RELEASE AND PERMEATION STUDIES OF PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE FROM HYDROPHILIC POLYMERIC MATRICES

In-vitro release of propranolol hydrochloride, from various hydrophilic polymeric bases was studied. These included: methocel(R), avicel(R) CL-611/ methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin based systems. Several additives, such as, ethyl alcohol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and polyethylene glycol-400 were included in the formulations for possible enhancement of the drug release. The release studies were carried out using the cellulose membrane and the hairless mouse skin as the diffusion barriers. The general rank order for the drug release through these membranes was observed to be: the methocel(R) matrix > the avicel(R) CL-611 matrix > the polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin matrix > and the emulsion base. The additives in the formulations had little or no effect in enhancing the drug release. However, when the hairless mouse skin was soaked in (DMSO) for one hour prior to its use in the diffusion studies, the drug release was found to increase by 40% from the methocel(R) matrix formulation. The drug release data were treated with various kinetic principles to assess the relevant parameters, such as the diffusion, partition and permeability coefficients. Using these information, the formulations were screened for their suitability to deliver propranolol hydrochloride via the diadermatic dosage form.