COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION

Abstract

Abstract The percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid, sulphanilamide, copper acetyl-acetonate, and copper sulphate through the intact skin of rabbits and the efficiency of lard, emulsifying ointment B.P., and water in the form of a five per cent carboxymethyl cellulose gel, as carriers, is compared. Blood levels were accepted as a measure of absorption. The physico-chemical properties of the drugs seemed to dictate the amount absorbed; the influence of the base was also significant, although less so. Best absorbed was salicylic acid, next sulphanilamide, then copper acetyl-acetonate, and finally copper sulphate, although the differences were slight between the last two; lard was the best base, then emulsifying ointment, and finally water.