FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF DULOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE TRANSDERMAL PATCHES

Transdermal patches are a non-invasive method of drug administration. It is an adhesive patch designed to deliver a specific dose of medication through the skin and into the blood stream throughout the body. Transdermal drug delivery system is an advanced drug administration technique. It represents a significant advancement in the field of novel drug delivery offering an alternative to traditional methods such as oral tablets, injections and topical formulations. Transdermal patches of duloxetine hydrochloride (HCl) are being developed as a controlled-release, non-invasive alternative to oral administration for treating depression and chronic pain. These patches improve bioavailability, reduce dosing frequency, and avoid gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or toxic metabolites, often using drug-in-adhesive or polymeric matrix systems. Transdermal patches were prepared by using solvent casting method using polymers such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) patch forming agent and PEG 400 (polyethylene glycol) used as plasticizer to enhance skin flexibility. the patches were evaluated includes peel test, tack test, tensile strength, in-vitro drug release, skin irritation studies. The results that duloxetine hydrochloride patches suggest excellent quality and uniformity patch characteristics. The patch showed effective dose for 24 hours, improve patient compliance for effective depression management.