Dimethylformamide penetration enhancer

Southwell, D., and B.W. Barry. 1983. Penetration enhancers for human skin Mode of action of 2-pyrrolidone and dimethylformamide on partition and diffusion of model compounds water, -alcohols and caffeine. J Invest Dermatol 80 507. 

Southwell D, Barry BW. Penetration enhancement in human skin effect of 2-pyrrolidone, dimethylformamide and increased hydration on finite dose permeation of aspirin and caffeine. Int J Pharm 1984 22 291-298. 

Formulations containing an absorption promoting substance, such as propylene glycol or sodium lauryl sulphate, may increase the permeability of the stratum comeum to water-soluble drugs. Propylene glycol is a commonly used vehicle in topical corticosteroid preparations for veterinary use. Various aprotic solvents, which include dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulphoxide, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and 2-pyrrolidone, serve as penetration enhancers of polar drugs (Barry, 1983). Dimethylsulphoxide... 

Solvents have been added to nerve agents to facilitate handling, to stabilize the agents, or to increase the ease of percutaneous penetration by the agents. Percutaneous enhancement solvents include dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylpalmitamide, N,N-dimethyldecanamide, and saponin. Color and other properties of these solutions may vary from the pure agent. Odors will vary depending on the characteristics of the solvent(s) used and concentration of nerve agent in the solution. 

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