In vitro evaluation of bioadhesive films containing ibuprofen

The aim of this work was to develop films containing ibuprofen and to study their in vitro permeation characteristics across pig ear skin, a valid model for human skin. Films containing 5% (w/w) of ibuprofen were prepared and tested: the effect of the chemical enhancers polyvynil pyrrolidone, propylene glycol, menthol and 2-pyrrolidone was evaluated as well. From the data obtained it can be concluded that the bioadhesive film formulated can act as a dermal/transdermal delivery system for the administration of ibuprofen. The film is easy to handle before the application and then it adapts to skin irregularities increasing the effective contact area. The permeation kinetic across the skin was not linear, suggesting that the film acts as a matrix controlling drug delivery. The introduction of chemical enhancers in the formulation or the application of the film in the presence of menthol did not modify the permeation of ibuprofen across pig ear skin. On the other hand the application of an occlusive layer increased the amount of ibuprofen permeated from the film and the permeation profile obtained was comparable to that obtained from the commercial formulation applied in finite dose conditions.