Formulation Development and Evaluation Nefidipine Loaded Ethosomal Gel for Transdermal Drug Delivery

In the present investigation efficiency of ethosomes as novel lipid carriers for topical delivery of Nifedipine has been evaluated. Ethosomes were optimized by varying concentration of Lecithin and ethanol. Ethosomal formulation (NE6) with Lecithin (50mg) and ethanol 20mL was optimized. On characterization spherical, unilamellar vesicles with smooth surface were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Zeta potential of NE6 formulation was found to be -32.55mv. Drug entrapment efficiency of NE6 formulation was found to be 97.63%. The optimized formulation exhibited pH (5.8) and viscosity (42299cps). Physical evaluation of ethosomal gel was done. In vitro release of NE6 formulation was carried out which showed 94.34% release over a period of 24hours. From the data obtained after plotting various models it was observed that the Peppas model was found to be best suited with R2 value of 0.974. Results suggested that ethosomes as efficient carriers for Nifedipine topical delivery.