Effect of Permeation Enhancers on the Release and Permeation Kinetics of Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride Organogel Formulations

Oxytetracycline HCl is an antibacterial drug used in the treatment of acne vulgaris and dermatitis. Its oral bioavailability is intermediate i.e., 60% and it is rapidly excreted through renal route. This drug has many side effects such as epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersensitivity, and tooth discoloration when taken orally. To overcome the side effects and to increase the bioavailability of Oxytetracycline HCl, topical formulations were prepared. Organogels were prepared using sorbitan monostearate as gelling agent and isopropyl myristate as vehicle with different permeation enhancers. The prepared formulations were evaluated for drug content, viscosity, extrudability, homogeneity, skin irritation test, in vitro drug release, and antimicrobial activity. A formulation containing eucalyptus oil with isopropyl myristate, showed better in vitro permeation and higher antimicrobial activity as compared to other formulations with different penetration enhancers.