Abstract: A method for suppressing appetite comprising administering by mouth to a subject an amount of polycarbophil that is effective to suppress the appetite of the subject without inducing a laxative effect in said subject.

Abstract: Transdermal delivery systems for delivery of nitroglycerin are disclosed which deliver the drug at enhanced transdermal fluxes. The systems include, in addition to nitroglycerin, a permeation enhancer which is either a sorbitan ester, a C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 aliphatic alcohol, or a mixture thereof. Methods for administering nitroglycerin using such permeation enhancers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Skin permeation enhancer compositions are provided which increase the permeability of skin to transdermally administered pharmacologically active agents. The compositions contain a sorbitan ester in addition to the selected pharmacologically active agent, and may also contain a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 aliphatic alcohol. Methods and transdermal drug delivery systems for using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Skin permeation enhancer compositions are provided which increase the permeability of skin to transdermally administered pharmacologically active agents. The compositions contain a sorbitan ester in addition to the selected pharmacologically active agent, and may also contain a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 aliphatic alcohol. Methods and transdermal drug delivery systems for using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Transdermal delivery systems for delivery of nitroglycerin are disclosed which deliver the drug at enhanced transdermal fluxes. The systems include, in addition to nitroglycerin, a permeation enhancer which is either a sorbitan ester, a C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 aliphatic alcohol, or a mixture thereof. Methods for administering nitroglycerin using such permeation enhancers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Transdermal administration of hydrophobic drugs via a diffusion mechanism in which the drug is dissolved in a carrier at concentrations that are 20% to 80% of the saturation concentration. The flux of drug from the device is non-Fickian and is substantially greater than the flux observed when the drug is at saturation.

Abstract: Testosterone is administered transdermally through nonscrotal skin in a manner that mimics in amount and profile the natural production of testosterone in young adult healthy males. The testosterone is administered to the skin from a matrix which contains testosterone at subsaturation concentration and a permeation enhancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring. Blood glucose is monitored noninvasively by correlation with amount of glucose which permeates an epithelial membrane, such as skin or a mucosal membrane, into a glucose receiving medium over a specified time period. The glucose receiving medium preferably includes a glucose permeation enhancer capable of increasing the glucose permeability across the epithelial membrane. The glucose receiving medium is positioned against the epithelial membrane so that the permeation enhancer alters the permeability of the membrane. After sufficient time delay, the glucose receiving medium is removed and analyzed for the presence of glucose using conventional analytical techniques.The apparatus within the scope of the present invention includes means for supporting the glucose receiving medium.

Abstract: Skin permeation enhancer compositions are provided which increase the permeability of skin to transdermally administered pharmacologically active agents. The compositions contain a sorbitan ester in addition to the selected pharmacologically active agent, and may also contain a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 aliphatic alcohol. Methods and transdermal drug delivery systems for using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable hydrogel matrix is provided, useful for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents. The matrix is formed by cross-linking a proteinaceous component and a polysaccharide or mucopolysaccharide, and then loading a selected drug therein. By varying temperature, ionic strength, and the composition of the hydrogel matrix, one can control degradation kinetics, the degree of uptake of a particular pharmacologically active agent, and the overall times release profile.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery device comprising a drug formulation-containing reservoir defined by a backing layer and a drug-permeable membrane layer, a peelable inner liner that underlies the reservoir and a portion of the backing/membrane outwardly of the reservoir periphery, an adhesive layer that underlies the inner liner and outwardly extending portions of the membrane/backing layers, and a peelable release liner layer that underlies the adhesive layer with a first permanent heat seal between the backing and the membrane about the perimeter of the reservoir and another concentric peelable (impermanent) heat seal between the membrane and the inner liner positioned underlying and at a radius not less than the first permanent heat seal, the heat seals and peelable barrier layer providing barriers that isolate the drug formulation from the adhesive.

Abstract: A biodegradable hydrogen matrix is provided, useful for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents. The matrix is formed by cross-linking a proteinaceous component and a polysaccharide or mucopolysaccharide, and then loading a selected drug therein. By varying temperature, ionic strength, and the composition of the hydrogel matrix, one can control degradation kinetics, the degree of uptake of a particular pharmacologically active agent, and the overall timed release profile.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions for topical application made up of active pharmaceutical permeants capable of existing in both free base and acid addition salt form. The permeants are present as a combination of both free base and acid addition salt forms. These combined forms provide skin penetration rates which are greater than the penetration rate of either the free base or acid addition salt forms utilized separately. The combined free base-acid addition salt permeants are formulated in a carrier vehicle which preferably also possesses skin penetration enhancement activity.

Abstract: Penetration-enhancing pharmaceutical compositions for topical transepidermal and percutaneous application are disclosed which are non-irritating to the skin. These compositions are made up of a safe and effective amount of an active pharmaceutical permeant, including hydrophilic salt forms, contained in a novel penetration-enhancing vehicle comprising, (i) 1-95% w. of a cell-envelope disordering compound selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, oleyl alcohol, glycerol monoleate, glycerol dioleate, glycerol trioleate and mixtures thereof, (ii) 5-75% w., and preferably 5-49% w., of a lower alkanol selected from the group consisting of ethanol, propanol and isopropanol and mixtures thereof and (iii) 0-45% w., and preferably 1-45% w., of an inert diluent which, according to properties of the permeant used, may range from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Water, polyethylene or polypropylene glycols and mineral oil are exemplary diluents.

Abstract: A composition and method for reducing the skin irritation properties of a transdermal drug/enhancer composition which comprises incorporating into said composition, either prior to or at the time of application the skin, an effective amount of glycerin. When incorporated into the drug/enhancer composition prior to application to the skin the glycerin content will be between about 0.1 and 70 wt. %, preferably between about 1.0 and 50 wt. % and most preferably between about 5.0 and 20 wt. % of the composition.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery device comprising a drug formulation-containing reservoir defined by a backing layer and a drug-permeable membrane layer, a ring-shaped layer made of an adhesive that is incompatible with one or more components of the drug formulation that is peripheral to the reservoir outwardly of the membrane layer and a peelable liner layer that underlies at least the membrane layer with a first heat seal between the backing and the membrane about the perimeter of the reservoir and another concentric heat seal between the backing and the release liner positioned outwardly of the first heat seal, the heat seals providing barriers that isolate the drug formulation from the adhesive.