Abstract
Objective: The present study traces the development and characterization of the gel formulation of valsartan-loaded ultradeformable vesicles for management of hypertension. Materials and methods: The prepared gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles was evaluated for in vitro skin permeation, release kinetics, skin irritation, pharmacokinetics, and stability. Results and discussion: The in vitro skin permeation study showed that the gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles presented a flux value of 368.74 mu g/cm(2)/h, in comparison to that of the traditional liposomal gel formulation, with an enhancement ratio of 26.91, through rat skin. The data for release kinetics showed that the release profile followed zero-order kinetics, and that the drug release mechanism was non-Fickian. The results of the skin irritation study demonstrated that the prepared formulation was safe, less irritant, and well-tolerated for transdermal delivery. The results of the pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the AUC value of valsartan after transdermal administration was apparently increased. The formulation stored under a refrigerated condition showed greater stability, and results were found to be within the specification under storage conditions. Conclusion: It is evident from this study that the gel formulation of ultradeformable vesicles of valsartan is a promising delivery system for lipophilic drugs, and has reasonably good stability characteristics.