Effect of nonionic surfactants on percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid and sodium salicylate in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide.

Fifteen nonionic surfactants, 10% (w/w), were each incorporated into white petrolatum USP ointment base containing 10% (w/w) salicylic acid or 11.6% (w/w) sodium salicylate with 10% (w/w) dimethyl sulfoxide. Percutaneous absorption was determined from blood salicylate levels in New Zealand white rabbits at regular intervals for 8 hr following application of the ointment. Percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid was increased significantly when sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan trioleate, poloxamer 231, poloxamer 182, polyoxyethylene 4 lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene 2 oleyl ether, or polyoxyl 8 stearate was added to the ointment containing dimethyl sulfoxide, salicylic acid, and white petrolatum. Percutaneous absorption of sodium salicylate was increased significantly when sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, or poloxamer 182 was added to the ointment containing dimethyl sulfoxide, sodium salicylate, and white petrolatum.