Polymeric Film Devices as Transdermal Therapeutic Systems for Diabetes.

The purpose of the present investigation was to enhance the dissolution properties and bioavailability of a poor water soluble drug (Glibenclamide) by matrix-type transdermal films. Eudragit S 100 (Ed S100) and Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) were used individually or in mixtures to formulate the transdermal devices by solvent casting method. The physicomechanical evaluation of the polymer matrices was performed. The prepared films showed good physicomechanical characteristics as Ed S100 percent increased, where HPMC lowered these characters. In-vitro release studies of ideal films were evaluated and the results revealed that the amount of Glibenclamide released was affected to great extent by the polymer type and also the solvent used. HPMC films showed high release rates of the drug where Ed S100 retards and control the drug release rates. HPMC mixtures with Ed S100 in 1:1 ratio released about 100% of the drug after 6 hours. In vivo evaluation of the prepared films was investigated by testing the hypoglycaemic effects of the drug after transdermal application to diabetic rats. The observed results simulated that obtained after oral administration of Glibenclamide in a dose of 5 mg/kg. The obtained results revealed a good promise of using Glibenclamide via transdermal route which could be of excellent benefit when oral route is unavailable.