RESUMEN
The effects of varying level of residual solvent on the release and permeation of scopolamine from two different polyacrylate matrices through excised mouse skin has been determined. Matrices of the drug-in-adhesive type were prepared having different contents of residual ethyl acetate or heptane adjusted via the drying time at 30°C in a forced-convection oven. The neutral DuroTak 87-4098 showed no effects of residual ethyl acetate on either release or permeation, but was influenced by residual heptane. An increase in release rate from the matrix occurred with an enhancing effect on permeation. The self-curing DuroTak 87-2677 showed effects of residual heptane on both release and permeation. Both solvents were lost from the matrix on contact with an aqueous acceptor medium, although to different extents. Levels of residual ethyl acetate or heptane that fall below the ICH guideline (0.5% w/w) had, however, only a minor, yet measurable, effect on scopolamine release and skin uptake compared with higher solvent levels.