Enhanced transdermal drug delivery system comprising a composition containing a parent drug

Abstract

A composition for transdermal administration resulting from an admixture includes: a therapeutically effective amount of a drug that includes a parent drug and a prodrug, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the parent drug and prodrug are individually present in an amount sufficient for a pharmacological effect. In a preferred embodiment, the admixture includes: a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutically active agent that includes a corresponding steroid; and a carrier for the pharmaceutically active agent. The steroid is present in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:10 steroid: corresponding steroid. In a preferred embodiment ratio is 6:1 to 1:6. In a preferred embodiment, the corresponding steroid is a steroid ester. In another preferred embodiment, the carrier is a polymer that includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In another preferred embodiment, the parent drug is an ACE inhibitor such as ramipril and the prodrug is an ACE inhibitor prodrug such as ramipril ethyl and / or methyl ester.