Formulation and Characterization of Tramadol HCl Transdermal Patch

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery leads direct access to the systemic circulation through the skin which bypasses drugs from the hepatic first pass metabolism leading to increase bioavailability. Tramadol HCl has been selected as model drug because it has low bioavailability. It exhibit all physicochemical characteristics required for the transdermal patch. Transdermal patches of Tramadol HCl were prepared by solvent casting method using different polymers i.e. HPMCK4M, HPMCK15M, HPMCE5.Propyleneglycol was used as plasticizer and methanol was used to dissolve the drug. Water was used as solvent to dissolve the polymer. The prepared formulations were evaluated for drug content uniformity, in vitro diffusion study, thickness, tensile strength, moisture content, folding endurances etc. Amongst all formulation, formulation F3 had more desirable characteristic and shows 88.36% drug release in 12hr. Release kinetic can be described by Higuchi model with anomalous diffusion as a release mechanism. The Transdermal patch formulated from HPMCK4M, HPMCK15M and HPMCE5 showed satisfactory physicochemical properties. The ratios of hydrophilic polymers HPMCK4M, HPMCK15M and HPMCE5 good moisture content property, good tensile strength, folding endurances and in-vitro drug release. So, it can be concluded that such a matrix type patches of HPMCK4M, HPMC K15M and HPMCE5 could be a good carrier in transdermal delivery of Tramadol HCl. FTIR studies showed there were no incompatibilities between drug and other excipients