Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems01:18

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes01:22

Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes

Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection,  and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems01:23

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
Drug Delivery: Overview01:16

Drug Delivery: Overview

The selection of a drug's delivery route depends upon its physicochemical properties, including lipid or water solubility and ionization, as well as the therapeutic requirement, such as immediate or sustained effect. These routes can be divided into three primary categories: enteral, parenteral, and topical.
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the gastrointestinal...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types01:27

Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types

Conventional oral drug products, termed immediate-release (IR) formulations, are engineered to promptly release their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) upon ingestion, typically in tablets or capsules. This rapid release often results in swift drug absorption and consequent pharmacodynamic effects, although the timing and intensity can vary depending on the drug's properties. Prodrugs within these formulations require metabolic conversion to activate their pharmacodynamic effects,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Selective two-dimensional effect-directed analysis with thin-layer chromatography.

Journal of chromatography. A·2017
Same author

The reciprocal iso-inhibition volume concept: A procedure for the evaluation in effect-directed analysis with thin-layer chromatography - using the thin-layer chromatography-luminescent bacteria assay as an example.

Journal of chromatography. A·2017
Same author

Coupling of In Vitro Bioassays with Planar Chromatography in Effect-Directed Analysis.

Advances in biochemical engineering/biotechnology·2016
Same author

Consensus guidelines for the management of plaque psoriasis.

Archives of dermatology·2012
Same author

Identification of ozonation by-products of 4- and 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole during the treatment of surface water to drinking water.

Water research·2011
Same author

Combination of different liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry technologies for the identification of transformation products of rhodamine B in groundwater.

Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM·2010
Same journal

Increased Risk of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Development after Dupilumab Use for Atopic Dermatitis.

Dermatologic therapy·2024
Same journal

Correction to "Adjuvant PD-1 inhibitor versus high-dose interferon α-2b for Chinese patients with cutaneous and acral melanoma: A retrospective cohort analysis".

Dermatologic therapy·2022
Same journal

A case of erythema nodosum concomitant with ulcerative colitis relieved by tofacitinib.

Dermatologic therapy·2022
Same journal

A case report of vitiligo following toripalimab therapy for a patient with metastatic melanoma.

Dermatologic therapy·2022
Same journal

High versus low dose oral isotretinoin in the treatment of cutaneous and genital warts.

Dermatologic therapy·2022
Same journal

Evaluation of the efficacy and relapse rates of treatment protocols for moderate acne using isotretinoin based on the global acne grading system: Randomized, controlled, comparative study.

Dermatologic therapy·2022
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy
07:12

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy

Published on: September 27, 2021

Conventional topical delivery systems.

Stefan C Weiss1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 9980 Central Park Boulevard North, Boca Raton, FL 33428, USA. stefan@weissskininstitute.com

Dermatologic Therapy
|February 23, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Effective topical drug delivery relies on the active medication and the vehicle properties. Choosing the right skin delivery system is crucial for successful dermatologic therapy and depends on the drug, disease site, and patient needs.

More Related Videos

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging
11:07

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging

Published on: November 24, 2021

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of CAGE-based Ionic Liquid Systems for Transdermal Delivery
09:44

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of CAGE-based Ionic Liquid Systems for Transdermal Delivery

Published on: September 26, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy
07:12

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy

Published on: September 27, 2021

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging
11:07

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging

Published on: November 24, 2021

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of CAGE-based Ionic Liquid Systems for Transdermal Delivery
09:44

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of CAGE-based Ionic Liquid Systems for Transdermal Delivery

Published on: September 26, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Topical dermatologic therapy efficacy is determined by both the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the properties of the delivery vehicle.
  • A topical delivery system, or vehicle, is the substance facilitating drug contact with and penetration through the skin.
  • The primary challenge in topical drug delivery is overcoming the skin barrier for effective transport.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical role of the drug delivery system in dermatologic therapy.
  • To define the components and challenges associated with topical drug delivery.
  • To outline the factors influencing the selection of an appropriate topical delivery system.

Main Methods:

  • Review of fundamental principles in dermatologic drug delivery.
  • Analysis of the physicochemical properties of topical vehicles and their impact on drug penetration.
  • Discussion of variables affecting the efficacy of topical treatments.

Main Results:

  • Drug penetration through the skin barrier is highly variable and influenced by the vehicle's composition.
  • The physiochemical properties of vehicle components significantly affect active drug penetration.
  • Successful topical therapy necessitates careful consideration of the drug, disease location, and patient factors.

Conclusions:

  • The selection of an appropriate topical drug delivery system is paramount for effective dermatologic treatment.
  • Vehicle properties play a significant role in overcoming skin barrier challenges.
  • Optimal therapeutic outcomes depend on a tailored approach considering drug, site, and patient.