Application of asymmetric TPX membranes to transdermal delivery of nitroglycerin

In this study, asymmetric poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (TPX) membranes, fabricated by the dry/wet inversion method, were applied to transdermal delivery of nitroglycerin (NTG), a drug for treating angina pectoris. The flux of NTG through the TPX membrane was measured in vitro by a Franz cell. The results indicate that the NTG flux through asymmetric TPX membranes is strongly dependent on the membrane structure, which can be varied by adding nonsolvents in the casting solution. By adding different kinds of nonsolvents and adjusting the added amounts, membranes with different NTG release rates can be fabricated. It was also found that, with suitable drug formula, the NTG dissolution rate of a prototype TPX patch is comparable to that of a commercial patch, Transderm-Nitro. In addition, the data of NTG flux through a composite of TPX membrane and pig skin are also presented.