Enhanced transdermal delivery of diazepam by submicron emulsion (SME) creams

Diazepam, a lipophilic drug with CNS activity, serves here as a model to investigate the efficacy of SubMicron Emulsion (SME) as a novel transdermal vehicle. Diazepam was formulated in various topical regular creams and SubMicron Emulsion creams of different compositions. The different formulations were applied topically and protection against Pentamethylenetetrazole induced convulsive effects in mice was monitored. The efficacy of Diazepam applied topically in emulsion creams strongly depends on the oil droplet size and to a lesser degree--on the formulation composition and the oil type. Processing medium-chain-triglyceride (MCT) emulsion with a high-pressure homogenizer causes a drastic reduction in the droplet size, thereby significantly increasing the transdermal activity of Diazepam. In this case both the high-pressure homogenization and the presence of lecithin, an efficient dispersant, contribute to the effective droplet size reduction of below 1 micron, usually between 100-300 nm. The SubMicron Emulsions as vehicles for transdermal delivery of Diazepam generate significant systemic activity of the drug as compared with regular creams or ointments. Transdermal delivery of Diazepam via SME formulations is very effective, and the activity may reach the range of parenteral delivery. A single application of Diazepam in SME cream to mice skin provides pronounced transdermal drug delivery and prolonged protective activity up to 6 hours.