Formulation Development and Evaluation of Transdermal Patches of Miglitol

Abstract

Transdermal patches are placed on the surface of the skin, which is a polymeric preparation; it delivers the medication at a controlled rate through the dermal layer to produce an active systemic effect. Miglitol transdermal patches were designed with the following primary objectives: better absorption, more consistent plasma drug concentration, enhanced bioavailability, minimal side effects, quick and ease of application, and the advantage to prevent drug release into the body by simply peeling the patch from the skin. Polyethylene glycol 400 serves as a plasticizer with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which improves the permeation rate. Six formulations (F1-F6) of miglitol transdermal patches were formulated with three different polymers: HPMC, PVP K30 and Eudragit L100 with three different ratios of drug and polymer. The solvent casting method was performed to formulate the patch, which was evaluated for its drug concentration, folding endurance, flatness, moisture absorption, tensile strength and SEM evaluation. The in-vitro drug release profile studies were conducted in pH 5.5 buffer using a Franz Diffusion cell under sink conditions, after which the drug was analyzed spectrophotometrically at 232 nm. The preparation F1 possessed maximum drug release, which showed that miglitol can be formulated as a transdermal formulation in providing effective treatment for diabetes with enhanced patient compliance.