The effects of terpenes on the permeation of lidocaine and ofloxacin from moisture-activated patches.

The effects of terpenes on the release and permeation of ofloxacin and lidocaine from moisture-activated composite patches were investigated. Ofloxacin without enhancers showed very low permeation rate (0.58 microg/cm(2)/hr), and the addition of cineole enhanced the permeation flux 14.1-times; /-menthol and d-limonene increased it 4.7- and 3.5-times, respectively. The highest permeation flux (77.7 +/- 25.3 microg/cm(2)/hr) of lidocaine from the composite patches was also achieved when cineole at the concentration of 0.33% in the gel base was added. /-Menthol also revealed enhancing effect on the permeation of lidocaine; however, d-limonene failed to increase the permeation rate of lidocaine. In conclusion, for effective moisture- activated patches containing lidocaine and ofloxacin, cineole could be used as an effective and safe enhancer.