Modified Transdermal Drug Delivery System of Aceclofenac Using Menthol as A Permeation Enhancer: A Comprehensive Review

Aceclofenac is a widely prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in the management of pain and inflammatory disorders. Despite its clinical efficacy, oral administration of aceclofenac is associated with gastrointestinal irritation, hepatic first-pass metabolism, and variable plasma drug levels. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer an alternative approach by delivering drugs across the skin, thereby providing sustained drug release, improved bioavailability, and enhanced patient compliance. However, the stratum corneum poses a major barrier to drug permeation, necessitating the use of permeation enhancers. Menthol, a natural terpene, has gained significant attention due to its ability to enhance transdermal drug permeation by disrupting stratum corneum lipids while also providing a cooling and mild analgesic effect. This review discusses the pharmacological profile of aceclofenac, principles of transdermal drug delivery, role of permeation enhancers with special emphasis on menthol, formulation strategies, evaluation parameters, and existing research on aceclofenac transdermal systems. The review further highlights the research gap and novelty associated with menthol-enhanced aceclofenac transdermal patches and outlines future prospects for modified transdermal drug delivery systems in pain management.