The release and transdermal penetration of baclofen formulated in a poloxamer lecithin organogel.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro release and ex vivo penetration of baclofen following incorporation into a 2% poloxamer lecithin organogel. Franz cells were utilized for both the release and penetration studies. Semi-permeable dialysis membranes were used as the model skin for the penetration study. Baclofen release and penetration at predetermined time points were assessed using high-performamce liquid chromatographic analysis. Results demonstrated that baclofen release from the poloxamer lecithin organogel was significantly higher than its penetration through porcine skin. The amount of baclofen released by the poloxamer lecithin organogel was linear up to 12 hours. Approximately 20% of applied drug was released over the duration of the study period. In comparison with drug released, the ex vivo penetration of baclofen through porcine skin was very low with only minute detectable quantities (significantly less than 1%) after the 12-hour study period. These results suggest that the request to include baclofen into a compounded poloxamer lecithin organogel should be approached cautiously by compounding pharmacists.