Preparation, Optimization, and Characterization of Mirtazapine-loaded NLCs based Hydrogel for the Treatment of Pruritus

Abstract

Pruritus is poorly localized, non-adapting with the unpleasant sensation that provokes a desire to scratch. The most common dermatological disorder is pruritus and itching are a painful sign of this disease. Due to itching patients scratch the skin which causes more irritation and thus leads to the formation of pruritus. To address the side effect issues linked with its systemic delivery, a NLCs loaded MRT was prepared by microemulsion method and incorporate into the gel for more consistency for its topical delivery in treatment pruritus patients. The formulation was optimized in terms of particle size zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and entrapment efficiency by keeping in view the amounts of drug tween 80 and Lipids ratio. Optimized nano formulation exhibited the particle size of 186.3 nm, with 0.217 PDI, zeta potential of -26 mV and entrapment efficiency 86.3%. MRT was computed through UV spectroscopy at wavelength of 230 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed the compatibility of nano formulation’s components. DSC study showed the successful encapsulation of drug inside lipid matrix of nano formulation Further, the gel based optimized mirtazapine-loaded NLCs dispersion was analyzed for rheology and textural characterization. l. Prepared liposomal gel had a transparent appearance, non-gritty texture, pH and spreadability of 322.33± 0.25%² respectively. Nano formulation loaded gel exhibited a drug release of 71.92% in 24 hours and followed Korsmeyer- Peppas model. Ex vivo skin permeation depicted only 6.20 µg/cm² drug permeation across the skin after 24 hours. Skin irritation study showed no signs of erythema and edema in nano formulation treated group. Stability study showed that the nano formulation is sTable for a period up to three months. Thus, MRT loaded NLCs gel was successfully prepared and can act as a promising vehicle for topical delivery in pruritus.