Chronic use of antihistamines can induce abnormalities in lipid absorption with potential excessive accumulation of lipids in the mesentery that can lead to the development of obesity and a metabolic syndrome. The focus of the present work was to develop a transdermal gel formulation of desloratadine (DES) to prevent/reduce obesity and metabolic syndromes. Nine formulations were prepared to contain hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (2-3%), DES (2.5-5.0%), and Transcutol® (15-20%). The formulations were evaluated for cohesive and adhesive properties, viscosity, drug diffusion through synthetic and pig ear skin, and pharmacokinetics in New Zealand white rabbits. Drug permeation was faster through the skin compared to synthetic membranes. The drug had good permeation, as indicated by very short lag time (0.08-0.47 h) and high flux (59.3-230.7 μg/cm2.h). The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of transdermal gel formulations were 2.4 and 3.2 fold that of the Clarinex tablet formulation. In conclusion, as indicated by the higher bioavailability, transdermal gel formulation of DES may decrease the dose of the drug, compared to commercial formulation. It has the potential to reduce or eliminate metabolic syndromes associated with oral antihistamine therapy.
Keywords: desloratadine; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; metabolic syndrome; permeation; pharmacokinetic; transdermal gel.