Medicine:Transdermal drug delivery

Short description: Type of drug delivery method

Transdermal patches. On left is a 'reservoir' type, on the right a 'matrix' version. Both contain the same level of the same active ingredient.

Transdermal drug delivery is a method of administering medications through the skin for systemic or local therapeutic effect. It typically involves the use of transdermal systems (most commonly adhesive patches) that deliver a controlled dose of a drug across the skin and into the bloodstream over an extended period. This route of administration bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass hepatic metabolism, improving bioavailability and reducing variability in drug absorption.

Transdermal delivery is used in a range of clinical applications, including hormone replacement therapy, pain management, cardiovascular conditions, and motion sickness. Compared with oral or injectable routes, it is non-invasive and may improve patient adherence, although its use is limited by the skin's barrier properties and the physicochemical characteristics required of suitable drugs.

Methods of transdermal delivery

• Cream
• DMSO solution
• Hydrogel
• Iontophoresis (using electricity)
• Jet injector
• Liniment
• Lip balm
• Liposomes
• Lotion
• Medicated shampoo
• Ointment
• Paste
• Thin-film drug delivery
• Topical cream
• Topical gel
• Transdermal patch
• Transdermal spray
• Transfersome vesicles