Study on Enhancements of Low Frequency Ultrasound to Percutaneous Permeability of Rivastigmine Hydrogen Tartrate

OBJECTIVE To investigate the promoting effect of low frequency ultrasound on percutaneous penetration of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate. METHODS Through investigating the skin performance of mice, rats, miniature pig and suckling pig, the suckling pig abdominal skin was used in percutaneous experiments. The percutaneous permeability of 2% rivastigmine tartrate solution was determined in one- chamber diffusion cell using 20 kHz ultrasoun. The effects of ultrasonic intensity and exposure time on enhancement were evaluated. RESULTS When the ultrasonic exposure time of 3 min, ultrasonic intensity was increased from 2 to 11 W?cm^-2, the enhance rate increased to 84.79 times from 9.15 times. Ultrasonic intensity of 2 W?cm^-2, ultrasonic time increased from 3 to 30 min, the enhance rate increased from 9.15 to 42.85 times. CONCLUSION Low frequency ultrasound can be effectively used to enhance transdermal delivery of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate. The increase of ultrasonic intensity or extension of ultrasonic time, can significantly enhance the penetration effect.