Physicochemical Performances of Indomethacin in Cholesteryl Cetyl Carbonate Liquid Crystal as a Transdermal Dosage

Abstract

A transdermal formulation of indomethacin (IMC) was developed by incorporation into cholesteryl cetyl carbonate (CCC). The liquid crystalline phase properties of the IMC-CCC mixture were detected by polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. A low drug loading was obtained (1-5%) similar to that used in conventional topical IMC in a clinical setting. A controlled release of IMC was found over 12h. A low amount of IMC in 1% IMC-CCC permeated the stratum corneum. Further formulation development has been carried out by the addition of lauryl alcohol into 5% IMC-CCC mixture it was found that the permeation of IMC was significantly improved to 45% within 24h.