The purpose of the work was to formulate and evaluate the matrix transdermal patches of Zidovudine for the controlled delivery of the drug in the body. The patches were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique using oleic acid as a permeation enhancer and PEG 400 as plasticizer. These patches were prepared in different drug and polymer (Zidovudine, HPMC, EC, Eudragit RL 100, sodium alginate and PVP) ratios with permeation enhancers and plasticizer. The drug-polymer interaction was investigated by FT-IR and the results indicated no incompatibility. Zidovudine patches were evaluated for various parameters like thickness, folding endurance, percentage moisture loss, percentage moisture absorption, drug content uniformity, in vitro diffusion studies using Franz diffusion cell in Phosphate Buffer pH 7.4 for 10 hrs. The results of the preliminary trials indicate the drugpolymer ratio affected the characteristics of the patches. The formulation 3 ratio 10: (9:1) of Zidovudine: Ethylcellulose patch with permeation enhancer oleic acid showed best result among all formulations.
