A pharmaceutical composition for transdermal delivery including (a) optionally a polymeric release matrix capable of forming a flexible film when dried, said matrix being selected from cellulose polymers or copolymers and vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers, (b) an active principle, (c) a transcutaneous absorption promoter for the active principle, and (d) a physiologically acceptable non-aqueous solvent capable of dissolving the release matrix, the active principle and the transcutaneous absorption promoter, and quickly removing same by evaporation on contact with the skin.