Researchers from the Alexandria University in Egypt proposed a transdermal delivery system for sildenafil citrate (Viagra). This new method uses transdermal nanocarriers as delivery agent on the skin which would have certain benefits compared to the oral delivery route. The nanocarriers should get the drug into the bloodstream quicker, resulting in the desired effect coming on faster. Also, it could make the effect longer-lasting than oral Viagra and it would avoid several side-effects.
Earlier attempts to create transdermal applications struggled with the drug’s properties. Viagra has low oil and water solubility and is hard to get across membranes or absorbed through the skin. The solution of Yosra Elnaggar and his research team was to pack Viagra inside a nano-emulsion. In their research they examined two types of nanocarriers: a nano-emulsion and a self-emulsifying formulation. Both were found to have benefits for oral drug delivery, but the nanoemulsion was found to be promising for the development of a Viagra patch.
Read more in the abstract in International Journal of Nanotechnology: Sildenafil citrate nanoemulsion vs. self-nanoemulsifying delivery systems: rational development and transdermal permeation
(hat tip: in-Pharma Technologist)