Penetration of Sulfonamides Through Intact Skin by Iontophoresis and other Means of Local Application

Abstract

Summary

1. The penetration of sodium sulfathiazole (NaSAT) into the intact skin of rats, rabbits, and humans, up to 6 hours'application by iontophoresis and from wet dressings, is essentially equal, while that from an ointment base is less than either of these. Penetration is somewht better from wet dressings than by iontophoresis after longer times.

2. Saturated (1.8%) calcium sulfathiazole (CaSAT) penetrates the intact skin of rats to the same extent by iontophoresis as from 5% NaSAT ointment.

3. Iontophoresis of NaSAT through the intact skin of rabbits produces a greater concentration of SAT in subcutaneous muscle than wet dressing application, but the concentrations in deep muscle and blood are negligibly small.

4. Impaired circulation in rats by ligation of the limbs, has little effect on penetration of CaSAT and NaSAT into these limbs by iontophoresis and from ointment.

5. Penetration of CaSAT and NaSAT by iontophoresis and from wet dressings into rabbit skin is essentially the same. Penetration of NaSAT into the skin of dead rabbits by iontophoresis is greater than from wet dressings.