Assessment of Nano Lipid Carrier Loaded Transdermal Patch of Rizatriptan Benzoate

Background: Migraine is a neurological disorder and is accompanied by different painful episodes. Hence, the maintenance of a steady-state concentration of drugs can be beneficial for patients suffering from migraine. The present investigation focuses on the development of nano lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with transdermal patches of rizatriptan benzoate to sustain the effect of the drug for the enhancement of therapeutic effects. Methods: Stearic acid and peanut oil were used to make the NLCs. A central composite design was employed to observe the effect of formulation factors like solid lipid ratio, phase volume ratio, and concentration of surfactants on the formation of nanoparticles. The effects were evaluated for the responses like particle size and entrapment of the drug in the nanocarriers. The optimized formulation was subjected to compatibility, thermal, surface characteristics, and surface morphology studies. The optimized formulation was dispersed in HPMC 15CPS and PVP K30 polymer matrix, and the transdermal patch was evaluated for its mechanical properties, drug release study, and skin irritation study. Results: The experimental design was suitable to produce nanosized stable lipid carriers of the drug with high drug entrapment. The drug and excipients were found to be compatible. The thermal and surface characteristics study proved the high loading of drugs in the nanoparticles. The surface morphology study showed the formation of irregular-shaped NLCs. The transdermal patch had good mechanical properties. The ex vivo study of the formulated patch showed a sustained release of the drug over 24h. No skin irritation was reported from the transdermal patch. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that the nanoparticles loaded transdermal patch of rizatriptan benzoate can be promising in controlling the divergent phases of migraine.