Preparation and Characterization of Ciprofloxacin Loaded Transdermal Patches

The aim of this research was to formulate a matrix-type transdermal therapeutic system containing drug ciprofloxacin with different ratios of hydrophobic (ethyl cellulose) polymer by solvent evaporation technique, using 15% w/w of dibutyl phthalate to the polymer weight, incorporated as plasticizer. Different concentrations of isopropyl myristate were used to enhance the transdermal permeation of Ciprofloxacin. Formulated transdermal films were physically evaluated with regard to thickness, weight variation and drug content. All prepared formulations showed good physical stability. In-vitro permeation studies of formulations were performed by using Franz diffusion cells. Formulation T3 showed best in-vitro skin permeation through goat skin as compared to all other formulations. The release profile of the optimized formulation T3 indicated that the permeation of the drug from the patches was governed by a diffusion mechanism. Formulation T3 showed highest flux among all other formulations. These results indicate that the formulation containing highest amount of isopropyl myristate gives better penetration of ciprofloxacin through goat skin. INTRODUCTION: Continuous intravenous infusion is recognised as a superior mode of drug administration not only to bypass a first mass metabolism but also to maintain a constant and prolong drug level in the body 1, . A closely monitored intravenous infusion can provide the advantages of both direct entry of drug into the systemic circulation and control of circulating drug levels 3, . However, such mode of drug administration entails certain risks and therefore necessitates hospitalization of the patients and close medical supervision of administration 5, . So to provide continues drug infusion through an intact skin, several transdermal therapeutic systems have been developed for topical aplication on to the intact skin surface to control the drug delivery and its subsiquent permeation through the skin tissue 8, 9, . Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (3-quinoline carboxylic acid, 1cyclopropyl6fluoro1, 4dihydro4oxo7(1-piperazinyl)-, mono-hydrochloride, monohydrate) (CP) is a quinolonecarboxylic acid derivative with high antibiotic activity against gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria. The development of a controlled release system for CP is very interesting for post-surgery prophylaxis, for combating skin infections, soft tissues, joints and bones. Inhibition of topoisomerase (DNA gyrase) enzymes, which inhibits relaxation of super coiled DNA and promotes breakage of double stranded DNA.