2000 年 15 巻 6 号 p. 492-498
In most drug formulations except injections, the drug must be absorbed through skin or epithelial mucosa. The drug may have a local effect in the skin, mucosae or their surrounding area, or a systemic action after taking up by the local vessels to migrate into the systemic circulation. Sustained drug action can be achieved by controlling the drug release from the formulations. Much success has already been made in the oral and topical formulations. On the other hand, increase in the transdermal and transrrnucosal absorption is achieved by enhancement of the membrane permeability. Prodrug approach, use of chemical enhancers and application of iontophcresis are the examples to improve the absorption rate of drugs. Active transport of drugs through the membranes has also been paid attention, since biological or biotechnological advances were made on the drug transporters in the epithelial membranes. Broad and active efforts for the moment on this area may give future development of many transdermal and transmucosal DDSs.