Cyclodextrins in transdermal and rectal delivery.

Transdermal and rectal routes of drugs are very important as a useful supplement of oral routes and the direct exposing method of drugs when the systemic and local effects are required. The widespread use of parent cyclodextrins (CDs) and chemically modified CD derivatives (CD derivatives) for in-vitro and in-vivo dermal and rectal drug delivery have been evaluated. In addition, the application of hydrophilic CD derivatives to cosmetics have been progressing. In this article, the current status of parent CDs and CD derivatives in the transdermal and rectal delivery of conventional low molecular weight agents are reviewed.