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Published on: November 24, 2021
Comparative study of skin permeation profiles between brand and generic tulobuterol patches
Shigemi Yoshihara1, Hironobu Fukuda, Toshio Abe
1Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi321–0293, Japan. shigemi@dokkyomed.ac.jp
Insights
Generic tulobuterol patches show higher skin penetration than brand-name versions in a rat model. This highlights the importance of considering skin condition alongside asthma control when selecting tulobuterol patches.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Tulobuterol patches are long-acting bronchodilators for managing pediatric asthma.
- Pediatric asthma patients frequently have atopic dermatitis, characterized by impaired skin barrier function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the skin penetration profiles of brand-name and generic tulobuterol patches.
- To evaluate the impact of skin barrier impairment on tulobuterol patch absorption.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat model with an impaired skin barrier.
- Assessed and compared skin penetration of tulobuterol from brand and generic patches.
Main Results:
- Generic tulobuterol patches demonstrated significantly higher skin penetration compared to the brand-name patch (p<0.001).
- Skin barrier impairment influenced the absorption rate of tulobuterol.
Conclusions:
- Pharmaceutical properties of tulobuterol patches vary between generic and brand-name products.
- Careful consideration of both asthma control and skin condition is crucial when prescribing tulobuterol patches for pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Tulobuterol patches are long-acting bronchodilators for percutaneous absorption including the β(2)-adrenoreceptor agonist tulobuterol, as a main ingredient, used for long-term management of pediatric asthma. Since patients who have pediatric asthma often also have atopic dermatitis in which the skin barrier is impaired, we compared the skin penetration profiles of the brand and generic patches using a skin barrier-impaired rat model. Skin penetration was significantly (p<0.001) higher in the generic patches compared with the brand patch, suggesting that it is important to understand the pharmaceutical properties of available products by giving careful consideration not only to the patient's asthma control but also to their skin condition before using tulobuterol patches.
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