| abstract |
A dermally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprises at least one selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory drug or prodrug thereof solubilized in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that comprises a low molecular weight monohydric alcohol, and exhibits a skin permeation rate of the therapeutic agent at least equal to that exhibited by a reference solution of the therapeutic agent in 70% aqueous ethanol. A method of effecting targeted delivery of a selective COX-2 inhibitory drug to a site of pain and/or inflammation in a subject comprises topically administering such a composition to skin of the subject, preferably at a locus overlying or adjacent to the site of pain and/or inflammation. A method of effecting systemic treatment of a subject having a COX-2 mediated disorder comprises transdermally administering such a composition, preferably by contacting the composition with an area of skin of the subject not greater than about 400 cm 2 . |