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THE INFLUENCE OF FORMULATION ON TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROID ACTIVITY
Author(s) -
SARKANY I.,
HADGRAFT J. W.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1969.tb16069.x
Subject(s) - corticosteroid , solubility , absorption (acoustics) , solvent , chemistry , in vivo , chromatography , pharmacology , medicine , surgery , materials science , organic chemistry , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , composite material
SUMMARY.— The factors influencing topical corticosteroid activity are primarily concerned with selection of the derivative with the most suitable physico‐chemical characteristics and to a less extent with the choice of the vehicle. Dissolving the corticosteroid in a suitable solvent appears to enhance skin absorption. Its solubility in the vehicle influences the amount of corticosteroid released and greatest release is obtained from preparations in which the corticosteroid is dissolved in its maximal solubility concentration. Other factors, such as the effect of the solvent on the skin barrier, the degree of hydration of the horny layer and the temperature also play a part. The effect of vehicles on corticosteroids has been investigated in vitro using artificial and natural membranes. These methods may be useful in screening new products, hut more reliable assessment can be made by in vivo studies. Animal experiments cannot be applied without reservations to human conditions. Experimental and clinical evaluation in humans presents its own problems, especially from the point of view of quantitative assessment, but it offers the most reliable information on the influence of formulation on topical corticosteroid activity.