Objective determination of the bioavailability of dermocorticoids--influence of the formulation

In order to quantify the intensity of skin blanching and thus predict the bioavailability of topical corticoids, a physical device allowing the measurement of light reflected from skin without any contact between the probe and the skin was used (Leveque et al., 1984). Three series of experiments were carried out: firstly, to assess the vasoconstrictor potency of four corticoids; secondly, to show the influence of the vehicle on the bioavailability of the same drug under various galenic forms, such as fatty ointments or water in oil (W/O) and oil in water (O/W) creams; thirdly, to determine the reservoir effects, if any, of some of these formulations. The results confirm previous findings about the potency of hydrocortisone acetate, triamcinolone 17-acetonide, betamethasone 17-valerate, diflucortolone valerate and clobetasol 17-propionate.