Release of cortisol from propylene glycol monostearate--ethoxylated stearyl alcohol films

• Main Author: Chou, Conway Ko-Huri
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarly Commons 1981
• Subjects: Hydrocortisone; Skin absorption; Medicine and Health Sciences; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Online Access: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2055; https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3054&context=uop_etds

In the present study, propylene glycol monostearate (PGM), ethoxylated stearyl alcohol (ESA) and combination thereof have been investigated for their film-forming potential. The wettability, strength, and integrity of the films were evaluated by measuring the contact angles and modulus of elasticity. The films of mixed composition had smaller contact angles than the films of either component. The modulus of elasticity of all films tested was in the range of 0.19 - 0.40 Kg/cm2. A series of experiments were conducted in vitro to study the effect of changes in film composition, drug concentration and rate of agitation on cortisol release. Films of varying compositions containing 10 to 20% w/w ESA with corresponding decrease in PGM concentration with 4% w/w cortisol were found to release from 15 to 90% of cortisol during a 12 hour period. Unidirectional drug release from all film matrices was found to follow first-order kinetic profile over the first five hours of drug release. The examination of Q versus t½ plots (granular matrix) revealed linearity for the first five hours of drug release but curvilinear effect beyond. First-order release rate constant was found to increase linearly with rate of agitation.