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Impact of Menthol Concentration on Ketoprofen Permeation and Photostability in Compounded Topical Preparations in a

Urszula Adamiak-Giera1, Michał Gackowski2,3, Damian Malinowski1

  • 1Department of Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin 70-111, Poland.

ACS Omega
|July 28, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Menthol increases topical ketoprofen permeation in formulations but may affect drug stability under UVA light. This highlights the importance of menthol concentration in compounded topical preparations.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Dermatology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) offer localized pain relief with fewer systemic side effects.
  • Menthol is commonly incorporated into topical products for its analgesic properties and ability to enhance drug penetration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how varying menthol concentrations impact ketoprofen permeation through Strat-M membranes.
  • To assess the photostability of ketoprofen in compounded topical formulations containing different menthol levels.

Main Methods:

  • Semisolid formulations with ketoprofen, lidocaine hydrochloride, and increasing menthol concentrations were prepared using a Pentravan vehicle.
  • In vitro permeation studies utilized Franz diffusion cells with Strat-M membranes.
  • Ketoprofen levels were quantified via UHPLC, and photostability was evaluated under UVA irradiation.

Main Results:

  • Ketoprofen permeation significantly increased with higher menthol concentrations.
  • Formulations with 10% menthol showed higher ketoprofen permeation compared to menthol-free ones.
  • Menthol influenced ketoprofen's photodegradation; menthol-free formulations were more stable under UVA exposure.

Conclusions:

  • Menthol acts as a penetration enhancer for ketoprofen in topical formulations.
  • The concentration of menthol affects both drug permeation and photostability.
  • Formulation composition is critical for the efficacy and stability of compounded topical medications.

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