KETOPROFEN PENETRATION INTO SUCTION SKIN BLISTER FLUID - A COMPARISONOF 2 TOPICAL FORMULATIONS OF KETOPROFEN LYSINE

The transepidermal absorption of two topical formulations of ketoprofe n lysine (foam and gel) was studied in 16 healthy male individuals in a comparative crossover randomized trial. The suction skin blister tec hnique was used as a model to assess drug penetration into a liquid co mparable to the interstitial fluid. Ketoprofen was rapidly absorbed ac ross the skin blister wall, and peak concentrations in blister fluid w ere attained within 15 minutes in the majority of patients. A signific antly higher peak concentration (P < .05) was detected after applicati on of the foam formulation (1 38.5 +/- 109.0 mug/mL, mean +/- SEM) as compared to gel (80.3 +/- 6.1 0 mug/mL). Ketoprofen was undetectable ( < 10 ng/mL) in plasma, confirming that systemic absorption is negligib le after topical administration. These data indicate that the topical foam formulation of ketoprofen lysine shows improved characteristics o f transepidermal absorption, as compared to the gel.