Transdermal Drug Delivery, 2nd rev. ed.

Guy RH, Hadgrafl J, eds. New York, NY 10016-0602, Marcel Dekker Inc, 2003, hardcover, 391 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-82470861-X, $165.

The purpose of this textbook is to provide an in-depth description of transdermal drug delivery (TDD) methods, along with a review or the research that serves to validate this form of drug administration. This second edition brings together 20 authorities from many health care disciplines who contribute the 11 chapters forming this text. Each chapter contains an authoritative discussion of the key issues pertinent to transdermal drug delivery. In mast chapters, the central themes are the exploration of a potential drug's suitability fin" transdermal administration and how to choose chemical or physical methods that enhance skin transport of these drugs.

The intended primary audience is presumed to be scientists and researchers, with perhaps a secondary target group of practitioners who want an in-depth understanding of TDD issues and methods, including iontophoresis and phonophoresis. The text treats these topics in a detailed manner, with great emphasis placed on the underlying physiochemical reactions that occur during TDD. Clinicians who are not experts on biochemistry will not find this book easy reading. In contrast, those readers searching for an authoritative understanding of TDD, especially iontophoresis and phonophoresis, will delight in the text's comprehensive treatment of both interventions.

The editors have managed in maintain a certain flow to this text despite having numerous contributors and perspectives from around the globe. Each central topic described in the 11 chapters is well researched, and, in the end, readers will find themselves much more informed about transdermal drug delivery systems. Certain chapters, such as those dealing with chemical partitioning and skin absorption databases and predictive equations, might seem esoteric to many physical therapists; however; they should be of great interest to those who study transdermal drug delivery techniques. Not only does the textbook display breadth, hut its use of content experts for each chapter inspires confidence that the information is accurate and up to date. The text relies heavily on in vitro and in vivo studies to support many concepts underlying the use of TDD systems. Clinical trials of currently used and recognized transdermal agents ate also described.

The text has an extensive list of substances currently being used as transdermal agents that are organized by drug class and include familiar drugs such as nicotine, fentanyl, cyclosporin, heparin, and estrogens. Figures and tables are used extensively throughout the text for the purposes of emphasis and clarification. The authors make use of chart formats to list the various compounds under study. Graphs are also used generously, because many of the concepts have a measurement aspect.

Physical therapist will find chapters 5 and 7, which deal with iontaphoresis and phonophoresis respectively, the most relevant. The section of chapter 7 that describes the various compounds that lend themselves to phonophoretic delivery leg, ibuprofen, steroids, and insulin) is most interesting. The amount of research activity concentrated in the area of transdermal drug delivery is remarkable, and it ultimately will be relevant to physical therapists who use either ultrasound or electrical currents in delivering medication to underlying target tissues.

This book is an excellent resource on transdermal drag delivery. Having said that, it would probably not find a captive audience among physical therapists at this lime. The vast majority of the compounds discussed in this text are used in medical practice. Only 2 of the 11 chapters deal directly with current physical therapy-related transdermal interventions. These 2 chapters do provide an in-depth explanation of both topics from both a clinical and basic science perspective. This book is sure to entice medical researchers, biochemists, and pharmacologists who have specific interests in TDD systems. If physical therapy begins to include the use of TDD methods to a greater extent, Ibis book may be of increasing interest and importance to practicing physical therapists in the future.

Tiziano Marovino, PT Preferred Medicine, Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation Allen Park, Mich.

Mr Marovino is a private practitioner at Preferred Medicine, Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation clinic. He is currently completing his DPT degree at Creighton University.