FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF BUPRANOLOL TRANSDERMAL PATCHES

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate matrix-type transdermal patches of bupranolol using various polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Eudragit RLPO, Eudragit RSPO, and ethyl cellulose for sustained drug delivery. Bupranolol, a non-selective β-blocker with a short half-life and low oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism, is a suitable candidate for transdermal administration. The patches were prepared using the solvent casting technique with PEG 400 as a plasticizer and methanol/chloroform as solvents. Six formulations (F1–F6) were developed and evaluated for physical parameters including thickness, folding endurance, moisture content, moisture uptake, tensile strength, drug content uniformity, and in vitro drug release. Among the formulations, F4 demonstrated optimal properties, showing high folding endurance (285 ± 6), suitable tensile strength (0.969 ± 0.014 kg/cm²), high drug content (99.45 ± 0.36%), and a sustained drug release of 98.65% over 12 hours. The drug release profile of F4 followed zero-order kinetics (R² = 0.9872), indicating a consistent and controlled release. These results suggest that F4 is a promising formulation for effective transdermal delivery of bupranolol, potentially improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. Keywords: Bupranolol, Transdermal Patch, HPMC, Eudragit RLPO, Sustained Release, Zero-order Kinetics, Solvent Casting, Drug Delivery System