hydrochloride
V.N.L. Sirisha*, P. Kirankumar, M.ChinnaEswaraiah,
Anurag Pharmacy College, Affliated to JNTUH, Kodad, Nalgonda-Dt, Andhra Pradesh.
Abstract––The purpose of this research was to develop a matrix-type transdermal therapeutic system
containing drug propranolol hydrochloride with different ratios of hydrophobic (eudragit’s) polymeric
systems by the solvent evaporation technique by using 30 % w/w of di-butyl phthalate to the polymer weight,
incorporated as plasticizer. The physicochemical compatibility of the drug and the polymers studied by
infrared spectroscopy suggested absence of any incompatibility. Formulated transdermal films were
physically evaluated with regard to thickness, weight variation, drug content, flatness, folding endurance
moisture. All prepared formulations indicated good physical stability. In-vitro permeation studies of
formulations were performed by using Franz diffusion cells.It shown that drug release follows zero order and
the mechanism of release is diffusion from the polymer.
Keywords––Propranolol hydrochloride, Transdermal Film, In-vitro permeation study.
I. INTRODUCTION
Transdermal drug administration generally refers to topical application of agents to healthy intact skin
either for localized treatment of tissues underlying the skin or for systemic therapy. For transdermal products the
goal of dosage design is to maximize the flux through the skin into the systemic circulation and simultaneously
minimize the retention and metabolism of the drug in the skin [1].
Transdermaldrug delivery has many advantages over the oral route of administration such as improving
patient compliance in long term therapy, bypassing first-pass metabolism, sustaining drug delivery, maintaining
a constant and prolonged drug level in plasma, minimizing inter- and intra patient variability, and making it
possible to interrupt or terminate treatment when necessary [2, 3] Propranolol, the prototype of the beta-adrenergic
receptor antagonists, is aactivity. Propanolol is a racemic compound; the l-isomer is responsible for adrenergic
blocking competitive, non-selective beta-blocker similar to nadolol without intrinsic sympatho mimetic activity.
Propranolol competes with sympatho mimetic neurotransmitters such as catechol amines for binding at
beta(1)-adrenergic receptors in the heart, inhibiting sympathetic stimulation.This results in a reduction in resting
heart rate, cardiac output, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and reflex orthostatichypotension (4)
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Propranolol hydrochloride was received as a gift samples from Bhari Pharmaceticals, hyderabad, India
(Ahmadabad, India).the polymers are also obtained from bharipharmaceuticals. Other materials used in the
study (chloroform, methanol, dichloromethane, glycerol, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc.) were of
analytical grade. Double-distilled water was used throughout the study.
III. INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY OF DRUG AND
POLYMER
The physicochemical compatibility between propranolol hydrochloride and polymers used in the films
was studied by using fourier transform infrared (FTIR- 8300, Shimadzu Co., Kyoto, Japan) spectroscopy.
The infrared (IR) spectra were recorded using an FTIR by the KBr pellet method and spectra were
recorded in the wavelength region between 4000 and 400 cm–1. The spectra obtained for propranolol
hydrochloride, polymers, and physical mixtures of propranolol hydrochloride with polymers were compared (5).
IV. PREPARATION OF TRANSDERMAL FILMS
4.1. Mercury substrate method:
The polymers, Eudragit L100 and Eudragit S100, Eudragit RSPO were taken in required quantity as
shown in the table. About 20 ml of solvent mixture of dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) was added and shaked to
prevent the formation of lumps, and then kept aside for swelling of polymers. And after complete solublization
31

2. Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patches of propranololhydrochloride
of polymers in mixture of solvent, added required quantity of dibutyl phthalate to this mixture, and vertexed.
Finally weighed quantity of propranolol hydrochloride added to the polymer solution and mixed well. It was set-
aside for some time to exclude any entrapped air and was then transferred into a previously cleaned Petri plate
(70 cm2) and then this was kept aside for solvent evaporation. The rate of solvent evaporation was controlled by
inverting a glass funnel over the petri plate. After overnight, the dried films were taken out and stored in a
dessicator (6).
Fig.No:1. Matrix Diffusion–Controlled Systems
Table. No. 1: Formulation trials of Propranolol hydrochloride Patches
Ingredients F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F1 F1
(in mg or ml) 0 1
Propranolol 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350
hydrochloride
Eudragit-L100 200 150 100 _ - 500 _ 500 650 _ 750
0
Eudragit-S100 _ _ _ 100 - 500 500 - 350 350 -
0
Eudragit RSPO - - - - 100 - 500 500 _ 650 250
0
Dichloromethan 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
e
Methanol 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Dibutyl 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
phthalate(in %
w/v)
V. EVALUATIONS OF PATCHES
5.1. Physical evaluations:
5.1.1. Thickness:
The thickness of films was measured by digital Vernier calipers with least count 0.001mm. The
thickness uniformity was measured at five different sites and average of five readings was taken with standard
deviation (6).
5.1.2. Folding endurance:
The folding endurance was measured manually for the prepared films. A strip of film (4x3 cm) was cut
evenly and repeatedly folded at the same place till it broke. The number of times the film could be folded at the
same place without breaking gave the exact value of folding endurance (6).
5.1.3. Weight variation:
The three disks of 2*2 cm2was cut and weighed on electronic balance for weight variation test. The test
was done to check the uniformity of weight and thus check the batch- to- batch variation (6).
5.1.4. Drug content Determination:
32

3. Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patches of propranololhydrochloride
The prepared drug contained patches specified surface area (2 cm2) were cut and dissolved in (5% of
methanol contained) 100ml of pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, and vigorously shaked for 12hrs, and then sonicated for
15minutes, centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 30 min. Filter the drug contained polymeric solution through 42 number
whatmann filter paper, then 1ml of the filtrate was taken in a test tube and dilute it for five times with same
solvent by using double beam UV-Visible spectrophotometer to determined drug content at max 428nm.
Respected Placebo patch was taken as a blank solution (6).
5.1.5. Surface pH:
Surface pH of the patches was determined by the method described by Bottenberg et al. The patches
were allowed to swell by keeping them incontact with 0.5 ml of double distilled water for 1 hour in glass tubes.
Thesurface pH was then noted by bringing a combined glass electrode nearthe surface of the patch and allowing
it to equilibrate for 1 minute (7).
Table 2: Evaluation of transdermal patches
Formulat Weight Thickn Folding Flatnes Appear % Surfac
ion Code variation ess endura s ence Drug e pH
(mg) (µm) nce Conten
t
F1 81±1.05 65.33±5 100 Transpa 97.4±.4 5.3
287.6±2 .03 rent 5
.46
F2 63.33±1.5 240.4±2 115.66± 100 Transpa 97.98±. 5.1
.51 4.04 rent 42
F3 52±2.00 192.6±1 141.66± 100 Transpa 99±.255 5.8
.75 3.78 rent
F4 51.66±1.5 195.3±2 127.33± 100 Transpa 97.37±. 5.6
2 .40 4.72 rent 48
F5 53.50±20 174.3±1 147±5.5 100 Transpa 96.00 5.4
.31 6 rent
F6 48.00 199.3±3 124.33± 100 Transpa 97.52±1 5.2
.20 5.03 rent .4
F7 48.33±1.5 187.6±2 160±4.5 100 Transpa 97.99±. 5.5
2 .40 8 rent 79
F8 53.33±1.5 191.5±2 160.66± 100 Transpa 98.82±. 5.6
2 .36 4.5 rent 39
F9 51±2.00 194.3±1 132.33± 100 Transpa 97.9±.7 5.3
.31 5.50 rent 0
F10 52.66±2.5 197.3±3 147±5.5 100 Transpa 98.95±. 5.8
1 .32 6 rent 43
F11 49±2 198.7±2 155.66± 100 Transpa 97.8±.5 5.7
.26 6.50 rent 2
VI. IN-VITRO DRUG DIFFUSUSION STUDY
The drug diffusion studies through dialysis(cellophane) membrane experiments were conducted by
using vertical type diffusion cell (Franz type) having receptor compartment 15ml volume with 2cm 2 area. The
receptor compartment was filled 15ml of phosphate buffer pH 7.4; the activated dialysis membrane was
mounted on the flange of the diffusion cell receptor compartment. The prepared Transdermal patch with surface
area 2cm2 placed on center of membrane, the donor compartment was then placed in position and the two valves
of the cell clamped together. The whole assembly was kept on a magnetic stirrer and solution in the receptor
compartment was constantly and continuously stirred using a magnetic bead and at 32  1oC maintained (8).
Fig. No. 2: Franz-diffusion cell
33

4. Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patches of propranololhydrochloride
In vitro drug permeation profile
120
cumulative % drug permeated F1
100
F2
80
F3
60 F4
40 F5
20 F6
F7
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 F8
F9
Time(hrs)
Fig.No.3: In vitro drug permeation profile
7. Kinetic models for Propranolol hydrochloride
150
zero order plot y = 3.699x + 16.40
R² = 0.942
cumulative %drug release
100
50 zero order
Linear (zero order)
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
time
Fig.No.4: Zero order plot of Propranolol hydrochloride F-10
y = -0.069x + 2.140
first order plot R² = 0.869
2.500
2.000
log%drug remain
1.500
1.000 first order
Linear (first order)
0.500
0.000
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
time
Fig.No.5: First order plot of propranolol hydrochloride F-10
34

5. Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patches of propranololhydrochloride
y = 19.32x - 3.528
120
Higuchi plot R² = 0.982
cumulative%drug release
100
80
60
higuchi
40
20 Linear (higuchi)
0
-20 0 2 4 6
root t
Fig.No.6: Higuchi plot of propranolol hydrochloride F-10
5.000
Hixon crowell plot y = -0.133x + 4.653
R² = 0.954
(cumulative%drug remain)1/3
4.000
3.000
2.000 Series1
1.000 Linear (Series1)
0.000
0 10 20 30
time(hrs)
V.N. Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patches of propranololhydrochloride2515
Fig.No.7: Hixon crowell plot of propranolol hydrochloride F-10
y = 0.510x + 1.239
korsmeyer peppas plotR² = 0.982
2.5
log%drug release
2
1.5
1 peppas
0.5 Linear (peppas)
0
0 0.5 1 1.5
log t
Fig.No.8: Kores-meyer Peppas plot of propranolol hydrochloride F-10
8. DISCUSSION
Hypertension is common disorder that, if not effectively treated results in a greatly increased
probability of coronary thrombosis, stroke and renal failure until about 1950, there wasno effective treatment,
and the development of antihypertensive drugs, which restore healthy life expectancy has been a major
therapeutic success in the treatment of hypertension.Propranolol hydrochloride is a non‐selective beta blocker,
mainly used in the management of various cardiovascular disorders. It reduces theoxygen requirement of the
heart at any level of effort by blocking catecholamine induced increase in the heart rate, systolic blood pressure,
35

6. Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patches of propranololhydrochloride
thevelocity and extent of myocardial contraction. Our present work comprises the formulation and evaluation of
propranolol hydrochloridetransdermal patches for sustained or extended release for a prolonged period of time.
Initially the drug was tested by UV to know their significant absorption maximum which can be used
for the diffusion study of the drug. The compatibility studies of the drug with excipients indicate no
characteristic visual changes and no additional peaks were observed during FT-IR studies.
Totally, eleven formulation trials (F-1 to F-11) were done with the aim to achieve the successful matrix type
propranolol hydrochloride transdermal patches. The blend trials prepared for the drug was evaluated for
various physical parameters and content uniformity of drug by UV.
Eudragits like eudragit S-100, L-100, RSPO used as controlled release polymers in the formulation of
propranolol hydrochloride transdermal patches individually and in combination. Methanol and Dichloromethane
used as solvents. Di-butyl phthalate used as plasticizer.
All the trials were formulated as patches. All the patches were evaluated for weight variation,
thickness, drug content, folding endurance, surface pHand in-vitro drug release.
All formulations were transparent in appearance.
The formulations F1, F2 were varying in thickness when compared to other formulations which is due to the
variation in the polymer concentration which shows the increase in polymer concentration increases the
thickness of patch. For all other formulations it was found to be in between 187 to 199µm.All formulations from
F3 to F11 shows weight variation in between 48 to 52 mg.Folding endurance from formulations F2 to F11 was
found to be in between 115 to 155.which can withstand the foldings of the skin.All formulation shows pH in the
range of 5.1 to 5.8.so we can expect no skin irritation.All formulations shows good % drug content in between
97.4 to 99.
The diffusion studies of the patches were carried out in the phosphate buffer 7.4 PH. The formulation F-10 was
found to be best when compared with all the evaluation values of other formulations.
Thus the diffusion data obtained was fitted to various mathematical kinetic models such as zero order,
first order, higuchi plot and peppa’s plot. The in-vitro diffusion data of the formulation F-10 was found to be
nearer to innovator’s drug release and from the result.From the kinetic data it was found that drug release
follows zero order release by diffusion technique from the polymer.
VII. CONCLUSION
In the present investigation an attempt has been made to design and develop the formulation of
Propranolol hydrochloride patches using different types of eudragits by solvent evaporation technique and
mercury substrate method. The drug used isthe best studied for therapy in treating hypertension.
Propranolol hydrochloride was successfully formulated as controlled release transdermal patches,
which prevents the frequency of administration and gives good patient compliance.From the experimental
results obtained, F-10 formulation has been selected as the best formulation among all the other formulations.
The in-vitro drug diffusion study from the formulation was found to be controlled release. All the evaluation
parameters obtained from the best formulation were found to be satisfactory.The data obtained from the in-vitro
release studies were fitted to various kinetic models like zero order, first order, Higuchi model and peppas
model. From the kinetic data it was found that drug release follows zero order release by diffusion technique
from the polymer.
Based on the observations, it can be concluded that the attempt of formulation and evaluation of
thePropranolol hydrochloride patches was found to be successful in the release of the drug for an extended
period of 24 hrs.
36

7. Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patches of propranololhydrochloride
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