In vitro release of propranolol hydrochloride from topical vehicles

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery is becoming increasingly important and for this reason it is clear that academia must ensure that current graduates are knowledgeable in all facets of topical drug administration. An in vitro diffusion cell experiment was designed to demonstrate the rate of release of propranolol hydrochloride (PHC) from three different topical vehicles: (i) an oil-in-water cream; (ii) a gel; and (iii) anointment. This experiment was performed by final-year students enroled in an undergraduate course on percutaneous absorption. In vitro release of PHC from the three bases to an aqueous receptor phase through silicone membrane was monitored spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 290 nm. By monitoring and attempting to explain the numerous possible reasons for the different rates of drug release from the three vehicles, it was hoped that the students would gain a better understanding of the complexities of transdermal drug administration. Overall, the experiment would appear to be a good model for student investigation into factors affecting the release of drugs from topical formulations.