Physicochemical performances of indomethacin in cholesteryl cetyl carbonate liquid crystal as a transdermal dosage.

A transdermal formulation of indomethacin (IMC) was developed by incorporation into cholesteryl cetyl carbonate (CCC). The liquid crystalline phase properties of the IMC-CCC mixture were detected by polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. A low drug loading was obtained (1-5 %) similar to that used in conventional topical IMC in a clinical setting. A controlled release of IMC was found over 12 h. A low amount of IMC in 1 % IMC-CCC permeated the stratum corneum. Further formulation development has been carried out by the addition of lauryl alcohol into 5 % IMC-CCC mixture it was found that the permeation of IMC was significantly improved to 45 % within 24 h.