Effect of Crystallinity on the Percutaneous Absorption of Corticosteroid. II. Chemical Activity and Biological Activity

Abstract

The effects of the crystallinity of hydrocortisone acetate and betamethasone dipropionate on their percutaneous absorption were examined. The potency of vasoconstriction of the amorphous corticosteroid was higher than that of the crystalline form and lower than that of the dissolved form. The amorphous state of hydrocortisone acetate in white petrolatum ointment was stabilized by coprecipitation of the drug with polyvinylpyrrolidone. The chemical activity was correlated with the biological activity.