Abstract: Polyethylene glycol ethers of alkyl alcohols having the general formula CH3(CH2)xCH2(OCH2CH2)nOH wherein x is 8 to 20 (of which ceteareth-20, steareth-20 and steareth-100 are preferred), poloxamer 185, poloxamer 407, N,N-dimethyl dodecylamine N-oxide, and mixtures thereof, are employed to increase follicular delivery and/or follicular residence time of certain water soluble ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors of which 2(difluoromethyl)-2,5-diamino pentanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, optical enantiomers and racemic mixture are preferred.

Abstract: Polyethylene glycol ethers of alkyl alcohols having the general formula CH3(CH2)xCH2(OCH2CH2)nOH wherein x is 8 to 20 (of which ceteareth-20, steareth-20 and steareth-100 are preferred), poloxamer 185, poloxamer 407, N,N-dimethyl dodecylamine N-oxide, and mixtures thereof, are employed to increase follicular delivery and/or follicular residence time of certain water soluble ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors of which 2(difluoromethyl)-2,5-diamino pentanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, optical enantiomers and racemic mixture are preferred.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and means for enhancing the epidermal, transdermal and dermal permeation of a topically applied pharmacologically active agent (e.g., a drug or medicament) which has a low rate of skin penetration in the absence of a permeation enhancer and which is unstable and degrades during long-term storage with particular permeation enhancers. Also provided by the invention are methods and means to increase the skin penetration of a pharmacologically active agent which has a normally low rate of skin permeation and causes the instability and degradation of a permeation enhancer with which it is combined over a long period of time. Provided by the invention are at least one first composition containing a drug, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, chemical derivative or formulation thereof, in a dermatologically acceptable vehicle, and at least one second composition containing a permeation enhancer in an acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving and reducing age-related skin disorders, particularly fine lines and/or wrinkles, including fine wrinkles, on human skin. The cosmetic compositions of the invention are formulated with less than effective amounts of anti-wrinkle active agents (e.g., drugs) or are devoid of such active agents, which include .alpha.-hydroxy acid and derivatives and salts thereof, tretinoin and derivatives and salts thereof, or vitamin C, and which are typically used for treating and reducing skin lines and/or wrinkles. As tested in clinical trials, the compositions of the invention reduced and improved fine lines and/or wrinkles as well as, or better than, preparations containing .alpha.-hydroxy acids, .alpha.

Abstract: The cutaneous atrophy associated with the use of steroids topically can be ameliorated using salts of certain .alpha.-hydroxyacids.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the rate of lactic acid permeation in skin for the treatment of dermatological disorders by applying a composition containing an inorganic or organic salt of lactic acid in a dermatologically acceptable composition wherein at least 70% of the lactic acid moiety in the salt is L-lactic acid, and compositions for practicing such methods.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the rate of lactic acid permeation in skin for the treatment of dermatological disorders by applying a composition containing an inorganic or organic salt of lactic acid in a dermatologically acceptable composition wherein at least 70% of the lactic acid moiety in the salt is L-lactic acid, and compositions for practicing such methods.

Abstract: New uses of certain substituted pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one anti-allergy drugs are made possible by the provision of clear, stable aqueous solutions of same. The aqueous solutions contain novel combinations of drugs and stabilizers.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing skin permeation and skin retention of .alpha.-hydroxy acids for the treatment of dermatological disorders by applying a composition containing an amphoteric salt of an .alpha.-hydroxy acid, such as lactic, glycolic, citric, tartaric or malic acid and an amino acid, dipepdide, polypeptide or proteins, in a dermatologically acceptable carrier which contains 0.5 to 8% glycerol monocaprylate, 0 to 80% petrolatum and 0 to 30% isopropyl myristrate, the pH of the composition being from 3 to 9, and compositions for practicing such methods.

Abstract: Topically administerable compositions are described which contain, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, a combination of a drug whose dermal penetration can be enhanced and a combination of substances, which combination enhances and controls the penetration of the compositions through the skin. The combination contains an antifungal amount of an imidazole and a certain amount of either propylene glycol, specified fatty acid ester(s) or a mixture of propylene glycol and specified fatty acid ester(s).

Abstract: Topical compositions are described which contain a vehicle which is free of lower alkanols, a pharmacologically active agent whose dermal penetration can be enhanced and a unique penetration control system. The control system contains an imidazole penetration enhancer and either propylene glycol alone or propylene glycol with an isopropyl ester of a fatty acid.