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Updated: Jan 4, 2026
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Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging
Published on: November 24, 2021
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In vitro dermal absorption of carfentanil
Emily May Lent1, Kathleen J Maistros2, Jonathan M Oyler2
1Army Public Health Center, Toxicology Directorate (MCHB-PH-TEV), Building 5158, 8252 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403, United States of America.
Summary
Occupational exposure to carfentanil via skin is a concern. This study found carfentanil permeation through skin varies by vehicle, with water showing the fastest rate, suggesting slower absorption than previously feared for small exposures.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Growing concerns exist regarding occupational exposure to carfentanil, a potent synthetic opioid.
- Limited human toxicity data, especially for dermal exposure, necessitates further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dermal permeation of carfentanil.
- To evaluate carfentanil penetration through human skin models using different vehicles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an in vitro static diffusion cell system with EpiDerm™ (EPI-606-X) reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) model.
- Measured carfentanil permeation under infinite-dose conditions using water, ethanol, and hand sanitizer as vehicles.
- Assessed permeation rates, lag-times, and steady-state flux at varying concentrations.
Main Results:
- Carfentanil permeation was fastest in water (3.9 x 10⁻³ cm/h), slower in hand sanitizer (1.2 x 10⁻³ cm/h), and slowest in ethanol (0.2 x 10⁻³ cm/h).
- Lag-times for permeation were approximately 1.5 h in ethanol and hand sanitizer, and 0.5 h in water.
- Steady-state flux increased with concentration in water and ethanol, but the percentage of absorbed dose remained consistent for each vehicle.
Conclusions:
- Dermal absorption of carfentanil is vehicle-dependent.
- These findings suggest that minor skin exposures to carfentanil may not lead to immediate, severe toxicity.
- Variations in hand sanitizer composition can influence carfentanil permeation rates.
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