Abstract: A medication and method for treating heartworms in dogs, which medication includes a time release capsule or tablet dosage structure which is characterized either by discrete elements (capsule) or an outer layer or layers (tablet) of vasoconstricting and bronchial dilating medications and an inner, time-released layer or pellets of diethylcarbamazine. The vasoconstrictors and bronchial dilators are designed to counteract life-threatening vasodilation and bronchial constriction resulting from the release of acetylcholine by the dog when the heartworms are attacked by the diethylcarbamazine. The solid dosage structure can be constructed by layering such vasoconstrictors and bronchial dilators as prednisone, ephedrine, digoxin and dextroamphetamine sulfate in separate layers or combining these ingredients in a single layer separated from the diethylcarbamazine by a time-release substance such as gelatin.

Abstract: Transdermal absorption morphinan narcotic analgesic or antagonist pharmaceutical polymer matrix dosage units have been developed which comprise a backing layer and an adjoining layer of a solid polymer matrix in which minimum effective doses of morphinan narcotic analgesic or antagonist pharmaceuticals are microdispersed and transdermally supplied. A presently preferred analgesic is hydromoprhone. The dosage units use a biologically acceptable adhesive polymer means to adhere the dosage units to the subject to be treated. The polymer matrix has dispersed one or more skin permeation enhancers. The invention also provides a process for transdermal absorption of said pharmaceuticals in at least minimum dosage amounts.