The transdermal matrixˆlms of metoprolol tartrate (MT) were prepared by casting on mercury substrate employing diŠerent ratios of polymers, ethyl cellulose (EC) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), using dibutyl phthalate (DBT) as a plasticizer. Four formulations were prepared. Formulations MF-1, MF-2, MF-3 and MF-4 were composed of EC and PVP in the following ratios: 4.5:0.5, 4:1, 3:2 and 2:3 respectively. The formulations were subjected to various physical characterization studies namely, thickness, weight variation, drug content, moisture uptake, in vitro drug release and in vitro skin permeation. The in vitro permeation studies were carried out across excised porcine ear skin using Franz diŠusion cell. Cumulative amounts of the drug released in 24 hours from the four formulations were 69.58%, 96.13%, 98.85% and 99.60%, respectively. Corresponding values for the cumulated amounts of drug permeated across the porcine skin for the above matrixˆlms were 124.38, 153.22, 156.46 and 163.25 mg/cm 2 respectively. Byˆt-ting the data into zero order,ˆrst order and Higuchi model, it was concluded that drug release from matrixˆlms followed Higuchi model (r 2 =0.9147 0.9823), and the mechanism of release was diŠusion mediated. Based on the physical evaluation, in vitro drug release & permeation characteristics, it was concluded that for potential therapeutic use, monolithic drug matrixˆlms MF-3, composed of EC: PVP (3:2), may be suitable for the development of a transdermal drug delivery system of MT.