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University of the Pacific

An investigation of in vitro percutaneous penetration enhancement of benzocaine by azone, dimethylsulfoxide, and 2-pyrrolidone

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This research utilizing full thickness human abdominal skin was designed to assess the in vitro percutaneous penetration of benzocaine by 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one (Azone) , dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and 2-pyrrolidone (2-P) under conditions of constant thermodynamic activity in the vehicle. The solubilities of benzocaine in Azone and 80/20, 60/40 and 40/60 V/V DMSO/water systems were found to be 254.17, 533.00, 68.60 and 2.51 mg/ml respectively. All three adjuvants demonstrated a significant but concentration- dependent enhancement of benzocaine penetration. On the basis of comparative analysis of the steady-state fluxes, Azone was most effective at the level of 5% V/V when drug concentration was twice the saturation solubility _jn the 20/80 PG/water gel. At higher Azone levels, any penetration enhancement effects were strongly negated by a corresponding decrease in skin/vehicle partitioning. Azone appeared to enhance penetration of benzocaine molecules by directly reducing the barrier function of the stratum corneum. DMSO-induced enhancement of benzocaine penetration was observed over 40/80% V/V DMSO. Pretreatment studies strongly suggested that enhancement by DMSO is due to a significant but temporary effect on the epidermal barrier. The moderate enhancement of benzocaine penetration shown by 80% 2-P in water could be due to a decrease in diffusional resistance of stratum corneum brought on by a slow interaction between the stratum corneum and 2-P.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science (M.S.)
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Graduate School
Year dc:date.available
1986

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Benkorah, Amal Y.
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Ravindra Vasavada

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/494
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:scholarlycommons.pacific.edu:uop_etds-1493

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of the Pacific
Base URL
scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Benkorah, Amal Y.. An investigation of in vitro percutaneous penetration enhancement of benzocaine by azone, dimethylsulfoxide, and 2-pyrrolidone. Thesis thesis, 1986. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/494