Korean J Dermatol.  2003 Sep;41(9):1169-1176.

In Vivo Study for Percutaneous Absorption of Topical Corticosteroids using The Peel-Off Type Pack as a Vehicle

• Cho JH
• Jue SJ
• Ro YS

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Packs are viscous preparations that produce a film over the skin surface, thus preventing the evaporation of water and increasing the skin temperature. Because of this occlusive effect, packs can be used as the vehicle to which active pharmacologic agents produce a therapeutic effect. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of pack formulation as a vehicle by comparing percutaneous absorption with ointment formulation. METHODS: After 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 hours of topical applications of 0.05% clobetasol 17-propionate ointment and pack on each forearm of 9 young, healthy male subjects, the amounts of the drug in tape-stripped stratum corneum were assessed using high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). RESULTS: There was no significant difference with regard to the amount of the drug in tape-stripped stratum corneum between ointment and pack formulations of 0.05% clobetasol 17-propionate. CONCLUSION: Pack formulations delivered similar amount of drugs to the skin compared to ointment formulations, suggesting peel-off type pack can be used as a new vehicle of topical corticosteroids.

Keyword

Peel-off type pack; Vehicle; Percutaneous absorption

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones*
Clobetasol
Forearm
Humans
Male
Skin
Skin Absorption*
Skin Temperature
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Clobetasol