PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION STUDIES OF CHLORAMPHENICOL SOLUTIONS

An in vitro method for measuring the percutaneous absorption of chloramphenicol solutions is described. The apparatus consists essentially of thermostated upper and lower chambers fabricated from methyl methacrylate, with the membrane sandwiched between the chambers. The upper chamber holds the solution containing the drug. The lower chamber allows for a continuous flow of solution which washes away the permeated drug. The two membranes investigated were a filter membrane saturated with peanut oil and a segment of skin obtained from hairless mice. The effect of varying concentrations of surfactants and of propylene glycol on the permeation of chloramphenicol through the barriers is shown. The activation energies for permeation and diffusion of the drug through the filter membrane and for permeation through the skin are evaluated. The partition coefficient is estimated. Copyright © 1969 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company