The TDS® technology has been applied to the antihistamine molecule Hydroxyzine successfully.

How does it work?
TTI has demonstrated in pre-clinical testing that TDS® enables the absorption of Hydroxyzine rapidly through the skin. Anecdotal clinical observations state that the onset of activity is less than five minutes and accomplished with about one-fifth the oral dose equivalent.

How is it different?
Hydroxyzine was a blockbuster drug when it was first introduced. It provides safe, effective and predictable antihistaminic effects from a 250 milligram dose for a little over eight hours. Marketed under the trade name Atarax®, it was one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the 1980s. Its first metabolite, Cetyrizine, is enjoying a successful run under the trade name Zyrtec®. The main negative side effect of Hydoxyzine and Cetyrizine is drowsiness as a function of the marketed dose to the weight of the patient. For smaller patients, the standard dose can cause drowsiness sufficient enough to make it dangerous to operate machinery such as an automobile. For larger patients, the standard dose is barely enough to accomplish relief of symptoms. Hydroxyzine TDS® enables titration of the drug to a closer approximation of the patient’s body weight with the same dose form. If less is required, the amount applied to the skin is reduced. If more is required, then the amount is increased. Onset of relief is another aspect of antihistamine therapy that is sub-optimal. For most antihistamines, onset of relief is from 40 minutes to an hour, again varying as a function of size. Hydroxyzine TDS® has shown onset of activity in less than five minutes with eight-hour duration of activity in pilot clinical observations.