Preparation and Skin Permeation Study of N, N- Diethyl- meta-Toluamide Semi Solid Formulations

Abstract

N,N-Diethyl meta Toluamide (DEET) is an insect repellent agent that contrary to its benefits,<br />if is used in formulations with high skin permeation, will produce side effects of different<br />severity. This study attempted to achieve a semi-solid DEET containing formulation with<br />good appearance, sufficient spreadity, suitable viscosity for tube and jar filling, compatible pH<br />with skin, reasonable stability, longer release time, and the less skin permeation. To obtain<br />such a formulation, three types of DEET containing semi solids including gels (hydrophile),<br />creams (emulsion) and ointments (lipophile), and their characteristics were compared with each<br />other and with Off! Brand. Results showed that one of the prepared creams with the proper<br />viscosity, stability, appearance and spreadity, had the least drug release in six hours and less<br />skin permeation of DEET as compared with Off!. Hence the preparation was introduced as the<br />optimal formulation.