Transdermal penetration of diclofenac in the presence of AAPH-derived peroxyl radicals.

In vitro transdermal delivery of diclofenac across pig skin in the presence of AAPH-derived peroxyl radicals (2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride) has been studied. The transdermal absorption of diclofenac was estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography after its incubation in vertical cells. The diclofenac transdermal penetration was highly modified by peroxyl radicals. In the presence of AAPH, lower diclofenac absorption was observed. This effect was inhibited by ferulic acid. This could be explained by diclofenac-peroxyl radical interactions. In the pretreatment skin with AAPH, lower diclofenac absorption was higher than control experiments. This behavior should be considered in the topical administration of pharmaceutical preparations containing diclofenac.