Methods for the treatment and prevention of otitis media using chemical penetration enhancers to promote transmembrane drug delivery into the middle ear

摘要

Methods for treating and preventing middle ear infections by transmembrane administration of medicament-containing transmembrane carrier compositions comprising a chemical penetration enhancer, such as propylene glycol. The compositions are applied to the ear so as to contact the outer surface of an intact tympanic membrane to deliver the medicament across the membrane and into the middle ear. The medicaments delivered according to the methods of the invention include antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agents that are useful in treatment and/or prophylaxis of middle ear infections and their sequelae.