Different Approaches for Improving Skin Accumulation of Clobetasol-17-propionate

INTRODUCTION Topical glucocorticoids (TG) are the most frequently prescribed drugs by dermatologists. Their clinical effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis is related to their vasoconstrictive, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative effects. Despite their benefit in the therapy of inflammatory diseases, TG are associated number of side effects that limit their use (1). Clobetasol-17-propionate (CP) is widely considered to be the most potent of the currently available corticosteroids. Therefore, incidences of unfavorable side-effects are greater than those of related compounds (2). Over the years, research has focused on strategies to optimize potency of steroids while minimizing adverse effects. Several attempts have been made to increase the safety of TGs treatment, including new application schedules, special vehicles and new synthesized agents (3). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vehicle, chemical enhancer and iontophoresis on the skin permeation and accumulation of CP for obtaining enhanced topical delivery. The synergic effect between chemical enhancer and iontophoresis was also investigated. Commercial cream formulation of CP containing the same amount of drug were used for comparison.