Enhancement of transdermal delivery of ibuprofen using microemulsion vehicle

Objective(s):The objective of this study was to find a stable microemulsion vehicle for transdermal delivery of ibuprofen to improve the skin permeability. Materials and Methods: Microemulsion was prepared using different sorts of oils, surfactants and co-surfactants. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were used to evaluate the microemulsion domain. The effects of oleic acid and surfactant mixture on skin permeation of ibuprofen were evaluated with excised skins. Results: The optimum formulation F۳ consisting of ۶% oleic acid, ۳۰% Cremophor RH۴۰/Transcutol P (۲:۱, w/w) and ۵۹% water phase, showed a high permeation rate of ۴۲.۹۸ μg/cm۲/hr. The mean droplet size of microemulsion was about ۴۳ nm and no skin irritation signs were observed on the skin of rabbits. Conclusion: These results indicated that this novel microemulsion is a useful formulation for the transdermal delivery of ibuprofen.

Keywords:

Ibuprofen , Microemulsion , Skin Permeability , Transdermal