Patent ID: 6019997
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: A61K,Y10S

Abstract:
A hydroalcoholic composition useful for the enhancement of the transdermal delivery of a pharmaceutical agent through the skin and into the circulatory system of a patient, the composition comprising:(a) a lower alcohol, which is a C1-C4 alcohol, and water in a weight ratio of at least about 20:80;(b) a pharmaceutical agent; and(c) an emulsifier system comprising at least two emulsifiers, each emulsifier being present in an amount of at least about 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; wherein each emulsifier:(i) is of the formula (R).sub.a (L).sub.b wherein ""R"" represents a hydrophobic group, ""L"" represents a hydrophilic group, and ""a"" and ""b"" are independently 1-4; and(ii) is selected such that the composition, when free of auxiliary thickeners, has a viscosity of at least about 4,000 centipoise at 23.degree. C.