Formulation and Development of Emulgel to Enhance the Transdermal Permeability of BCS Class II Drug (Tacrolimus)

Abstract

Topical drug delivery systems significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. The topical route of drug delivery is the most preferred route for administration of drugs. The rationale for the development of an emulgel formulation of a drug is to enhance its therapeutic benefits, minimizing its side effect while improving the management of the diseased condition. Drug-release-retarding polymers are the key performers in such systems. The drug content was found to be in the range of 81.13 – 98.25 %. From the in-vitro drug release data, it was observed that the percentage cumulative drug release of Tacrolimus was shown by formulation F3. F3 released 99.37 % of the drug in 60 min. The ‘n’ value of optimized formulation F3 was found to be 0.717 which indicated that the drug was released by first order kinetics with anomalous (Non-Fickian) release. From the stability studies, formulation F3 doesn’t show significant difference for physical properties, homogeneity, consistency, drug content and viscosity. Based on the above evaluation studies, it could be concluded that Tacrolimus can be used as an emulgel by mixing equal quantities of a gel and emulsion portions for acute bacterial skin infection.