Abstract

Transdermal films of ketotifen fumarate were formulated using combination of eudragit L 100:hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and ethyl cellulose:hydroxypropylmethylcellulose polymeric combinations plasticized with polyethylene glycol 400. Effect of permeation enhancers like dimethyl sulfoxide and propylene glycol at different concentrations were studied on skin permeation kinetics by Keshary-Chein diffusion cell. The films were also evaluated for various physicochemical properties. From in vitro diffusion studies it was found that there was increase in permeation rate with increase in permeation enhancer concentration. Both water vapour transmission rate and skin permeation rate followed zero order kinetics. It was concluded that films of eudragit L 100: hydroxy propyl methylcellulose and ethyl cellu1ose:hydroxypropyl methylcellulose polymeric combinations may be feasible for formulating rate controlled transdermal therapeutic system of ketotifen fumarate for effective control and prophylaxis of allergic asthma.