Transfer of topically applied tetracycline in various vehicles

Fifty hospitalized dermatology patients participated in a study to evaluate the transfer of topically applied tetracycline hydrochloride-containing fluorescent ointments, creams, lotions, and tinctures from various sites of application. Patients were examined with a Wood's lamp 24 hours after application to determine the sites and areas of transfer. The topically applied medications did not remain confined to sites of initial application. The anatomic sites of initial application determined the pattern of transfer. Certain patterns of transfer were characteristic among groups of patients and for specific patients. The vehicle of the topical preparation greatly influenced the extent and sites of transfer.