Development and Evaluation of Transdermal Gel for Pain Relief

Abstract

The study was to develop transdermal gel formulations for the delivery of aspirin and paracetamol. Compared to more conventional approaches like oral, injectable, and inhaler administration, transdermal medication delivery through the skin has a number of benefits. These benefits include self-administering simplicity, non-intrusiveness, usability, cost, and the capacity to maintain sustained plasma drug concentrations over prolonged periods of time. Two polymers in creating transdermal gels Carbopol-934 and Sodium Alginate were assessed. Carbopol-934 was chosen because of its capacity to improve drug retention and limit drainage, allowing for the drug's sustained release. The gel compositions were thickened and stabilized using sodium alginate. Pre-formulation tests, rheological characteristics, spread-ability, pH levels, homogeneity, and potential for skin irritation were assessed for both Carbopol-934 and Sodium Alginate gel formulations. In order to avoid application-related skin irritation, the pH levels of the gel formulations were closely checked to make sure they stayed within the permitted range. In comparison to other Carbopol-934 and Sodium Alginate formulations tested, Carbopol-934 gel formulation F3 showed the best spread-ability (S=95.9). Due to its constant qualities, including acceptable spread-ability, pH range, and homogeneity, without producing any skin irritation, this formulation was deemed satisfactory. In conclusion, the creation of a transdermal gel formulation using Carbopol-934 as the main polymer matrix shows potential for delivering these medications through the skin. This study highlights the potential of transdermal drug delivery devices as a practical and efficient replacement for conventional methods of administering painkillers.