Transdermal Flurbiprofen Delivery Using HPMC Matrices: Design, in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation

Abstract A matrix-dispersion-type transdermal drug delivery system of flurbiprofen was designed and developed using different concentrations and grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Formulations were selected on the basis of their drug release content and release pattern. These were evaluated for in vitro dissolution characteristics using a Cygnus sandwich-patch holder. The release followed Higuchi kinetics, as its coefficient of correlation (r = 0.977-0.990; p < 0.001) predominates over the other release kinetics. In vivo evaluation was carried out on healthy rabbits, following the balanced incomplete block design. The in vitro dissolution rate constant and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated statistically by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A significant difference was found between the test products (p < 0.01), but not within the test products (p > 0.05).