ENHANCEMENT EFFECTS IN THE PERCUTANEOUS-ABSORPTION OF ALPRAZOLAM THROUGH HUMAN SKIN IN-VITRO

The enhancement effects of some chemicals on the percutaneous absorpti on of alprazolam through human skin was investigated in vitro. Linolei c acid, oleic acid, Comperlan F(R) (linoleic acid diethanolamide), Com perlan KD(R) (coconut fatty acid diethanolamide) and Ethomeen C12(R) ( bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)cocamine) were evaluated for their enhancing effec t either as neat solvents or combined with propylene glycol. The effec ts of skin pretreatment with the enhancers on the percutaneous absorpt ion of alprazolam from a drug suspension in an aqueous gel were also i nvestigated: skin pretreatment with some enhancers has shown potential ly interesting aspects. The determination of alprazolam partitioning i nto untreated and pretreated horny layer supported the idea that, with oleic and linoleic acid, a contribution to the modification of the di ffusional resistance of the skin was given by an increase of the drug solubility in the stratum corneum.