Matthew I. Arhewoh

Purpose: The study was carried out to evaluate public knowledge and dosage form preferences among adult participants, assess patient’s choices of dosage forms in drug therapy and demonstrate the association of the respondent demographic variables and dosage form preference. Methods: This study focused on the general population. A pre-tested standardized questionnaire was converted to Google form and distributed to various social media platforms including Instagram, X, WhatsApp and Facebook in March, 2024. Participants were encouraged to provide answers to the questions until over 500 responses were recorded. Responses were evaluated for demographics, knowledge and choices associated with their use of drug dosage forms. Results: The analysis of the association between demographic variables and patients' dosage form preferences showed that participants exhibited varying preferences with statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) for specific dosage forms. Educational status, religion, and occupation demonstrated no significant association (p > 0.05) with dosage form preferences, suggesting that patients' educational backgrounds, religion, and occupation may not be decisive factors in determining their preferences. Participants’ income however demonstrated a statistically significant association (p = 0.020) with dosage form preferences, suggesting that individuals with different income levels may have distinct preferences for specific dosage forms. Overall, these findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing dosage form preferences and emphasize the importance of personalized approaches in medication formulations to cater to the diverse needs of patient populations.Conclusion: Considering diverse demographic factors and individual preferences in formulating medications influences patients choices and compliance

Background: Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) systems offer a non-invasive and efficient
means of administering therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. Purpose: To investigate how the incorporation of castor oil affects diclofenac potassium
transdermal films. Methods: Patches of diclofenac potassium were prepared using the solvent casting method. Patches labelled PQ0, PQ1, PQ2, PQ3, PO1, PO2, PO3 were prepared by dissolving a
combination of measured amount of HPMC and diclofenac potassium in distilled water. Next, calculated amount of Tween 80 and castor oil were added. This mixture was then agitated for
approximately five minutes to form a slur, then poured into a petri dish and allowed to air dry for
48 hours. Air-dried patches were cut into ten 1x1cm2 sections. Cut patches were evaluated for
their physicochemical properties, bioadhesion, drug content, folding endurance, in vitro and ex
vivo release profile. Results: Physicochemical tests demonstrated slightly varying weight and thickness, but were
still within the pharmaceutically acceptable range of 5 ± 10% according to the USP. Bioadhesion
test showed an increase with reduction in percentage of castor oil (5%). Highest bioadhesion
obtained from a batch with oil was 2.90g/sec (batch without oil gave bioadhesion of 3.60 g/sec). Evaluation for the drug content demonstrated no significant difference. Also, folding endurance
test demonstrated a good range between 200 - 400 folds. In vitro and ex vivo tests showed a
better release with batches where the drug was dispersed in the oily phase with ex vivo peaking
80% release. Conclusion: This study suggests that transdermal patches formulated by dispersing drug in the
lowest percentage of oil possible (in this case, 5%) promises good bioadhesion and better
diclofenac release across skin.