Design and evaluation of matrix type and membrane controlled transdermal delivery systems of nicotine suitable for use in smoking cessation

The availability of nicotine-replacement therapies is very low in India, as there are only a few importers. Currently, negligible forms of transdermal patches are available, they are expensive, and not easily accessible to the common man. In this study, an attempt was made to develop transdermal patches of nicotine, which are cost effective and conducive to the Indian market. Two types of patches, monolayered and bilayered, were prepared. The monolayered patch bore a rate- controlling membrane, whereas the bilayered, served as matrix type. The physical charecteristics of the patches were evaluated by standard techniques. The drug content was found to be uniform in the patches. In vitro release studies of transdermal patches showed a biphasic release pattern, with diffusion as the dominating mechanism of drug release for the matrix type, while the membrane-controlled released nicotine, gradually over the 24 h study.