Low Protein Natural Rubber Latex - Based Polymer Blends for Transdermal Patches of Mefenamic Acid

Abstract

Transdermal patches are attraction and acceptance for the patient due to avoid first-pass metabolism, easy to administer and removal, allows rapid termination of treatment if required etc. Low protein natural rubber latex (LPNRL) is a natural polymer that removed the allergic protein from fresh NRL prepared by treatment with proteolytic enzyme and centrifuging process. LPNRL is used for medical skin applications with the non-allergenic product. The objective of this research aimed to prepare the mefenamic acid – loaded transdermal patches made from LPNRL blended with either hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), glycerin and polyvinylpyrrolidone were used as plasticizer and crystallization inhibitor, respectively. The moisture uptake and swelling ratio showed the increment value after either HPMC or PVA was blended in LPNRL because of the increment of their hydrophilicity. These patches showed the homogeneous films that observed by the researcher. The in vitro release showed a faster release rate after either HPMC or PVA was blended in LPNRL. It was concluded that mefenamic acid – loaded transdermal patches could be prepared by using LPNRL blended with either HPMC or PVA as matrix film former could provide an increased and controlled release of the drug. Moreover, it was safe to apply on the skin as did not cause irritation.