Enhancement of iontophoretic transport of diphenhydramine hydrochloride thermosensitive gel by optimization of pH, polymer concentration, electrode design, and pulse rate.

The purpose of the present study was to explore the passive and electrically assisted transdermal transport of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) by iontophoresis. For better bioavailability, better patient compliance, and enhanced delivery of DPH, an iontophoretic drug delivery system of a thermosensitive DPH gel was formulated using Lutrol F-127. The study was conducted using silver-silver chloride electrodes across hairless pig skin. The effects of pH, polymer concentration, electrode design, and pulse rate on the DPH permeation were investigated. The relationship between temperature, viscosity, and conductance of DPH was correlated using conductometry. Iontophoretic transport of DPH was found to increase with a decrease in the pH of the medium and an increase in the surface area of the electrode. Viscosity measurements and flux calculations indicated the suitability of the Lutrol gel for transdermal iontophoretic delivery of DPH. Anodal pulsed iontophoresis with disc electrode significantly increased the DPH skin permeation as compared with the passive controls.