The main objective of the present study is to improve the permeation of acyclovir sodium
(ACV) across stratum corneum (SC) from HPMC gel formulations. We have also investigated the role of
chemical permeation enhancers like dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, limonene and sodium taurodeoxycholate
on the transcutaneous permeation of ACV from HPMC gels. The optimized formulations were characterized
and subjected to in vitro permeation study using excised rat abdominal skin. The histological examination
of the skin was studied to understand the mechanisms involved in the permeation of ACV across
skin. The cumulative amount of ACV permeated and the increase in permeation parameters (Jss, Kp and
ER) were significantly higher for gel formulations compared to marketed formulation. A 2 to 4 fold increase
in enhancement ratio clearly indicates the potential of formulating ACV into a gel.Colegio de Farmac茅uticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire