Influence of 1-dodecylhexahydro-2H-azepin-2-one (Azone) on the in vitro permeation of verapamil hydrochloride across rat, hairless mouse, and human cadaver skin.

The effect of 1-dodecylhexahydro-2H-azepine-2-one (Azone; laurocapran; 1) on the permeation of verapamil hydrochloride (2) through rat skin was studied. Compound 1 was used in various concentrations in the donor phase. The permeation of the drug increased significantly in the presence of 1 and the enhancement in permeation was dependent on the concentration of 1. A comparison of the enhancing effect of 3% 1 on permeation of 2 through rat, hairless mouse, and human cadaver skin was made. Compound 1 altered the permeability of hairless mouse skin significantly, whereas the effect on rat and human skin was comparable and not very drastic.