Formulation and evaluation of ketorolac transdermal systems.

The effects of pressure-sensitive adhesives and vehicles on the in vitro permeation of ketorolac and in vivo pharmacokinetics were studied. Duro-Tak 87-2196 showed the highest in vitro permeation profiles, and propylene glycol monolaurate-diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME) (60:40, v/v) and propylene glycol monocaprylate-DGME (60:40, v/v) revealed the most favorable in vitro and in vivo results. The decreased Cmax and prolonged Tmax and half-life were obtained with the ketorolac transdermal systems compared with oral administration, indicating that the ketorolac transdermal systems may have a prolonged effect with reduced toxic event. There was an excellent relationship found between in vitro permeation flux and in vivo AUC0-infinity.