A study of the percutaneous absorption from topically applied zinc oxide ointment.
The systemic absorption from topical applications of 40% zinc oxide ointment was investigated in a series of healthy subjects (phase one) and in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (phase two). In the first phase, six subjects completed a controlled, cross-over trial involving 3 hourly serum sample determinations for zinc concentration following a massive application of 40% zinc oxide ointment and plain petrolatum ointment. There was a mean increase in serum zinc from 107.3 +/- 5.32 to 116.1 +/- 5.02 micrograms/dL 1 hr after application of 40% zinc oxide ointment (p greater than 0.05). Three patients receiving total parenteral nutrition completed phase two of the protocol in which 40% zinc oxide ointment was applied daily to a specified area of the thigh. Analysis of these patients' serum revealed that the zinc concentrations remained relatively constant over the 10-day study period. These findings suggest that topical applications of 40% zinc oxide ointment do not result in significant absorption. This study serves as a starting point for further investigations.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000009:adverse effects; D012869:Skin Absorption; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism
D009824:Ointments; D015032:Zinc; D015034:Zinc Oxide