Gum resin as a carrier for topical application of pharmacologically active agents

Abstract

Described are pharmacological compositions comprising a gum resin; a pharmacologically active agent and a topically acceptable volatile solvent for the gum resin and active agent. Also described are methods for the transdermal or transmucosal delivery of a pharmacologically active agent using such compositions.

1 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         1 . A liquid pharmacological composition comprising:
 (a) a gum resin;   (b) an active agent selected from the group consisting of nicotine, nitroglycerin and scopolamine; and   (c) a topically acceptable volatile solvent for said gum resin and said active agent in an amount of about 40% to 90% of said composition.   
     
     
         34 . The composition according to claim  33 , wherein said gum resin is selected from the group consisting of benzoin gum and mastic gum. 
     
     
         35 . The composition according to claim  33 , wherein said topically acceptable volatile solvent comprises 40% to 90% of said composition. 
     
     
         36 . The composition according to claim  33 , wherein said topically acceptable volatile solvent comprises ethanol. 
     
     
         37 . The composition according to  claim 36 , wherein said topically acceptable volatile solvent comprises about 60% to 90% of said composition. 
     
     
         38 . The composition according to claim  33 , further comprising a penetration. enhancer. 
     
     
         39 . The composition according to claim  33 , wherein the composition is formulated for transmucosal administration. 
     
     
         40 . The composition according to claim  33 , wherein the active agent is nicotine. 
     
     
         41 . The composition according to claim  33 , wherein the active agent is nitroglycerin. 
     
     
         42 . The composition according to claim.  33 , wherein the active agent is scopolamine.