INTERPRETATION AND PREDICTION OF PLASMA-LEVELS OF PRIMAQUINE FOLLOWING TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY IN SWISS MICE

A therapeutic transdermal system based on ethyl cellulose polymer and matrix diffusion-controlled release of an antimalarial, primaquine (PQ ), was investigated with respect to the in vitro percutaneous penetrat ion and in vivo skin absorption profile of the drug. In order to corre late in vitro and in vivo data, pharmacokinetic modelling was performe d, Thus, the diffusion of the drug through the polymeric device and it s pharmacokinetics parameters were both considered, Franz-type diffusi on cells were used for in vitro determinations. In vivo experiments we re performed with Swiss mice. Drug plasma profiles following transderm al treatment showed constant primaquine plasma levels, indicating cont rolled and systemic delivery of the drug over a period of 40 h. (C) 19 97 Elsevier Science B.V.