METHODS:  The patches were prepared using HPMC K100M, PVP and ethyl cellulose polymers in different ratios with incorporating 30% PEG-400 as plasticizer by solvent evaporation technique. The prepared patches were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics and in-vitrodrug release study. Penetration enhancing potential of oleic acid and eucalyptus oil was determined by incorporating in different concentration in optimized patch.

RESULTS:  On the basis of ex-vivo study the formulation F9 (HPMC: PVP; 1:1) with oleic acid & eucalyptus oil (1:1) as penetration enhancer showed maximum release of 91.45% over 24hrs. The formulation F9 followed Higuchi matrix and non-Fickian diffusion transport. Skin irritation studies on two rabbits were found to be free of irritation. Stability studies showed that optimized transdermal patch was stable at 40℃ & 75% RH with respect to the physical parameter and ex-vivodrug release study.

CONCLUSIONS:  It is reasonably concluded that felodipine can be formulated into transdermal patches to avoid first pass metabolism.