Preparation and characterization of topical Cetirizine hydrochloride hydrogel

Abstract

Cetirizine HCl is H1-receptor antagonist antihistaminic commonly used orally and no topical local preparation available. The aim of this study is to prepare semisolid, topical hydrogel, skin preparation of Cetirizine HCl as an antihistaminic drug for the treatment of dermatological allergic diseases. Different hydrogel formulations were prepared using different water-soluble gelling agents at different percentages. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Carbapol 934P, and Methylcellulose were used as a gelling agent at percentages of 2 and 4%. The prepared hydrogels were evaluated regarding visual examination, pH determination, spreadability, drug content determination, and in vitro release studies. The results revealed that all the prepared formulas show good physical properties with acceptable spreadability and pH values. On the other hand, the release profiles show the following descending order of release; HPMC >carbopol >MC2% >MC4%. It was concluded that cetirizine HCl hydrogel that consists of HPMC showed best homogeneity, consistency, stability, and spreadability, and this formula was chosen as the suggested formulations.