Abstract
The surface of the skin supports a range of microorganisms capable of metabolizing some topically applied drugs. In order to ascertain the significance of this degradation we have established a mathematical model to predict the influence of this biotransformation on the plasma levels of the drug. The model is a linear kinetic representation of the process of skin absorption and the rate constants are predicted from a physicochemical consideration of the properties of the drug. The results of the simulations show that microbial degradation of the drug can be significant, particularly if the topical formulation is a thin film. If a transdermal device is used the theoretical calculations show that enzymatic degradation of the active substance is likely to be clinically less significant.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 89-97 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | International Journal of Pharmaceutics |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 1985 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We thank Vick International, Alza and NIH (GM-33395) for financial support. RHG is the recipient of a Special Emphasis Research Career Award (l-KOl-OH-00017) from the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
Keywords
- linear kinetic model
- microbial degradation of drugs
- skin absorption
- topical drugs
- transdermal drug device
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmaceutical Science