Abstract: Aqueous gel compositions incorporate topically active pharmaceutical agents in a non-irritating gel comprising from about 60 to about 90% ethyl alcohol and from about 0.5 to about 30% water together with at least one gelling agent. Optional additives include gel enhancers, gel neutralizers, ultraviolet absorbers, gel clarifying agents, anti-irritants and moisturizers. The gel compositions exhibit good bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity in addition to the pharmaceutical activity of the active topical ingredient. Methods of treating skin areas in mammals requiring topical medication comprise the application of the gel, with or without the incorporation of a topically active ingredient, to the affected skin areas 1 to 5 times daily.

Abstract: Gel bases for pharmaceutical compositions comprise from about 0.5 to about 10.0% by weight ethoxylated (2 to 30 moles of ethoxylation) behenyl alcohol and from about 90 to 99.5% of a glycol solvent or from about 2.5 to about 10.0% by weight ethoxylated fatty alcohols having a chain length of from 16 to 21 carbon atoms and from 90 to about 97.5% of a glycol solvent. Preferred glycol solvents include propylene glycol and polyethylent glycols having an average molecular weight of about 200 to 800. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for topical, transmucosal and oral administration may be prepared utilizing the novel gel bases. Methods of administration of topically, systemically and orally active pharmaceutical agents utilizing the novel gel bases are also provided.