ABSTRACT
A number of mathematical models have been used to describe percutaneous absorption kinetics. In general, most of these models have used either diffusion or compartmental-based equations. The object of any mathematical model is to (a) be able to represent the processes associated with absorption accurately, (b) be able to describe/summarize experimental data with parametric equations or moments, and (c) predict kinetics under varying conditions. However, in describing the processes involved, some developed models often suffer from being too complex to be practically useful. In this chapter, we have attempted to approach the issue of mathematical modeling in percutaneous absorption from four perspectives. These are to (a) describe simple practical models, (b) provide an overview of the more complex models, (c) summarize some of the more important/useful models used to date, and (d) examine some practical applications of the models. This chapter revises an earlier one (1) incorporating some of the more recent findings.
