Formulation and evaluation of rosuvastatin-calcium drug transdermal patch

Rosuvastatin calcium is an antilipemic agent that competitively inhibits hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Like remaining statins Rosuvastatin-calcium is also a poorly soluble drug and not exceeding 20% of bioavailability due to first pass metabolism. To overcome these drawbacks the present study aimed to formulate transdermal patch of Rosuvastatin calcium. Totally seven patches were developed by incorporating HPMC and PVP using solvent casting method. The formulations were evaluated for hardness, compatibility studies, solubility, weight variation, thickness, physical appearance, tensile strength, % drug content, % moisture content, % moisture uptake and in vitro drug release. The evaluated parameters were within the limit only. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the drug, polymers and other excipients were compatible with each other. When compared to other formulations T1 formulation exhibited better in vitro drug release profile across the cellulose membrane. The skin irritation studies using rabbits revealed no signs of irritation or oedema, which confirms that the drug loaded and plain patches were compatible with skin. The trandermal patch loaded with Rosuvastatin-calcium used conveniently as an antilipemic agent.