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British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology logoLink to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
. 1990 May;29(5):533–539. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1990.tb03676.x

Transdermal delivery of theophylline to premature infants using a hydrogel disc system.

R G Cartwright 1, P H Cartlidge 1, N Rutter 1, C D Melia 1, S S Davis 1
PMCID: PMC1380152  PMID: 2350529

Abstract

1. Preterm infants show incompletely developed skin with reduced barrier function. The possibility of transdermal delivery of theophylline from hydrogel discs swollen with choline theophyllinate has been investigated. 2. Drug loaded hydrogel discs 2 cm2 in area were applied to the abdomen and occluded. Serum theophylline concentrations were measured in twenty-one infants of less than 31 weeks gestation. 3. Therapeutic concentrations were achieved in 18 individuals, and maintained for up to 15 days after repeated application of discs. A correlation between maximum serum drug concentration and transepidermal water loss, gestation and birthweight was demonstrated.

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Selected References

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