Smart textiles: a new drug delivery system for symptomatic treatment of a common cold

J Clin Pharmacol. 2007 May;47(5):653-9. doi: 10.1177/0091270007299927.

Abstract

Smart textiles provide the possibility of being coated with cineole, menthol, and camphor. Due to over-the-counter availability, ethereal oils are frequently used to treat a common cold. The existing pharmaceutical forms entail the risk of oral ingestion by children, which can cause severe intoxications. This risk could be limited by a smart textile application. Prior to applicability tests in children, the principal traceability of smart textile-applied ethereal oils at their site of action in the alveoli has to be demonstrated. Therefore, a crossover trial (ointment vs smart textiles) with 6 healthy volunteers was carried out as a proof-of-concept study. As a result, the principle proof is given that smart textile-applied ethereal oils are available at their site of action. Because of the volatility of the active ingredients, a close-fitting textile form has to be developed for further clinical development of smart textiles to achieve higher concentrations in the alveoli. Slower liberation properties and a more convenient skin sensation in comparison to available pharmaceutical forms may provide advantages for the applicability in both children and adults.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Adult
  • Breath Tests
  • Camphor / administration & dosage*
  • Camphor / pharmacokinetics
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Cyclohexanols / administration & dosage*
  • Cyclohexanols / pharmacokinetics
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Eucalyptol
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Male
  • Menthol / administration & dosage*
  • Menthol / pharmacokinetics
  • Monoterpenes / administration & dosage*
  • Monoterpenes / pharmacokinetics
  • Ointments
  • Textiles*

Substances

  • Cyclohexanols
  • Monoterpenes
  • Ointments
  • Menthol
  • Camphor
  • Eucalyptol