ABSTRACT
When George Bush met Mikhail Gorbachev aboard a navy vessel in stormy Malta harbor during the last superpower summit, the American president wore a small transdermal patch (Transderm Scop) behind his ear to prevent seasickness. The patch contained scopolamine, a potent antihistamine that was delivered safely and effectively for many hours.
Heads of state, astronauts, and plain folk can now enjoy the fruits of the newest development in drug delivery: transdermal patches that are capable of administering antianginals, female hormones, antihypertensive agents, etc. Soon, potent analgesics will be delivered transdermally to lessen postoperative and intractable pain. Also under development are transdermal patches to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Controlled release “patches” in the near future may also be utilized to treat chronic dermal infections; deliver cosmetic ingredients to soften dry skin; and treat psoriasis, warts, and other localized skin conditions.
This chapter addresses the development of a novel family of polyurethane-based films useful in the development of both transdermal, as well as topical controlled-release systems. These polyurethane films are tailored to provide optimal release of a wide variety of drugs.
