Trandermal delivery of opioids

摘要

Opioid-containing pharmaceutical compositions are provided which are useful in effecting transdermal delivery of a therapeutic dose of the opioid to the systemic circulation of a mammal. These pharmaceutical compositions consist essentially of the opioid, a penetration enhancer which is at least one of a saturated fatty alcohol or fatty acid of 8-15 carbon atoms or of an unsaturated fatty alcohol or fatty acid of 8-18 carbon atoms, and a suitable pharmaceutical carrier, preferably propylene glycol.