Penetration enhancer

Penetration enhancer or permeation enhancer is a substance that aids the absorption of a drug into or across a biological membrane, such as the skin or the intestine. Penetration enhancers are used in pharmaceutical formulations to increase the amount of drug that reaches the systemic circulation.

Mechanism of action

Penetration enhancers work by altering the lipid structure of the skin or other biological membranes, increasing their permeability. They can also interact with the drug to increase its solubility or stability, or decrease its molecular size, making it easier for the drug to penetrate the membrane.

Types of penetration enhancers

There are several types of penetration enhancers, including:

• Fatty acids: These are the most commonly used penetration enhancers. They work by interacting with the lipid structure of the skin, increasing its permeability.

• Surfactants: These substances reduce the surface tension of the skin, allowing the drug to penetrate more easily.

• Terpenes: These are naturally occurring substances that can increase the permeability of the skin.

• Amino acids: These can increase the solubility of the drug, making it easier for it to penetrate the skin.

Safety and efficacy

The safety and efficacy of penetration enhancers are important considerations in pharmaceutical formulation. Some penetration enhancers can cause skin irritation or other adverse effects, and their use must be balanced against the benefits of increased drug absorption. The efficacy of a penetration enhancer can vary depending on the drug and the specific biological membrane.

See also

• Drug delivery
• Pharmaceutical formulation
• Transdermal patch