DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINED-RELEASE TRANSDERMAL SYSTEM FOR PAROXETINE

Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is associated with poor bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism and gastrointestinal side effects when administered orally. This study aimed to develop sustained-release transdermal patches of paroxetine to overcome these limitations. Patches were prepared using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and ethyl cellulose by solvent casting technique, and evaluated for physicochemical properties, folding endurance, tensile strength, moisture content, drug content uniformity, and in vitro release using Franz diffusion cells. FTIR confirmed drug–excipient compatibility, while calibration studies were conducted to standardize paroxetine estimation. The optimized formulation demonstrated desirable mechanical properties, uniform drug content, and sustained release over 24 h, best fitting Higuchi kinetics. This work highlights the potential of transdermal paroxetine delivery as a non-invasive, sustained-release alternative to oral therapy, potentially improving patient compliance and reducing systemic side effects.