Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system which enhances the delivery of the drug comprises a composition containing, as an enhancer, one or more C.sub.6 to C.sub.22 fatty acid esters of a lactic acid salt. These compositions are made up of a safe and effective amount of an active pharmaceutical permeant contained in a penetration-enhancing vehicle comprising, 0.25 to 50% w. of the fatty acid ester of a lactic acid salt enhancer in a suitable pressure sensitive adhesive carrier vehicle formed from and aqueous emulsion based pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system which enhances the delivery of the drug comprises a composition containing, as an enhancer, one or more C.sub.6 to C.sub.22 fatty acid esters of glycolic acid and its salts. These compositions are made up of a safe and effective amount of an active pharmaceutical permeant contained in a penetration-enhancing vehicle comprising, 0.25 to 50% w. of the fatty acid glycolic acid ester enhancer in a suitable carrier vehicle. These fatty acid glycolic acid ester enhancers may be used in various carrier vehicles to enhance the transdermal delivery of active permeants in either free form or used in an occlusive device, particularly in a transdermal patch in matrix or reservoir form. When used in matrix patch form, the fatty acid glycolic acid ester enhancers and permeants are incorporated into a biocompatible adhesive.