Formulation, Development and Evaluation of Atorvastatin Ethosomal Gel

Background: The present investigation was held to develop vesicular ethosomal gel system for anti-hypertensive drug atorvastatin. Atorvastatin is a HMG-CoA reeducates inhibitor and utilized for minimizing cholesterol level in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). In order to enhance the systemic bioavailability and to decrease the first pass metabolism atorvastatin drug was designed into ethosomal gel. Methods: Ethosomes composed of phospholipid soya lecithin, ethanol and cholesterol were formulated by cold method followed by ultra-sonication. The atorvastatin ethosomes were then distinguished for their particle size, zeta potential followed by in vitro drug release profile. The optimized ethosomal formulation was then incorporated into gelling agent, carbopol 934 to prepare ethosomal gel formulation. Results: The ethosomal gel formulation was then subjected to physico-chemical characterization, spreadibility and in vitro drug release profile. The ethosomal gel formulation showed 15.69g. cm2 spreadibility and 98.47% in vitro drug release within 48 hr as compared to plan drug ethosomal formulation which shows 65.37% in 48 hr. Conclusion: It was concluded that ethosomal gel delivery system provide a good design for topical delivery of drug with enhanced bioavailability and patient compliance.