Systemic absorption of ketocaine following epicutaneous administration
Berlin-Wahlén, A.; Evers, H.; Haegerstam, G.; Vinnars, E.
Acta Pharmaceutica Suecica 18(3): 113-118
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6675 PMID: 7324977 Document Number: 178918
Blood concentrations of ketocaine were studied in 6 volunteers after epicutaneous administration of 3 or 6 compresses, each containing 840 mg of ketocaine in a solution of 2-propanol, glycerol, water and acetic acid. These compresses were applied for 3 or 9 h on the thigh under occlusion in a cross-over study. It was estimated that 0.5 and 1.7% of the total dose was absorbed after 3 h and 9 h application, respectively. The highest individual blood concentration was 1.27 .mu.g/ml, which was observed at the time of removal following the 9 h application. Application on the back gives a more rapid systemic absorption of ketocaine, as shown in a separate study in 5 volunteers. In both studies, local side effects were observed following repeated application, but no systemic side effects were observed.