Compositions For Topical Application For Enhancing Tissue Penetration Of Physiologically Active Agents With Dmso

Abstract

Compositions for topical application for enhancing tissue penetration of physiologically active agents with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Such agents include physiologically active steroids, antineoplastic agents, antigens, antihistaminic agents, neuropharmacologic agents, antiinflammatory agents, anticoagulants, vasodilators, ultra-violet screening agents and nutrients. Such compositions, which may be in the form of lotions, ointments and suppositories, include the physiologically active agent, at least 10% by weight of DMSO and a pharmaceutically acceptable thickening agent. Liquid formulations for topical application of DMSO and the physiologically active agent in spray containers are also provided.

Parent Case Text

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 753,231, filed Aug. 16, 1968, now abandoned, which is, in turn, a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 329,151, filed Dec. 9, 1963, now abandoned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A predominant and limiting problem in the development and use of physiologically active agents is the inability to administer them as effectively as is desired. In particular, there is often a limitation as to the routes of administration because of the following factors:

1. Some agents are inactivated in the gastrointestinal tract or they are absorbed poorly into the body from the tract. Also, undesirable side effects may result which prevent effective oral administration.

2. In every case where injection must be resorted to, there is a risk of needle injury, infection, and other trauma (including the emotional trauma inevitably associated with injections).

3. Few agents are absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes in effective quantities and the rate of absorption is less than would be desirable for those that do.

4. A local concentration for a local effect is often desired but a larger systemic dose must be given to achieve an effective concentration at the local area when the agent can only be injected or given orally, (but not topically). This higher dose often causes undesirable side effects, since dosage related side effects are very prevalent for many agents.

Animal tissues comprise various membranes which are selectively permeable and which allow some substances to pass freely, while rejecting others or permitting only slight passage. Such membranes comprise the body coverings and externally communicating cavities, including the skin and mucous membranes of the body cavities, e.g. alimentary tract, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, oral cavity, eyes, etc. (collectively defined herein as external membranes). They also include internal membranes such as the linings of the various organs and other internal body structures, e.g., peritoneum and pleura, and the membranes surrounding cellular and intracellular structures. It is desirable in overcoming the aforementioned problems in drug administration, to increase the passage or penetration of agents across such membranes and further to enhance their intercellular and intracellular diffusion in order for them to reach their situs of activity more rapidly to achieve the desired response more quickly and often more effectively. It is exceptionally desirable to do this in a reversible manner, by which is meant penetration of the agents into tissue without adversely affecting or impairing the function or structure of the tissue. It is known that certain substances will penetrate tissue only after the tissue has been irreversibly damaged which is certainly undesirable. Certain agents, such as surfactants, have been known previously for increasing penetration of various agents. However, again, such penetration was effected only through irreversible damage of the tissue.

It has been a major rule in medicine that the "vehicles" or "carriers" have relatively little effect on the penetration rate for a given agent and this rule generally still holds true. Thus, with conventional carriers for medicines, such as alcohol, carbowax, water, etc., few agents will adequately penetrate such formidable external membrane barriers as the intact skin or mucous membrane. It is to be expected that this would be true of all potential "vehicles" or materials combined with physiologically active agents. However, surprisingly, it has been discovered that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has the unusual ability to greatly enhance the penetration of agents when they are applied to such membrane barriers along with dimethyl sulfoxide. The penetration of agents which previously have not penetrated these membranes to an effective degree may be enhanced sufficiently so that a useful result may be obtained. The penetration of agents which have been known to penetrate to a limited degree in conventional vehicles may be significantly enhanced. New and convenient routes of administration, often with a decrease in side effects of the agents, better localized concentration and a more sustained activity, may thereby be created for many agents.

In my co-pending application (Ser. No. 615,377 filed Feb. 13, 1967) is disclosed my related discovery that DMSO enhances the penetration of plant-active agents (pesticides, dyes, nutrients, hormones, herbicides, and the like) into plant tissue in a highly unusual manner.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a water-white liquid at room temperature having a freezing point of approximately 18.5.degree.C and a specific gravity of approximately 1.1. Dimethyl sulfoxide is a well known industrial solvent and it has been available in commercial quantities for at least a decade (from Crown Zellerbach Corporation, San Francisco, Calif.). DMSO was originally synthesized in 1866 and since that time it has been extensively investigated for possible industrial and biological utility and a considerable amount of literature has developed on its properties and uses. Over the last 25 years it has found widespread use as a solvent in industry and in the laboratory.

DMSO has been investigated in the past for various biochemical uses, for example as a reaction solvent for preparing derivatives of various proteins, and antibiotics, as an extraction solvent for various proteins, as an analytical solvent and as a solvent for various other laboratory uses. It has also been suggested as a solvent for certain pesticides.

DMSO has been investigated as a preservative agent for in vitro storage of chilled or frozen tissue and it has also been determined to have a protective effect in experimental animals subjected to X-irradiation following injection of DMSO into such animals.

In connection with topical application of the antifungal griseofulvin, DMSO has been listed along with various inert materials as "bland, high boiling fluids" to be used as carriers for the griseofulvin in applying it to the skin to control fungus growth in the skin. DMSO has been employed as a solvent for preparation of certain injectable formulations, namely chloramphenicol and an anthelminic preparation.

Despite the employment of DMSO as a solvent for these purposes and despite general experimentation with DMSO in the medical field, the unique ability of DMSO to alter membrane permeability and to thereby enhance penetration of physiologically active agents was neither suggested nor discovered. Although DMSO has been a well known and widely investigated solvent for many years, its unique ability to enhance penetration of external and internal membrane barriers as contemplated in the present invention has been totally unrecognized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By a mechanism or mechanisms not yet fully understood, DMSO, when applied to animal tissue, increases the permeability of the tissue in a reversible manner to cause a much greater penetration rate for conjointly applied physiologically active agents. Although the mode of activity is still unclear, it is definitely not that of the simple "vehicle" or "carrier" since the effect may be obtained to some extent even when the DMSO is applied to the tissue separately and the enhanced penetrability of the tissue may last for as much as three hours after the DMSO treatment.

When applied to the intact skin along with dimethyl sulfoxide, particularly at a DMSO concentration of 50 percent by weight and above, or to skin pretreated with the dimethyl sulfoxide, an agent such as a steroid, may penetrate rapidly to and saturate the stratum corneum (the highly resistant "horny layer" of the skin which is the major barrier to penetration). The steroid continues to penetrate through the skin from this "reservoir" in the stratum corneum to the underlying tissue and into the circulatory system.

Similarly, penetration into underlying tissues and into the circulatory system may be obtained from topical application to the mucous membranes of the body cavities as in the case of intraoral, conjuctival sac, rectal, vaginal, and bladder instillation administration, particularly where the DMSO is utilized at a concentration of 10 percent by weight and above. It is thus seen that a particularly important aspect of this invention is that penetration of agents may be effectively enhanced following topical administration. As used in this connection herein, the term "topical" is intended to include application to all external membrane barriers including the cutaneous or epidermis regions and the mucous membranes including the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract and the genitourinary tract.

As previously indicated, the mechanisms of penetration enhancement are as yet not fully elucidated. Accordingly, it is not intended to be bound to one specific theory of operation. However, it is believed that DMSO acts by several mechanisms in enhancing penetration. DMSO is believed to act directly on tissue to alter the general permeability of the tissue membrane. More specifically, DMSO when applied thereto, is believed to decrease the natural resistance of tissue membranes to penetration by foreign agents. DMSO is also believed to promote penetration by a direct transport effect, perhaps by the mechanism of complexing with the agent. This mechanism is believed more applicable to cationic and anionic agents.

By the present invention compositions are provided which are uniquely suitable for the purpose of utilizing the penetration enhancement of DMSO, which compositions include the physiologically active agent, an amount of DMSO effective to enhance topical penetration of such agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable thickening agent. For application to mucous membranes, the DMSO concentration may be 10 percent by weight and higher. For application to the intact skin DMSO concentrations of 50 percent or higher are suitable. The thickened composition forms of this invention permit more sustained contact of the composition with the treated surface and more accurate and controlled dosing. Accidental spilling, run off and undesired contact with the composition can also be minimized. Pharmaceutically acceptable hydrophillic diluents, particularly water, may also be employed in these compositions to lessen the tissue irritation affects which may result from application of higher concentrations of DMSO.

Liquid formulations for topical application comprising at least 10 percent by weight DMSO, the physiologically active agent and, optionally, diluents, thickening agents, etc. in spray containers are also provided. Such dosage forms are useful for topical application to prevent accidental spilling and undesired contact with the composition. They are particularly suitable for application to mucous membranes of various body orifices. They are also advantageous in providing a more uniform application to both dermal and mucous membrane surfaces.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is applicable to the tissue or organisms of all animal phyla, DMSO having differing degrees of influence on penetration of various tissue types of a given animal. Animals of particular importance in the practice of the invention are the mammalians, especially man and veterinary animals. However, the invention may also be practiced with other vertebrates, as for example the amphibians, fishes, reptiles, etc., and with the lower species comprising the non-vertebrates.

Penetration enhancement is generally non-selective in terms of the type of physiological effect or effects of agents to be transported across membrane barriers. The extent of penetration enhancement will depend upon many factors, the predominant factors being the relative natural permeability of the particular membrane, the concentration of DMSO applied, the extent of solubility of the agent in DMSO and the chemical and physical properties of the agent.

The thickened dosage forms of this invention for topical application include lotions, ointments (including creams and gels) and suppositories. These compositions comprise the physiologically active agent combined with the DMSO and a base comprising a thickening agent for the composition and such pharmaceutical diluents as may be indicated.

Lotions and ointments may contain the usual ingredients to provide the thickening base, as for example cetyl alcohol, an emulsifier such as lauryl sulfate and water. Another base may be formulated by combining equal weight amounts of stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, triethanolamine and glycerol monostearate with water. Still other thickening bases may utilize polyethylene glycols of different viscosities, depending upon the desired consistency. DMSO may be added to the lotion or ointment base in varying amounts as desired, generally up to around 50 percent by weight or higher.

A suppository form may be made from a high viscosity polyethylene glycol 4,000, water and DMSO, which may be present in an amount of about 20 percent by weight.

The spraying and misting dosage forms of the invention constitute nasal spray bottles, aspirators, misting devices, aerosol bombs and other dispensing containers having liquid spray or mist dispensing means, which containers are charged with fluid formulations comprising the physiologically active agent, at least 10 percent by weight DMSO and, optionally, water or diluent, thickening agents and the like. The compositions for this purpose are sufficiently fluid to permit dispensing by spray or mist from the container. Normally the DMSO component will provide adequate fluidity. However, the usual liquid diluents may be provided where desired to enhance sprayability.

The term "physiologically active" in describing the agents contemplated herein is used in a broad sense to comprehend not only agents having a direct pharmacological effect on the host but also those having an indirect or observable effect which is useful in the medical arts, e.g., the screening of U.V. radiation from the tissues, etc., Agents, penetration of which across external membrane barriers may be beneficially enhanced upon direct application of the compositions of this invention include: physiologically active steroids, antineoplastic agents, antigens, antihistaminic agents, neuropharmacologic agents, antiinflammatory agents, anticoagulants, vasodilators, ultra-violet screening agents and nutrients.

The concentration of physiologically active agent in the various dosage forms is, of course, commensurate with that normally utilized for the particular agent in conventional formulations for effective results for the intended route. Both the amount of physiologically active agent and the amount of DMSO will be influenced by the type of effect desired. If a more localized effect is required, lower amounts of physiologically active agents and lower concentrations of DMSO may be called for. Where deeper penetration is desired, as in the case of local anaesthesia, a higher concentration of DMSO may be desirable to promote adequate penetration. Where general systemic concentration of an agent is desired for a topical preparation, generally higher concentrations of DMSO are desirable and the amount of agent as, for example, a steroid, may be included in the composition sufficient to provide the blood level desired.

The concentration of the DMSO in the compositions to enhance penetration may vary over wide limits. The concentration selected is desirably related to the route of administration to be employed. For cutaneous application, compositions including at least about 50 percent by weight DMSO are preferable in that they have been found to increase percutaneous penetration in a highly significant manner. Maximum cutaneous penetration is generally attained with DMSO concentrations closely approaching 100 percent (excluding the agent), but with concentrations much above 90 percent by weight the incremental increase in penetration rate over that achieved at 90 percent often is relatively small. On the other hand, above a 90 percent concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide the side effects of a burning sensation and erythema increase significantly. Accordingly, for topical use, it may be desirable, consistent with physical stability of the composition, to formulate the DMSO in compositions containing a DMSO concentration of between about 50 and 90 percent by weight and containing water, preferably 10 percent by weight or greater.

Application to mucous membranes follows generally the procedure for cutaneous administration. However, lower concentrations of DMSO in the compositions, for example as low as 10 percent by weight, may be preferred since penetration of mucous membrane is more easily affected.

The usual pharmaceutical compounding agents, diluents or carriers, especially water, may be included in the compositions of this invention as desirable for the particular route of administration and dosage form. As discussed previously in relation to the concentration of DMSO in the formulations, the amount and type of diluent or carrier used should, of course, be consistent with the compatability of the agent in DMSO and the diluent. A cosolvent or other standard adjuvant, such as a surfactant, may be called for to maintain the agent in solution or suspension at the desired concentration. Where stability of the agent in the presence of DMSO at the desired concentration is a problem, it may be desirable to prepare the formulation immediately before administration.

The various pharmaceutical forms are desirably provided in determined amounts, as in containers of a given volume. Cotton tipped stick applicators, squeeze tubes may all be utilized for topical application of the thickened formulations.

The amount of the composition, and thus of the physiologically active agent therein, to be administered will obviously be an effective amount for the desired result expected therefrom. This, of course, will be ascertained by the ordinary skill of the practitioner. Due to enhanced activity which may be achieved through better penetration, the dosage of agent may often be decreased from that generally applicable. In accordance with the usual prudent formulating practices, a dosage near the lower end of the useful range of the particular agent may be employed initially and the dosage increased as indicated from the observed response, as in the routine procedure of the physician.

The examples which follow illustrate the compositions of the present invention. For an additional discussion of the various physiologically active agents and exemplification of the compositions of this invention, reference is made to copending application Ser. No. 753,231, filed Aug. 16, 1968, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

EXAMPLE 1

The following lotion formulation may be prepared containing about 0.01 to 1.0 percent, with preferably 0.1 percent fluocinolone acetonide:

Gm. Fluocinolone acetonide 0.1-1.0 Cetyl alcohol 200 Propylene glycol 100 Sodium lauryl sulfate 15 DMSO 300 Water q.s. 1000 cc.

The steroid is dissolved in the DMSO and added to a stirred, cooling melt of the other ingredients. The preparation is particularly useful for the treatment of inflammed dermatoses by topical application to the affected skin area. The amount and frequency of application is in accordance with standard practice for topical application of this steroid. Penetration of the steroid into the inflammed tissue is enhanced and a therapeutic level is achieved more rapidly than when the steroid is applied in conventional formulations.

EXAMPLE 2

The following ointment (gel) formulation may be prepared containing about 0.2 to 1.0 percent, and preferably 0.6 percent triamcinilone acetonide:

Gm. Triamcinilone acetonide 0.2-10 Polyethylene glycol 400 400 Dimethyl sulfoxide 598 Carboxy vinyl polymer powder 1 Triethanolamine 0.4

The corticosteroid is dissolved in a mixture of the first two ingredients, and the carboxy vinyl polymer gelling agent is sprinkled on the surface of the combined liquids and stirred until all the particles have been wetted and dispersed. The triethanolamine is then added dropwise to the mixture until it has gelled, care being taken to minimize the air entrapment. This gel is particularly effective in the treatment of seborrhea and other scalp and hair inflammatory conditions and may be applied in amount and frequency conventionally used for topical application of this steroid. Better penetration and thereby an increased anti-inflammatory active is obtained for the amount of steroid applied than results from its application in conventional formulations.

EXAMPLE 3

The following ointment formulations may be prepared containing about 0.1 to 1.0 percent prednisone and preferably 0.5 percent:

Prednisone gm 0.1-10 Glyceryl monostearate, acid type gm 180 Stearyl alcohol gm 50 Polysorbate 80 cc 20 Water cc 450 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 300

The product is prepared as described in Example 1. The ointment is a valuable base for application of the corticosteroid to inflammatory dermatological areas, particularly when they require inunction. Application is in accordance with that usual for topical application of this steroid in conventional bases.

EXAMPLE 4

The following cream formulations may be prepared containing about 0.1 to 1 percent 16a-methyl prednisolone and preferably 0.5 percent:

Gm. 16a-methyl prednisolone 0.1-10 Stearic acid 200 Glyceryl monostearate, acid type 200 Sodium lauryl sulfate 20 Dimethyl sulfoxide 200 Water q.s. 1000 cc.

As above, the product is prepared as directed in Example 1 and is useful in severe dermatoses requiring inunction.

EXAMPLE 5

The following ointment formulation may be prepared containing about 0.5 to 2.5 percent preferably 1.0 percent, desoxycorticosterone acetate:

Desoxycorticosterone acetate gm 5-25 Stearic acid gm 300 Cetyl alcohol gm 100 Polysorbate 20 cc 20 Sorbital 70% cc 100 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 300 Water, q.s. 1000 cc.

The product is prepared as specified in Example 1. The product may be employed in treatment of pigmentation in Addison's disease by topical application to the affected area. Penetration may be increased sufficiently so that effective results may be obtained. In conventional bases this steroid has had very limited effectiveness topically and injection usually must be resorted to.

EXAMPLE 6

A suppository formulation may be prepared as follows containing about 1 to 5 percent, preferably 2 percent, testosterone propionate:

Testosterone propionate gm 10-50 Polyethylene glycol 4000 gm 400 Propylene glycol monostearate gm 100 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 500

The solid constituents are melted, added to the solution of the steroid in DMSO and poured into an appropriate mold. The product is recommended for rectal application as replacement therapy.

EXAMPLE 7

A suppository formulation may be prepared as follows containing about 1 to 5 percent, preferably 2 percent, 17-methyl testosterone:

17-Methyl testosterone gm 10-50 Hydrogenated castor oil gm 400 Stearic acid gm 100 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 500

The product is prepared as noted in Example 5 and used in a similar manner.

EXAMPLE 8

A cream formulation may be prepared as follows containing about 1 to 10 percent, preferably 3 percent, 17a-ethyl-19-nortestosterone:

17a-ethyl-19-nortestosterone gm 10-100 Cetyl alcohol gm 250 Stearyl alcohol gm 200 Polysorbate 80 cc 20 Water cc 250 Dimethyl sulfoxide, q.s. cc 1000

This cream may be prepared as noted in Example 1. It may be applied topically for stimulation of epithelization and connective tissue regeneration.

EXAMPLE 9

The following cream may be formulated with the following composition containing about 1 to 10 percent, and preferably 3%, 2a-methyl-dihydrotestosterone propionate (metholone):

Metholone gm 10-100 Stearyl acid gm 200 Glycerol monostearates, acid type gm 200 Sodium lauryl sulfate cc 20 Water cc 400 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 200

The cream is prepared as directed in Example 1. The product is useful in the treatment of muscle wasting and weakness followed breast cancer surgery and may be applied topically to the affected area. Penetration of the steroid is greatly improved over that obtained in conventional formulations.

EXAMPLE 10

The following ointment (gel) may be formulated containing about 1 to 5 percent, preferably 2 percent, steroid:

2-hydroxymethylene-17a-methyl-dihydrotestosterone gm 10-50 Propylene glycol cc 500 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 498 Carboxy vinyl polymer powder gm 1 Triethanolamine gm 0.5

The product is prepared as specified in Example 2. The product is useful in topical anabolic treatment, particularly in preventing thinning of the skin and in inducing blood vessel thickening.

EXAMPLE 11

The following lotion may be formulated as follows containing about 0.1 to 1.0 percent, preferably 0.4 percent, estradiol valerate:

Estradiol valerate gm 1-10 Cetyl alcohol gm 200 Propylene glycol gm 100 Sodium lauryl sulfate gm 15 Water cc 400 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 300

This product is prepared as noted in Example 1. The product is designed as a means of establishing systemic replacement therapy for estrogens during menopause by simple topical application to the skin or mucous membrane. The DMSO enhances penetration of the estrogen sufficiently to obtain a systemic effect. This has not been possible in conventional formulations.

EXAMPLE 12

A suppository may be formulated as follows to contain 0.1 to 1.0 percent, preferably 0.5 percent, of 3-methyl ether of ethynylestradiol:

3-methyl ether of ethynylestradiol gm 10-100 Polyethylene glycol 4000 gm 400 Propylene glycol monostearate gm 100 Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) cc 500

The suppositories are prepared as noted in Example 7. The product is used in estrogenic replacement therapy and may be used by rectal or vaginal application.

EXAMPLE 13

The following ointment (gel) may be formulated containing 0.1 percent diethylstilbesterol:

Diethylstilbesterol gm 1 Propylene glycol cc 500 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 498 Carboxy vinyl polymer powder gm 1 Triethanolamine gm 0.5

This gel is prepared as detailed in Example 2. The preparation is particularly suitable for topical application in the treatment of adolescent acne.

EXAMPLE 14

A cream may be formulated as follows to contain about 0.72 percent norethynodrel and about 0.0286 percent mestranol:

Norethynodrel gm 10.5 Mestranol gm 0.42 Cetyl alcohol gm 100 Stearyl alcohol gm 100 Polysorbate 80 cc 20 Water cc 250 Dimethyl sulfoxide, q.s. cc 1000

This cream is prepared as noted in Example 1. This formulation is to be used as a contraceptive agent applied cutaneously twice monthly at a dosage of 10 grams.

EXAMPLE 15

A suppository formulation may be prepared as follows:

Chlormadinone mg 5 Stilbesterol mg 1 Polyethylene glycol 4000 gm 400 Propylene glycol monostearate gm 100 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 500

The suppositories are formed as in Example 7. The product may be employed for treatment of irregular or prolonged bleeding.

EXAMPLE 16

The following ophthalmic formulation may be prepared containing about 0.1 to 0.75 percent, preferably 0.3 percent, spironolactone:

Spironolactone gm 1-7.5 Polyethylene glycol 4000 cc 200 Dimethyl sulfoxide cc 200 Water, q.s. 1000 cc.

The formulation is prepared by melting the polyethylene glycol 4000, dissolving the steroid in the DMSO, mixing the two liquids together and diluting to volume with water while stirring. The preparation is applied topically to the eye by eye dropper, or similar applicator, for treatment of glaucoma.

EXAMPLE 17

A 5-fluorouracil formulation may be prepared by blending the following:

5-fluorouracil 10 grams DMSO 80 grams Water 10 grams Carboxymethyl cellulose 0.25 grams

The formulation is particularly useful in topical treatment of skin tumors or other localized superficial tumors. A typical dose is 5 grams. It is also useful in treating viral disorders such as warts.

EXAMPLE 18

A suppository formulation may be prepared by melting together the following:

Gm. Estradiol valerate 2.75 Guiacol glycerol stearate 100 DMSO 300 Diglycol laurate 150

The melted blend is poured into a suppository mold to provide 10 gm. suppositories for treatment of prostatic cancer.

EXAMPLE 19

A cyclizine hydrochloride mist formulation may be prepared and charged into an aerosol container to provide fifty 100 mg. doses which may be administered intranasally for treatment of allergy states and motion sickness, etc. Five grams of cyclizine hydrochloride are incorporated in a halocarbon propellant formulation base containing 4 percent by volume DMSO.

EXAMPLE 20

A topical ointment formulation of tripelennamine base particularly suitable for treatment of itching dermatoses (applied to the affected area several times daily), may be formulated as follows:

Percent Tripelennamine base percent 2 DMSO 70 Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 4 Water 24

EXAMPLE 21

A chloral hydrate suppository formulation may be prepared by blending together:

Gms. Chloral hydrate 10 DMSO 4.7 Stearic acid 1 Water 0.5

The melt is poured into a suppository mold and cooled to form 10 suppositories each supplying a 1 gram dose. One or two suppositories, as indicated, may be administered as a general sedative.

EXAMPLE 22

A unit dose suppository form of imipramine can be prepared by melting together:

Imipramine base mg. 50 DMSO gm 4.5 Sodium stearate gm 1.0 Glycerine gm 4.5 Water 1.0

and cooling the melt in a suppository mold. This dosage may be administered rectally T.I.D. to relieve depression.

EXAMPLE 23

The following formulation may be melted together, placed in a suppository mold and cooled to form a unit dose for rectal application as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor for treatment of depressive states:

N-benzyl-N-methyl-2-propynylamine mg 100 DMSO gm 4 Diglycol laurate gm 1.5 Carbopol 934 gm 0.25 Triethanolamine gm 0.01

EXAMPLE 24

Mecamylamine is representative of agents having a site of activity at the autonomic ganglia (ganglionic stimulating and blocking agents). It may be formulated as follows to provide a single dose in suppository form for rectal application in treatment of hypertension:

Mecamylamine base mg 15 Propylene glycol stearate gm 4.5 DMSO gm 4.5 Triethanol amine gm 0.3 Stearic acid gm 1.5

Melt ingredients together and pour into cooled suppository mold.

EXAMPLE 25

A glycerol trinitrate ointment may be prepared by blending the following ingredients:

Gms. Glycerol trinitrate 2 DMSO 70 Ethanol 8 Carbowax 1500 20

A typical dosage of 10 mg. of glycerol trinitrate is provided with one-half gram of this ointment. The dosage may be applied topically as, for example, to the intact skin of the upper arm, or sublingually.

EXAMPLE 26

A male subject had a skin markedly sensitive to ultraviolet light. A test solution was made containing 1 percent ultraviolet absorber in 100 percent dimethyl sulfoxide. A control solution was made containing the ultraviolet absorber in 100 percent ethanol, and both solutions were similarly thickened with Carbowax 4000 to provide lotion forms. The ultraviolet absorber was 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxy benzophenone. The two lotions were applied to different sides of the subject's face. After one day of severe sun exposure, the subject was examined. The side with the control application showed marked redness. The side with the test application showed only slight redness. Two days later, the control side was blistered, whereas the test side was normal and free of redness.

EXAMPLE 27

An ointment base may be prepared from the following:

Parts by wt. Lanolin 90 DMSO 10 Isopropyl myistate 5

to which is added 1,800 U.S.P. units of Vitamin A and 300 U.S.P. units of Vitamin D.sub.3 per gram of ointment base. This ointment is applied topically for the treatment of burns, skin irritation, diaper rash and pruritis.

Claims

What I claim is:

1. A composition suitable for topical application to external membranes of a human or animal subject for enhanced penetration of a physiologically active agent in said composition which comprises an amount of a physiologically active agent effective to produce the desired physiological effect on topical application of the composition to an external membrane of the subject, said agent being selected from the group consisting of physiologically active steroids, antineoplastic agents, antigens, antihistaminic agents, neuropharmacologic agents, antiinflammatory agents, anticoagulants, vasodilators, ultra-violet screening agents and nutrients, an amount of DMSO effective to enhance external membrane penetration of said agent and comprising at least about 10 percent by weight of said composition, and a pharmaceutically acceptable thickening agent in an amount sufficient to materially increase the viscosity of said composition, whereby to facilitate controlled topical application thereof.

2. A composition as in claim 1 for dermal application and wherein said DMSO comprises at least about 50 percent by weight of said composition.

3. A composition as in claim 2 and wherein said agent is selected from the group consisting of physiologically active steroids, antineoplastic agents, antigens, antihistaminic agents, analgesics, local anaesthetics and antiinflammatory agents.

4. A composition as in claim 1 and wherein said composition is in the form of a lotion.

5. A composition as in claim 1 and wherein said composition is in the form of an ointment.

6. A composition as in claim 1 and wherein said composition is in the form of a suppository.

7. A container provided with liquid spray dispensing means and containing a fluid, sprayable composition which comprises an amount of a physiologically active agent effective to produce the desired physiological effect on topical application of the composition to an external membrane of a human or animal, said agent being selected from the group consisting of physiologically active steroids, antineoplastic agents, antigens, antihistaminic agents, neuropharmacologic agents, antiinflammatory agents, anticoagulants, vasodilators, ultra-violet screening agents and nutrients, and an amount of DMSO effective to enhance external membrane penetration of said agent and comprising at least about 10 percent by weight of said composition.

8. A container as in claim 7 and wherein said DMSO in the composition charged therein comprises at least about 50 percent by weight of said composition.

9. A container as in claim 7 and wherein said container is an aerosol bomb containing a halocarbon propellant.

10. A container as in claim 7 and wherein said container is a squeeze bottle.

11. A container as in claim 7 and wherein the composition therein contains a substantial amount of water as a diluent.