In vitro transdermal delivery of atenolol using mouse and guinea pig.

In vitro percutaneous absorption of atenolol was done in order to assess its feasibility for transdermal development across mouse and guinea pig skins using Keshary-Chien type of diffusion cell. Values of diffusion rate (J) and permeability coefficient (Kp) across guinea pig skin were lowered as compared to those in mouse skin. When the concentration of drug in donor compartment was increased a decrease in Kp and increase in J value were observed with both the skins. Under the same conditions, values of J and Kp were lowered for dorsal skin compared to abdominal skin both for mouse and guinea pig. The results suggest that atenolol can be pursued further for transdermal system development.

Toxicity studies with potassium embelate, a new analgesic compound.

Potassium embelate, 2,5-dihydroxy, 3-undecyl-1, 4-benzoquinone, from Embelia ribes Burm. was subjected to toxicity evaluation which included subacute, chronic, reproductive toxicity testing and teratological investigations in laboratory animals (mice, rats and monkeys). The results did not indicate adverse effects suggesting that potassium embelate is a safe compound.