Development of film forming gel for the delivery of 5-flurouracil: in-vitro/ex-vivo evaluation

The transdermal route is an important delivery system for the delivery of both systemic and local effects. The effectiveness of therapy is based on adherence of transdermal dosage form to the skin and physiochemical properties of the drug during therapy. Transdermal Film-Forming Gels when applied to the skin after adherence form a thin film and provide the delivery of drug to the body tissues. Novel 5-Fluorouracil loaded Film-Forming Gels was prepared by utilizing natural polymer (chitosan) with variable concentration of penetration enhancers i.e. oleic acid and tween 80 which further affects the drug release. Prepared Film-Forming Gels were subjected to pH determination, viscosity measurement, homogeneity determination and FTIR analysis. Drying test showed film-forming gel was dried within 15 min after application. Moreover, in-vitro release study confirmed the 83% release over 180 min and the ex-vivo release of FFG9 displayed 81.45% release. This novel system would be an effective dosage form for the delivery of drugs. Graphical abstract