Transderm-Nitro® system

Fig. 6 Cross-sectional view of a unit of Transderm-Nitro system, showing various structural components, and plasma concentration profiles of nitroglycerin in 14 human volunteers, each receiving one unit of Transderm-Nitro system (20 cm, with a delivery rate of lOmg/day) for 24h. (From RefsJ l)...

Passive transdermal dehvery systems on the market tend to be either matrix or membrane controUed. In matrix devices, the stmctural and molecular characteristics of the dmg-polymer matrix determine dmg release. Examples of polymer matrix-controUed diffusional systems for angina prophylaxis include Nitro-Dur and Nitrodisc, which provide transdermal dehvery of nitroglycerin [55-63-0], and Erandol, a tape that releases isosorbide dinitrate [87-33-2]. Matrix diffusional systems have been used for dehvering dmgs with a wide therapeutic index. 

Nitroglycerin Delivery Systems. Transderm-Nitro, Nitro-dur, and Minitran are all transdermal therapeutic systems that dehver nitroglycerin [55-63-0] mol wt 227.09, at a continuous, controlled rate through intact skin for treatment of angina (95). 

The Minitran system, by 3M Health Care, is a monolithic transdermal system that deUvers nitroglycerin at a continuous rate of 0.03 mg/(cm h) (81). The dmg flux through the skin is higher than the previous two systems thus the Minitran system is a smaller size for equivalent dosing. For example, the 0.1 mg/h dose is achieved with a 3.3 cm system rather than the 5 cm systems of Transderm-Nitro or Nitro-dur. Because the skin is rate-controlling in a monolithic system and the Minitran flux is higher than the similar monolithic Nitro-dur system flux, it appears that 3M Health Care has included an additive to increase the skin flux to 0.03 mg/(cm h). Whereas this information is not apparent in Reference 81, patent information supports the hypothesis (96). 

Chinoy DA, Camp J, Elchahal S, Godoy C, Grossman W, Hai H, Hamilton W, Kushner M, McGreevy M, MulvihiU RJ. A multicenter comparison of adhesion, preference, tolerability, and safety characteristics of two trans-dermal nitroglycerin delivery systems Transderm-Nitro and Deponit. Clin Ther 1989 ll(5) 678-84. 

Transdermal therapeutic systems of various types that will deliver nitro-... 

JX Sun, AJ Piraino, JM Morgan, JC Joshi, A Cipriano, K Chan, E Redalieu. Comparative pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of nitroglycerine and its metabolites from Transderm-Nitro, Nitodisc, and Nitro-Dur II systems using a stable-isotope technique. J Clin Pharmacol 35 390—397, 1995. 

The nitrates are available in various forms (, sublingual, transmucosal, translingual spray, and inhalation). Some adverse reactions are a result of the mediod of administration. For example, sublingual nitro ycerin may cause a local burning or tingling in the oral cavity. However, die patient must be aware that an absence of this effect do not indicate a decrease in the drug s potency. Contact dermatitis may occur from use of die transdermal delivery system. 

Delivery systems designed on this principle can be administered by different routes intrauterine such as Progestasert, implants such as Norplant, transdermal such as Transderm-Nitro, and ocular such as Ocusert. 

Free radical polymerization in the presence of divinyl monomer Release control film for drugs, foam (lumber), film (agriculture, food wr ping), various polymer improvers Ocusert (intraocular treatment system), Progestasert (intrauterine contraceptive system), transderm-Nitro (endodermic treatment system)... 

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