Abstract: Methods, formulations, and drug delivery systems are provided for enhancing the flux of a transdermally administered hydrophilic drug using a basic permeation enhancer composition. The enhancer composition contains an inorganic hydroxide and a weaker, nitrogenous base, wherein the bases are selected such that a 0.1M aqueous solution of the nitrogenous base has a pH that is about 1.0 to about 6.5 lower than the pH of a 0.1M aqueous solution of the inorganic hydroxide. Additionally, the molar ratio of the nitrogenous base to the inorganic hydroxide in the enhancer composition is in the range of about 0.5n:1 to about 20n:1, `where n is the number of hydroxide ions per molecule of the inorganic hydroxide.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing the permeability of skin or mucosal tissue to topical or transdermal application of pharmacologically or cosmeceutically active agents. The methods entail the use of a base in order to increase the flux of the active agent through a body surface while minimizing the likelihood of skin damage, irritation or sensitization. The permeation enhancer can be an inorganic or organic base. Compositions and transdermal systems are also described.