Benefits: Direct absorption through the skin.
A transdermal gel is a local gel that can be applied to and absorbed directly through the skin.
Transdermal drug delivery systems are gaining popularity, as several drugs have been successfully delivered by this route. Transdermal delivery can provide both local and systemic effects. However, transcutaneous drug transport is greatly limited by the permeation characteristics of the stratum corneum.
Pluronic Lecithin Organogel (PLO) is a micro-emulsion-based gel that has been effectively used by physicians and pharmacists to deliver hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs transdermally across the stratum corneum.
Lecithin organogels are readily obtained by adding a minimal amount of water to a solution of lecithin in organic solvents. The gel is formed when an ester such as isopropyl palmitate is added. Lecithin gels are isotropic and thermoreversible. At temperatures >40 degrees C, this type of gel becomes a low-viscosity liquid, whereas high-viscosity gels are formed by cooling.
