Abstract: This invention provides monolithic matrix formulations for transdermal administration of ketorolac tromethamine. The device includes a copolymer of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, and methacrylic acid. This invention also provides transdermal devices having a monolithic matrix made using such a formulation in combination with an active ingredient and a vehicle or vehicle formulation.

Abstract: A method for sampling of a substance from a subject is provided, which comprises placing one or more sampling chambers on a collection site on a tissue surface on the subject; conducting electric current through the tissue to extract a substance from the subject in a first direction in one or more sampling chambers that functions alternatively as both an anode and cathode during the course of the method; reversing the polarity to cause direct current to flow in second direction opposite the first direction; and analyzing the sampling chamber or chambers for the concentration of a substance or a substance metabolite. There is also provided a device for sampling of a substance from an organism on continuously or intermittently using alternating polarity method based on the application of low intensity electric fields of alternating polarity across the skin (iontophoresis) to enhance the transport of a substance (such as glucose, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and the like) from body tissues to a sampling chamber.

Abstract: A matrix for containing drugs for transdermal delivery systems is disclosed. The matrix, formed of a skin-adhesive acrylate copolymer, attains high rates of drug delivery without the addition of drug delivery rate enhancers. In preferred embodiments the matrix is used to administer steroids, in particular estradiol. Water-soluble polymers may be added as well.

Abstract: A chemical signal-impermeable mask is positioned in the electrolyte flow such that the mask is between a source of chemical signal and a working electrode which senses the chemical signal transported from the source (e.g., by diffusion). The configuration of the mask is such that the mask prevents substantially all chemical signal transport from the chemical signal source having a radial vector component relative to a plane of the mask and the catalytic face of the working electrode, thus allowing primarily only chemical signal transport that is substantially perpendicular to the place of the mask and the catalytic surface of the working electrode. By reducing or eliminating chemical signal radial transport toward the working electrode, the mask thus significantly reduces or eliminates edge effects. By substantially reducing edge effects created by radial transport of chemical signal, it is possible to obtain a more accurate measurement of the amount (e.g.

Abstract: Water-soluble pressure-sensitive adhesives include a water-soluble polymer that is made tacky at room temperature by addition of a water-soluble plasticizer that is miscible with the polymer. Suitable polymers are solid at room temperature; and have a hydrophilicity as measured by water uptake greater than about 25%; they are liquid at room temperature and have a boiling point higher than about 80.degree. C. The adhesives according to the invention may conveniently be provided in dry film form. Preferred water-soluble pressure-sensitive adhesives of the invention adhere both to mucosal surfaces and to a variety of materials that may constitute a part of a device or prosthesis to be held in a body cavity that has a mucosal lining. Also, a laminated device for the controlled release of a substance within a mucosa-lined body cavity includes the substance dissolved or dispersed in either or both of a water-soluble pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and optionally one or more water-soluble polymer layers.

Abstract: A combination permeation enhancer for increasing the permeability of skin to sex steroids such as estrogens and progestogens comprising a polyhydric thioalcohol of 2 to 6 carbon atoms having at least one mercapto group and at least one hydroxy group and an aliphatic carboxylic acid of 8 to 24 carbon atoms or an ester thereof.

Abstract: Prazosin is formulated in solution with a akin permeation enhancer composition of: a sulfhydryl-containing compound, a fatty acid eater, and a polar solvent for transdermal administration to treat hypertension or benign prostatic hypertrophy. The formulation is employed in the form of a skin patch comprising (a) an impermeable backing layer, (b) a reservoir of the prazosin-enhancer solution, (c) a porous support member that retains the solution but is not a permeation barrier to the solution, a peripheral adhesive layer for affixing the patch to the skin, and a release liner layer.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the permeability of the skin or other biological membrane to a material such as a drug is disclosed. In the method, the drug is delivered in conjunction with ultra sound having a frequency of above about 10 MHz. The method may also be used in conjunction with chemical permeation enhancers and/or with iontophoresis.

Abstract: Matrix-type transdermal drug delivery devices for administering potent steroids such as ethinyl estradiol at a low flux steady-state rate over a multi-day period comprising a laminate of: (a) an occlusive backing layer and (b) a matrix layer of the drug completely dissolved at a loading of below 0.5% by weight in a 2-ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer.