An Electrochemical Transdermal Patch for Permeation Enhancement

A novel electrochemical patch is described that works by the hydrolysis of water in a hydrogel between two suitable electrodes that produces a strongly enhanced drug flux through the skin. This non-iontophoretic mechanism requires only a short voltage application (60 s) yet produces enhanced skin permeation over up to 5 h. In this chapter the design and formulation of the patch are reviewed. The results of an in vivo study on humans are also discussed in terms of a comparison with iontophoretic patches.