Transdermal delivery of naloxone: skin permeation, pharmacokinetic, irritancy and stability studies

The current investigation aims to evaluate ex vivo, in vivo performance, stability and irritancy potential of a transdermal formulation of naloxone (NLX) developed at our laboratory at different concentrations (10, 20 and 30 mg/g of gel) in a transdermal reservoir patch. Ex vivo permeation studies were performed by employing porcine and rat skins. In vivo performance was assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats by single and multiple application of the patch. Further stability of the formulation was established for 3 months at accelerated stability conditions as per ICH guidelines. Amongst the barriers used the rat skin was found to be more permeable than the porcine epidermis and the flux across each barrier increased with increasing thermodynamic activity of drug in the gel. Based on ex vivo data, the surface area (SA) of the patch was predicted to be 39.6 cm2 in order to achieve therapeutic blood levels. Upon single dose administration, the steady-state levels were maintained from 4-48 h, which proves the clear advantage of transdermal delivery system over the current mode of administration, i.e., intravenous (i.v.) bolus which is effective upto a maximum of 1.5 h. Upon multiple dose administration, the sustained steady state for 12 h, even after patch removal proves the formation of drug depot in the skin. The formulations were found to be stable with respect to NLX assay and penetration enhancer efficacy upto 3 months under accelerated stability conditions. The alteration of penetration barrier function, as evidenced by increased trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) was not accompanied by any significant amount of skin irritation measured using laser doppler velocimetry (LDV). The developed transdermal delivery system of NLX is efficacious, stable and safe upon single and multiple dose applications each lasting for 48 h.