Development of a reservoir-type transdermal enantioselective-controlled delivery system for racemic propranolol using a molecularly imprinted polymer composite membrane.

The aims of this study were to develop a transdermal patch for selective controlled delivery of the active S-enantiomer from racemic propranolol, and to evaluate its performance in vivo using Wistar rats. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) thin-layer composited cellulose membrane with selectivity for S-propranolol was employed as the enantioselective-controlled release system. The effect of gel reservoir (poloxamer and chitosan) on enantioselective delivery was investigated.

Skin permeation of propranolol from polymeric film containing terpene enhancers for transdermal use.

To develop the suitable film formulations of propranolol hydrochloride (PPL) containing enhancers for transdermal use, polymeric film formulations were prepared by employing ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a film former, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a plasticizer. Terpenes such as menthol and cineole, and propylene glycol (PG) were also employed as a chemical enhancer to improve the skin penetration of PPL. The film preparations were characterized in physical properties such as uniformity of drug content, thickness and moisture uptake capacity.

Enhancement of topical delivery of drugs via direct penetration by reducing blood flow rate in skin.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of blood flow in the skin on the direct penetration of topically applied drugs into the muscular layer, and to show that the skin blood flow could also be one of the important factors determining the direct penetration of drugs to the muscular layer. In vivo percutaneous absorption study was performed for antipyrine, salicylic acid or diclofenac by using rats with tape-stripped skin. Phenylephrine, which is well known to reduce the local blood flow by vasoconstrictor action, was topically applied to decrease the local blood flow in the skin.