The Disposition of Topically Applied Agents

The topical route of administration of drugs is usually employed for the treatment of skin disorders. However, some of these preparations can penetrate through the skin and exert systemic effects. The disposition of topically applied agents is being studied at both the basic research and the clinical level. The research is aimed at elucidating the processes of absorption into and metabolism by the skin as well as the disposition of these agents andor their metabolites systemically. New, noninvasive drug delivery systems are being considered and developed to employ topical agents systemically under special circumstances.