Development of a novel prolonged-release nicotine transdermal patch

A transdermal patch for delivering nicotine for periods of 12-48 h was designed. An inclusion complex formed between the nicotine and β-cyclodextrine (β-CD) was used in drug depot. The usefulness of a specially cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (cross-PVA) membrane was investigated as a rate controlling membrane. The influence of carbopol polymers, type C-934P and C-940 and propylene glycol on transdermal permeation of nicotine through the rat skin was investigated. The results indicated a maximum flux of 42 μg cm−2 h−1 after 48 h from the patches made from C-934P when the propylene glycol concentration was 15% and the nicotine-β-CD mole ratio in the inclusion complex was 3:1. These nicotine transdermal patches can be fabricated to obtain a controlled release, zero order systems.