PERCUTANEOUS-ABSORPTION OF DICLOFENAC IN HEALTHY-VOLUNTEERS AFTER SINGLE AND REPEATED TOPICAL APPLICATION OF DICLOFENAC EMULGEL

The percutaneous absorption of diclofenac was studied in ten healthy v olunteers treated with Emulgel containing 1.16% diclofenac diethylammo nium for 8 d as follows: a single application of 5 g Emulgel on days 1 and 8, and two applications d(-1) on days 2-7. Plasma concentration p rofiles of unchanged diclofenac and urinary concentrations of total di clofenac and metabolites (sum of free and conjugated) were determined. High inter-individual variations in plasma and urine data were record ed, due probably to the permeability and the hydration of the skin. St eady state was reached after 2 d of twice-daily administration. Plasma concentrations were low but remained in the range 10-50 nmol L(-1) ov er the full day for most of the subjects, indicating prolonged absorpt ion from the application site.