Transdermal patches for painless drug delivery

In 1979, transdermal system featuring scopolamine earned approval in the United States, as disclosed by a research article in the Acta Pharmaceutica journal. Subsequently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) greenlit nicotine patches in 1984. Transdermal drug delivery systems present a compelling alternative, avoiding numerous challenges associated with alternative drug administration routes, including first-pass hepatic metabolism, gastrointestinal irritation, adverse effects, and therapeutic shortcomings. Noteworthy advantages encompass heightened patient compliance, economic viability, and meticulously controlled drug release.
The adaptability of transdermal drug delivery systems is underscored by the utilization of diverse permeation enhancer materials, affording precise control over the drug absorption profile. Crafting transdermal patches necessitates a comprehensive consideration of the physicochemical attributes of drugs. The pivotal factors of hydrophobicity and ionization status weigh significantly in drug selection, exerting a desireble influence on skin penetration. Within this review, a concise exposition delineates the array of FDA-approved transdermal patches commercially available, offering insights into their diversity and characteristics.