In vitro transdermal delivery of propranolol hydrochloride through rat skin from various niosomal formulations

Objective(s): The purpose of the present study was to prepare and to evaluate a novel niosome as transdermal drug delivery system for propranolol hydrochloride and to compare the in vitro efficiency of niosome by either thin film hydration or hand shaking method. Materials and Methods: Niosomes were prepared by Thin Film Hydration (TFH) or Hand Shaking (HS) method. Propranolol niosomes were prepared using different surfactants (span20, 80) ratios and a constant cholesterol concentration. In vitro characterization of niosomes included microscopical observation, size distribution, laser light scattering evaluation, stability of propranolol niosomes and permeability of formulations in phosphate buffer (pH=7) through rat abdominal skin. Results: The percentage of entrapment efficiency (%EE) increased with increase in surfactant concentration in all formulations. Among them, F3 formulation (containing span80:cholesterol ratio of 3:1) showed the highest entrapment efficiency (86.74±2.01%), Jss (6.33μg/cm2.h) and permeability coefficient (7.02×10-3cm/h). By increasing the percentage of entrapment efficiency (resulting in increase in surfactant concentration), the drug released time is not prolonged. Among all the formulations, F4 needed more time for maximum drug release. Among these formulations, F4 was also found to have the maximum vesicle size as compared to other formulations. It was observed that niosomal suspension prepared from span 80 was more stable than span 20. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that niosomal formulations may offer a promise transdermal delivery of propranolol which improves drug efficiency and can be used for controlled delivery of propranolol.