Flurbiprofen in gel: study of acceptability, tolerability and evaluation of its allergenic potential

The study aimed to assess the allergenic capacity of gel-based flurbiprofen in healthy volunteers, and then evaluate its acceptance and tolerability in patients affected by various skin diseases. Twenty-five healthy volunteers of both sexes (age range: 19-35 years) were included in the first phase of the study. Allergenic capacity was evaluated using Kligman's maximization test in which 5 patch tests were carried out on the same site using a solution of 2.5% lauryl sulphate, followed by patch tests using gel-based flurbiprofen. Control tests were performed 15 days later. The second phase of the study comprised 15 hospitalised patients, with an age range of between 18 and 70 years, affected by psoriasis and eczema. All patients were treated with gel-based 5% flurbiprofen twice daily for 2 weeks. Patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire in order to assess the acceptance and tolerability of the drug. Only one subject in the first group showed an allergic response to the drug. Adverse effects were observed in two patients in the second group. Drug acceptance was excellent.