Abstract: Compositions, devices, and methods for transdermal administration of an active agent are disclosed using a novel dual permeation enhancer mixture comprising lauryl acetate and a monoglyceride, preferably glycerol monolaurate. The dual permeation enhancer mixture comprising lauryl acetate is a potent permeation enhancer and provides stable systems which are more readily characterized.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, and methods for transdermal administration of an active agent are disclosed using a novel dual permeation enhancer mixture comprising lauryl acetate and a monoglyceride, preferably glycerol monolaurate. The dual permeation enhancer mixture comprising lauryl acetate is a potent permeation enhancer and provides stable systems which are more readily characterized.

Abstract: A device for the transdermal administration of oxybutynin comprising a microporous tie layer located between the oxybutynin reservoir and the contact adhesive. The tie layer eliminates blooming and delamination and has no appreciable adverse effect on either the oxybutynin flux or release rate from the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the transdermal administration of melatonin together with a suitable permeation enhancer. The invention includes a transdermal drug delivery device (10) comprising a matrix (12) adapted to be placed in melatonin- and permeation enhancer-transmitting relation with the skin site (18). The matrix (12) contains sufficient amounts of a permeation enhancer and of melatonin, in combination, to continuously administer to the skin (18) for a predetermined period of time the melatonin to provide an effective therapeutic result. The invention is also directed to a method for the transdermal administration of a therapeutically effective amount of melatonin together with a skin permeation-enhancing amount of a suitable permeation enhancer. The invention further includes methods for time- and rate-patterned transdermal delivery of melatonin to simulate the natural circadian rhythmic profile of melatonin in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor system for use with a blood characteristic measurement device such as a pulse oximeter, on areas of the body having low normal cutaneous blood flow and for monitoring a blood characteristic such as oxygen saturation and pulse rate of patients, preferably over an extended period of time. The sensor system includes (a) a transdermal device containing a blood perfusion-enhancing agent that is administered in a controlled amount to the skin of a human patient and (b) a skin surface sensor.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the flux of transdermally deliverable drugs through intact skin is described in which the drug is delivered simultaneously with glycerol monooleate. Preferred embodiments of therapeutic systems for delivering drug and glycerol monooleate employ matrix containing drug at a concentration above saturation.

Abstract: Transdermal delivery systems for delivery of fentanyl and its analgetically effective derivatives for extended periods of time are disclosed which deliver the base form of the drug at a rate of from 0.5 to 10 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 /hr for a substantial portion of their useful life. The systems can be from 5-100 cm.sup.2 in releasing surface and preferably employ an in-line amine resistant adhesive. Preferred rate controlled systems utilize an aqueous ethanolic gel to minimize drug content.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the transdermal flux of a transdermally deliverable drug through intact skin is described in which the drug is delivered simultaneously with polyethylene glycol monolaurate. Preferred embodiments of transdermal therapeutic systems for delivering drug and polyethylene glycol monolaurate employ matrix containing drug at a concentration above saturation.