Polymeric diffusion matrix containing a vasodilator

A self-supporting polymeric diffusion matrix suitable for the delivery of a drug having a vasodilator effect comprising from about 35 to about 60% glycerol, from about 4 to about 9% polyvinylalcohol, from about 2 to about 5% of a water-soluble polymer with hydration sites which in combination with the remaining ingredients yields a matrix capable of sustained release of a vasodilator drug dispersed therein, a therapeutically effective amount of trinitroglycerol and the balance water, the percentages being by weight.

A method of delivering a vasodilator drug to a patient over a prolonged period at a steady rate which comprises applying to said patient a self-supporting polymeric diffusion matrix suitable for the transdermal delivery of a vasodilator drug, said mixture comprising from about 2 to about 60% of a polar plasticizer compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, and a polyalkylene glycol, from about 2 to about 15% of a matrix component selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, a polymer of hydroxyethylacrylate, a polymer of hydroxyethylmethacrylate, a polymer of hydroxypropylacrylate, and a polymer of hydroxypropylmethacrylate, from about 2 to about 10% of a water-soluble polymer with hydration sites which in combination with the remaining ingredients yields a matrix capable of sustained release of a vasodilator drug dispersed therein, at least one vasodilator drug suitable for transdermal delivery to said patient, and the balance water, the percentages being by weight.

A self-supporting polymeric diffusion matrix for the sustained release of trinitroglycerol to a patient by transdermal application, said matrix containing about equal parts water and glycerol, about 7% by weight polyvinylalcohol having a molecular weight of abiout 115,000, about 5% by weight polyvinylpyrrolidone having a molecular weight of about 40,000, and a pharmaceutically effective amount of trinitroglycerol.