Nowadays, various types of patches are available in the market, offering solutions for pain relief, motion sickness, acne, and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). These patches are formally known as transdermal patches or skin patches, as they utilize the Transdermal Drug Delivery System (TDDS). Simply put, TDDS is a system that delivers medication into the body through the skin using patches.
The first transdermal patch for motion sickness, Scopolamine, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1979. However, transdermal patches became widely accepted after the introduction of the nicotine patch in 1992.
Easy-to-Use
Transdermal patches are user-friendly and provide controlled, consistent drug delivery. Since they bypass the digestive system, they help reduce side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation. These patches are also ideal for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Nowadays, patches for supplements like Vitamin D and Melatonin are also available. These patches deliver vitamins directly into the bloodstream without involving the digestive system.
For women experiencing period cramps, feminine herbal pain relief patches are available. These patches contain natural ingredients like peppermint extract (menthol), eucalyptus oil, and cinnamon oil, which target the affected area through the skin. One patch can provide relief for up to 12 hours.
How Do Transdermal Patches Work?
Transdermal patches typically consist of multiple layers designed to deliver a predetermined dose of medication at a steady rate through the skin and into the bloodstream. The duration of the patch’s effectiveness depends on the type of medication and its purpose. In cases of pain relief, benefits can be observed within a few hours as the drug quickly reaches its target. However, not all ailments can be treated through TDDS. Ionic drugs, such as antacids and expectorants, require other delivery options.
