RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Nebivolol HCl is a unique third-generation beta blocker that has less oral bioavailability and exhibits various adverse effects like gastrointestinal disturbance and abdominal pain. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to formulate and evaluate nebivolol HCl transferosomal transdermal patches to reduce the problems associated with oral delivery of the drug and enhancement of drug permeation through the skin. METHODS: Nebivolol HCl loaded transferosomes were prepared by thin film hydration method. Eight formulations were prepared based on the two independent variables, type of surfactant (Tween 80 and Span 80) and Phospholipid: Edge activator ratio and were evaluated for their vesicle size, PDI, and entrapment efficiency. The optimized formulations were incorporated into transdermal patches, which were evaluated for physicochemical properties, in-vitro and ex-vivo permeation, skin irritancy, and stability studies. RESULTS: The vesicle size of the transferosomes ranged from 49nm to 93nm, and EE% varied from 39% to 79%. Vesicles formed with Span 80 as an edge activator showed smaller vesicle size and greater EE% as compared to Tween 80. Based on the results, TW4 and SP4 were selected as the optimized formulations for further incorporation into the transdermal patches. In-vitro and ex-vivo permeation studies showed permeation in the order F2 > F3 > F1, indicating that transferosomal formulations showed superior permeation of the drug compared to plain Nebivolol HCl patches. Span 80 transferosomes showed a slightly better permeation than Tween 80. Stability studies showed that transferosomes and the transdermal patches demonstrated good stability under proper storage conditions. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that transferosomal patches of Nebivolol HCl could be used as a potential approach with effective transdermal delivery for the management of hypertension.