What type of delivery method do transdermal patches use?

Transdermal patches utilize a method that allows medications to be delivered slowly and effectively through the skin. This process involves the active ingredient being absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the patch over a predetermined period. By using this method, the medication is able to bypass the digestive system and liver metabolism, allowing for a more uniform release and prolonged effect.

The effectiveness of the transdermal delivery system is significant because it provides continuous medication levels without the peaks and troughs often associated with other delivery methods, such as oral or injectable routes. This method is particularly beneficial for administering medications that require consistent plasma levels or for patients who may have difficulty with other forms of medication administration.

While injectable, intravenous, and oral methods involve administration through different pathways—such as injection into tissues or veins or ingestion and digestion—transdermal patches uniquely focus on absorption through the skin, which is why the method of slowly being absorbed through the skin is the ideal choice.