1Department of Chemistry & Chemical Technology, College of Science & Technology, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
2Department of Medical Imaging, Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine
3Jerusalem Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. (Jepharm), Al Bireh-Ramallah, Palestine
4Department of Nuclear Medicine, Al-Ahli Hospital, Hebron, Palestine
Correspondence to: Muntaser S. Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Allied Medical Health, Palestine Ahliya University, Bethlehem, Palestine
Email: wmuntaser@gmail.com
Pregabalin, a medication with anticonvulsant properties, is used to manage epilepsy as well as alleviate neuropathic pain linked to diabetic peripheral neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia is commonly treated with pregabalin. Pfizer markets pregabalin under the brand name Lyrica® in various formulations including capsules, oral solution, and extended-release tablets. Although it is beneficial, it can have adverse consequences, particularly on kidney function. This study aims to address challenges associated with oral delivery by formulating a pregabalin microemulsion for topical application. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of the surfactant/cosurfactant ratio on the phase behavior of the microemulsion. The experimental focus was on constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams using aqueous titration. The formation of microemulsions was achieved by combining 0.1 M pregabalin at the aquatics phase, oleic acid, IPM, and R (+)-Limonene oil at the oily phase, which also acted as penetration enhancers, along with PG in different proportions. The formulation had different concentrations of Tween 80 and ethanol, which were used as surfactants and cosurfactants. The results indicated that microemulsion formulations had the potential to serve as a substitute for oral pregabalin. Increased surfactant concentrations resulted in a larger microemulsion area compared to the levels of cosurfactant. An isotropic zone was produced more effectively using a 2:1 ratio of surfactant to cosurfactant, as compared to a 1:1 ratio. Nevertheless, when the quantity of surfactant decreased, the surfactant/cosurfactant blend exhibited reduced efficacy.
Keywords: Pregabalin, neuropathic pain, microemulsion, topical drug delivery, penetration enhancer.
How to cite this article: Thwaib H, Kayali I, Malkieh N, Ahmad MS. Formulation of Topical Microemulsion of Pregabalin for the Management of Neuropathic Pain. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(6s): 569-577; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6s.82
Source of support: None
Conflict of interest: None