DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSDERMAL PATCHES FOR THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The present work focuses on development and characterisation of transdermal patches combining Diclofenac sodium and turmeric for the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. Transdermal drug delivery system is a unique and non-invasive way for delivering the drugs via the skin directly into bloodstream in a regulated and sustained manner. This technique enhances patient compliance, decreases side-effects associated with large doses by enabling regulated distribution of medicine. In this study, solvent casting method was employed for the manufacture of transdermal patches. Pre-formulation and analytical studies were carried out to evaluate drug characteristics and analysis. Different transdermal patches were produced by using mixture of polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Glycerol and Propylene glycol were used to provide flexibility to patches and increase penetration of medication over skin. Different formulations were developed by altering amounts of polymers. The evaluation tests were done on formulated transdermal patches to check their consistency, quality, stability and flexibility and numerous other features. These tests include examination of several physio-chemical parameters such as thickness, weight fluctuation, flatness, folding durability, moisture content, and moisture uptake. This study also focuses on establishing the synergistic potential of Diclofenac sodium and turmeric as an anti-inflammatory drug for the effective treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. This study demonstrates that medications such as Diclofenac sodium and turmeric can be given by transdermal patches for the therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis in effective and sustained manner.