Formulation optimization and delivery enhancement of drugs into and across skin and their safe disposal

Transdermal delivery is a promising route of administration for delivery of drugs having low oral bioavailability. Topical delivery (delivery into skin layers) of drugs is beneficial for treatment of localized skin conditions such as inflammatory skin diseases. It has been hypothesized that formulation of drugs in vehicles such as propylene glycol can help enhance topical drug delivery. The use of vehicles such as propylene glycol and Transcutol(TM) were investigated for topical formulation of hydrophilic drug molecules. Quantification of drug levels in stratum corneum using the tape stripping methodology and in stripped skin using skin extraction techniques suggested that increased accumulation of drug molecules in skin could be achieved by optimization of topical formulation vehicle.;Passive transdermal delivery is typically limited to small, moderately lipophilic and potent molecules. However physical enhancement techniques can be used to expand the scope of transdermal delivery. In our studies, we have investigated the use of sonophoresis and microporation as enhancement techniques for transdermal delivery of ketoprofen. Both the techniques resulted in significantly enhancing the flux of ketoprofen across skin as well as reducing the lag time for permeation.;The disposal of unused drugs following administration is a growing concern due to issues such as potential drug abuse and environmental safety. Deactivation of residual/expired drugs using agents such as sodium percarbonate and activated carbon may help achieve safe and environment friendly drug disposal. We investigated several agents that could be used in drug disposal kits. The use of activated carbon in the kits resulted in most effective drug disposal.