What Is Transdermal Drug Delivery?
There are several different methods of administering drugs into the body. These include intravenous methods, oral methods and epidural methods. One method, known as transdermal drug delivery, applies the drug directly to the skin where it is absorbed into the body. There are several mediums that have been used to administer drugs via the unbroken skin. These include plasters, various ointments and, most commonly, patches. Plasters, or thick pastes containing the drug to be administered, have been used throughout history to treat various medical conditions. One example is known as mustard plaster. Mustard plaster was prepared with ground mustard seeds and water and applied to the chest of a patient suffering from congestion. It was most often spread on a piece of flannel and held in place with a cloth wrap.
