Abstract: Compounds of Formula I are useful as skin penetration enhancing agents: (I) wherein: R represents a linear, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl radical; and X represents a —(CO)O—, —O(CO)—, C?O, CONH, O, NHCONH, S, or S?O radical. Compositions and methods using these compounds are also described.

Abstract: Topical alcoholic or aqueous alcoholic gels containing ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, such as, naproxen, in substantially neutral salt form, have enhanced penetration through skin and may provide rapid pain/inflammation relief by including in the formulation 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane or other hydrocarbyl derivative of 1,3-dioxolane or 1,3-dioxane or acetal, as skin penetration enhancing compound. The amount of propylene glycol may be varied to adjust the initial flux of the NSAID through the skin, especially for ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketorolac.

Abstract: Emulsions and creams containing ibuprofen effective for topical administration of the ibuprofen are provided without the presence of conventional O/W emulsifying agent. The emulsions and creams are formed by using the ibuprofen, in the form of its salt, as the O/W emulsifying agent. A minor amount of a W/O emulsifying agent may be included in the composition. Percutaneous delivery of ibuprofen is improved by using a skin penetration enhancing compound, such as 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane or decanaldimethyl acetal, as the oily phase of the emulsion.