Drug in adhesive type transdermal matrix systems of ondansetron hydrochloride: optimization of permeation pattern using response surface methodology.

The present investigation aims at development of pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) based drug in adhesive type transdermal systems of ondansetron hydrochloride with higher permeation flux. The effect of mixture of two chemical permeation enhancers (oleic acid and lauric acid diethanolamide); and drug loading dose on the ex vivo human cadaver skin permeation from the transdermal patches has been investigated using a d-optimal combined mixture design. Incorporation of chemical permeation enhancers significantly improved the permeability parameters and it was also found that blend of permeation enhancers is more effective than either permeation enhancer. Criterion of desirability was employed to numerically optimize the transdermal system. Optimized formulation was achieved with 67.5% lauric acid diethanolamide, 32.5% oleic acid and 10% drug loading in an acrylate based PSA matrix. Optimized formulation was found to be nonirritating and safe for dermatological application.