A review on transdermal drug delivery through patches

Abstract

A transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) falls under the controlled drug delivery category, aiming to administer drugs through the skin at a predetermined and controlled rate. This approach presents numerous benefits, such as extended therapeutic impact, reduced adverse effects, increased bioavailability, enhanced patient adherence, and convenient discontinuation of medication. The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, plays a key role in controlling the transdermal penetration of most substances. Three main routes facilitate drug penetration: appendageal, transcellular, and intercellular. When administering drugs through this pathway, it is essential to consider diverse factors, including the age and condition of the skin, physicochemical properties, and environmental influences. Crucial elements of Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS) include a polymer matrix, membrane, drug, penetration enhancers, pressure-sensitive adhesives, backing laminates, and a release liner. Transdermal patches fall into categories such as reservoir systems, matrix systems, and micro- reservoir systems, all specifically engineered to introduce active ingredients into the circulatory system via the skin. A standardized approach is utilized to evaluate various aspects, including adhesion properties, in vitro drug release and stability. The purpose of reviewing the topic of transdermal drug delivery system through patches is to comprehensively evaluate the advancements, challenges, and potential applications of this innovative drug delivery method.