Development and Optimization of a Ketoprofen–Lidocaine Dual Drug Transdermal Patch for Enhanced Skin Permeation and Sustained Analgesic Activity
Abstract
The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a dual drug transdermal patch containing ketoprofen and lidocaine for sustained drug delivery. Transdermal patches were prepared using the solvent casting technique with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and ethyl cellulose as matrix-forming polymers, PEG 400 as a plasticizer, and oleic acid as a permeation enhancer. Four formulations were prepared, including a blank polymeric patch (BP), ketoprofen-only patch (KP), lidocaine-only patch (LP), and ketoprofen–lidocaine dual-drug patch (KLP). The prepared patches were evaluated for physical appearance, thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, tensile strength, moisture content, moisture uptake, surface pH, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. The optimized KLP formulation revealed satisfactory physical and mechanical properties, with a thickness of 0.203 ± 0.008 mm, folding endurance of 171 ± 7 folds, ketoprofen content of 96.85 ± 1.31%, and lidocaine content of 97.63 ± 1.16%. The in-vitro drug-release study demonstrated a sustained release profile, with approximately 96% cumulative drug release after 24 h. Ex-vivo permeation studies showed enhance drug permeation through the skin, with the KLP formulation exhibiting a steady-state flux of 13.08 µg/cm²/h. Drug-release kinetic analysis indicated that the Korsmeyer–Peppas model provided the best fit, with release exponent values suggesting anomalous transport behavior. Furthermore, the optimized formulation maintained satisfactory physical characteristics, drug content, and drug-release performance during the one-year stability study. The findings suggest that the developed KLP transdermal patch has potential as a sustained dual-drug delivery system for simultaneous administration of ketoprofen and lidocaine. This innovative drug delivery approach supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 by contributing toward improved therapeutic outcomes, enhanced patient convenience, and optimized management of pain-related disorders. Additionally, the development of an advanced pharmaceutical delivery platform aligns with SDG 9 by promoting innovation in healthcare technologies.