Gel Formulation and an In-vitro Kinetic Permeation Release Study of Cefixime Trihydrate and Chlorpheniramine Maleate (CCM)

Abstract

Cefixime is an antibiotic drug used to treat infection. Chlorphenamine, also known as chlorpheniramine, is an antihistamine and used to treat allergic diseases such urticarial infections and rhinitis Objective: To formulate a gel by using propylene glycol (PG) along with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) in order to enhance the percutaneous absorption and release of cefixime trihydrate and chlorpheniramine maleate from TDDS (transdermal drug delivery system). Methods: Various formulations (G1 to G13) containing cefixime trihydrate and chlorpheniramine maleate gels (CCM gels) were prepared for this purpose with PG and PEG in different ratios. Firstly, gel optimization was estimated from the physical properties of the gels. Later, the diffusion process was carried out through Franz diffusion cells to find out the permeation kinetic parameters of these gel formulations. Only two of the gels (G1 and G3) were selected for further process while the rest were not employed due to stability issues. Results: The obtained results were analyzed by using statistical RSM (response surface methodology) and the link between the independent and response variables was depicted using contour plots. The result of the current study of both these gels indicated high values of flux and ER (enhancement ratio) while a reduction in tlag value. However, no significant difference was seen in the values I/R (input ratio) and Kp (permeation constant) with other formulated gels. Conclusions: It was concluded that the addition of PG and PEG into gels could enhance the permeation of cifixime trihydrate and chlorphenaramine mleate across membrane.