Abstract
The effects of the crystallinity of hydrocortisone acetate and betamethasone dipropionate on their percutaneous absorption in humans were examined. The potency of vasoconstriction of the amorphous corticosteroid was higher than that of the crystalline form and lower than that of the dissolved form. The amorphous state of hydrocortisone acetate in white petroleum ointment was stabilized by coprecipitation of the drug with polyvinylpyrrolidone. The chemical activity was correlated with the biological activity.