Determination of blood flow to study the penetration of benzyl nicotinate topically applied in different vehicles

The penetration kinetics of topically applied drugs affecting the cutaneous blood flow can be studied by measuring the biological response to the drug using laser Doppler flowmetry noninvasively. In the present study, the kinetics of vasodilation caused by benzyl nicotinate topically applied in two different vehicles was studied by measuring the blood flows of the superficial dermal plexus and the larger deeper capillaries. The drug was topically applied in a balsam and a gel, respectively, on the flexor forearm of 6 male volunteers. Both blood flows measured were correlated with the time. The maximal value (y max), the time to reach half of this value (t rise), and the corresponding period Δt were determined. Significantly increased blood flows were measured in the application areas after treatment with both emulsions. No significant differences were observed for any of the parameters comparing the blood flow after application of the gel with that of the treatment using the balsam. These results indicate similar penetration kinetics and pathways of the drug into the skin independent of the vehicle.