Topical administration of psychotropic medications in pluronic lecithin organogel to treat patients with dementia: A retrospective observational study

Authors

Cornelius W. Thomas, MD, Huntington VAMC - Department. of PsychiatryFollow
Suzanne Holroyd, MD. Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Marshall University Joan C Edwards School of MedicineFollow

Author Credentials

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Keywords

pluronic, lecithin, organogel, PLO, topical administration, dementia

Disciplines

Geriatrics | Pharmaceutical Preparations | Psychiatry

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of mood and behavioral symptoms in geriatric patients with advanced dementia may be impeded by poor compliance with oral medications. Pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) is a compounding substrate that can be used for the topical administration of psychotropic medications.

METHODS: Charts of patients treated with psychotropic medications compounded with PLO cream were reviewed for treatment outcomes. All patients were treated by a nursing home outreach service.

RESULTS: Records from twenty-four patients, mean age 86.8 + 5.9, were reviewed. Common psychiatric symptoms included agitation, aggressive behavior, and depression. Medications most commonly administered as a PLO cream included quetiapine and venlafaxine. All patients had mild to marked improvement in psychiatric symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: Pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) may be an effective option for the topical administration of psychiatric medications in geriatric patients with dementia who are not compliant with oral medications.

Recommended Citation

Thomas, CW, Holroyd, S. Topical administration of psychotropic medications in pluronic lecithin organogel to treat patients with dementia: A retrospective observational study. Marshall J Med. 2015; 1(1): 92 DOI: